Best Spin Bike with Screen: 2023 Peloton Alternatives Unbiased Review

There are very few home gym equipment that promise you a full-body workout. The spin bike is one of them! But beyond the fitness benefits, a spin bike can replicate riding on a road bike, which is even more fun.

The best spin bike with screen allows you to measure your progress by recording your workout metrics. This can be a great motivator to help you stay focused or move to the next challenge in your fitness goals. Some of the stats normally displayed on the screen include current speed, calories burned, distance covered, heart rate, and pulse.

In this article, we will look at the top five spin bikes with monitor currently available in the market. Our decision is based on extensive research and testing and borders on the most important criteria for choosing any home gym equipment – quality, performance, and price. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide, so you will know exactly what to look out for in order to find the “perfect” bike.

Why Should You Buy a Spin Bike with Screen

Here are a few reasons why a spin bike with screen should be an integral part of your home gym.

Get useful stats on your workout

The major function of the digital screen on a spin bike is to display information on the current status of your workout. These include things like heart rate, speed, total distance, calories burned, pulse, time, and the likes. This helps you to measure your progress and know when you need to improve.

Connects you to the bike and beyond

Spin bikes with monitors are generally easier and more convenient to use. This is because besides displaying your workout information, the screen also serves as an interface between the user and the bike. In other words, through the screen, you can make several adjustments on the bike, such as changing intensity levels or selecting a preset workout. With advanced models, you can connect to apps and access even more workout options which might include riding virtually on famous terrains. Some may allow you to take part in live classes with real instructors.

Workout from the comfort of your home

Lastly, just like other indoor cycling bikes, spin bikes with screen allow you to work out from the comfort of your home. Also, many models (like the ones reviewed here) operate quietly and smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbors or roommate. Also, the bikes are usually comfortable and stable, so they are very safe to use.

Best Spin Bike with Screen: Comparison Table

Pick Name	Thumbnail	Product Name	Price
1. Editor’s Choice		NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle	Check Price
2. Best Quality		Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bikes	Check Price
3. Best Rated		Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series	Check Price
4th		Schwinn 170 Upright Bike	Check Price
5th		RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike	Check Price

Our Top 5 Best Spin Bike with Screen Selection

01. Editor’s Choice: NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle

If you prefer bikes with the latest modernizations, then you will find the NordicTrack S15i a perfect match. With features such as an iFit subscription, a rotating touchscreen, decline, and recline options, this is undeniably one of the more advanced indoor cycling bikes out there. It has a solid build that guarantees many years of use and a padded seat that help to provide a comfortable ride.

One of the things we love about the bike is that it provides hardcore workout training that works for users at all levels. So, whether you’re a beginner or a die-hard gym-goer, you will benefit from having it in your corner. There are plenty of workout plants to keep you busy. And thanks to the iFit app, you can take part in live classes taught by real instructors.

The bike comes with one full year of iFit subscription, which is about $396 in value. After then, you can pay $15/month (for one profile) or $33/month (for four profiles) if you choose to renew. That said, if you want to ride solo, you can use the machine without iFit, but that would mean no guidance or instruction.

Talking about the screen, the bike features a 15-inch HD touchscreen display that can rotate up to 360 degrees. This means you can turn the screen to whatever position you want – whether you’re on or off the bike.

Specifications

What We Liked

• Free year of iFIT
• Rotating touchscreen
• Quiet and smooth operation
• Minimal drag (inertia enhanced flywheel)
• Bluetooth headphone connectivity
• Free weights included
• Comes with transport wheels

What We Didn’t Like

• No preprogrammed options
• Speakers are located at the back of the screen

02. Best Quality: Echelon Smart Connect Fitness Bikes

The Echelon Smart Connect EX5-S is another sturdy spin bike with screen that is built for interactive workout sessions at home. It is one of the top contenders to the famous Peloton bike but undercuts the latter with a lower price tag though still expensive.

Like the NordicTrack S15i, the bike comes with its own 21.5” HD touchscreen display, which saves you the trouble of mounting your own device. Though it doesn’t rotate fully, it can be swiveled or tilted to 180 degrees for better viewing, especially when you’re off the bike.

It offers live training options from the huge training catalog already owned by Echelon. You get as much as 14 live daily workout classes or more, which gives you the opportunity to compete with other users as you move up the leaderboard. And just in case you can’t meet up with the live classes, you can stream from the ones available on Echelon’s huge archive.

Other notable features of the bike include a silent magnetic resistance mechanism with up to 32 resistance levels controlled via a knob, fully adjustable toe caged on pedals, padded handlebars with slip resistance, and a powder-coated alloy steel frame that is resistant to scratches.

Specifications

What We Like

• Live training options
• Over 1000 streaming workouts
• Micro-adjustable magnetic resistance
• Compact and lightweight design
• Four-way seat and handlebar adjustment
• HD touchscreen
• Padded saddle for comfort
• Comes with bottle holders
• Easy to assemble

What We Didn’t Like

• No built-in programming and tablet mount
• A bit expensive

03. Best Rated: Schwinn Recumbent Bike Series

A recumbent bike is the way to go if you enjoy cycling but want something that can provide more support for your back. This is exactly what you get with the Schwinn 270. The bike allows you to ride in a reclined position which helps to lower the strain on your hips and lower back.

Besides an integrated console with several workout metrics and 29 preset workouts, the bike also offers 25 levels of magnetic resistance, a weighted flywheel, a comfortable seat, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in speakers.

The Dual Track LCD window system displays up to 13 workout metrics at a time, which is just amazing. We also like the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to connect the bike with popular app-based tracking tools like MyFitnessPal and Explore the World.

Another huge perk is VR compatibility. In other words, you can ride the bike wearing a VR headset and explore several courses from around the world. However, the VR headset is not included, so you have to purchase it separately if you need it.

The bike also comes with a comfortable seat with lumbar support and cushioning. For extra comfort, the backrest is designed to allow airflow. A 3-speed fan is also added to keep you cool during your workouts.

Specifications

What We Like

• Easy to use
• Great value for the price
• Awesome console with DualTrack backlit LCD window system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Breathable backrest
• Easy to assemble (though it might take time)
• Adjustable seat

What We Didn’t Like

• Not touchscreen
• Not suitable for very tall users

04. Schwinn 170 Upright Bike

The Schwinn 170 positions itself as one of the more affordable indoor exercise bikes. It also happens to be Schwinn’s more advanced upright models. So if you need something that offers the best combination of price and function, you won’t go wrong with the bike.

With Bluetooth connectivity, up to 25 resistant levels, 29 workout programs, built-in speaks, and a fully adjustable seat, this is undeniably one of the best budget-friendly exercise bikes out there.

As the name implies, this is not a regular spin bike. Instead, it’s an upright bike, but we decided to include it here as it can accomplish the same purpose. The main advantage of an upright model is that it offers a more comfortable seat experience than a spin bike while taking up less space than a recumbent bike.

The 25 resistance levels give you great control over your workouts and make it difficult to outgrow the bike.

Although the flywheel is only 13 pounds, the unit is still relatively quiet. The light flywheel makes it a great option for inexperienced cyclers looking for a more user-friendly spin bike.

Specifications

What We Liked

• Sturdy frame
• Comes with a padded, contoured seat and 3-speed for more comfort
• Bluetooth compatible
• Simple to use
• Adjustable handlebars
• Offers preset workouts

What We Didn’t Like

• Could use a heavier flywheel

05. RENPHO AI Smart Exercise Bike

Whether you’re looking to build those cycling legs or just stay in shape, the Renpho AI Smart Bike will make a good fit. While it doesn’t have the most stylish appearance, it comes with all the features you need to get a good workout. Not to mention the fact that it’s very quiet.

The bike is both space-friendly and transportable. The dimensions are 3’33″(L) x 1’66″(W), while the transport wheels are located on the front. Even if you don’t have a dedicated workout area, the bike will easily fit in a closet, or you can keep it near the wall in a safe location.

The machine doesn’t feature any built-in console or screen that records your stats. But it does allow you to connect your device to track your metrics. Also, there’s no place to keep your water bottle which can be slightly inconvenient, especially when you start getting sweaty.

That said, the bike comes with Renpho’s companion app, which might offer you enough training programs and classes, which can be very helpful for beginners. And in case you don’t like the app or want to try something different, you can connect the bike to other popular apps. A good example is Zwift. This is something you don’t get with many smart bikes out there.

Specifications

What We Liked

• Assembly is quick and easy
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Durable construction
• Compact and transportable
• Requires low maintenance
• Comes with tablet holder
• Has Bluetooth connectivity

What We Didn’t Like

• The companion app isn’t very polished
• Doesn’t come with a water bottle holder

Best Spin Bike with Screen: Buying Guide

There are so many things to look out for when choosing a spin bike with screen. The key ones are discussed below:

Resistance

Resistance is the most important aspect of indoor cycling, so it’s a vital feature of any spin bike. Getting a spin bike with variable resistance is non-negotiable. Of course, the level of resistance varies with each bike, but in most cases, the higher the number, the better!

In addition to resistance levels, you should also be wary of the type of control in place to adjust the resistance. In many spin bikes, this could be a knob, a button, or a lever. Each of these controls is okay, as long as it’s easy to access.

Screen or Display

Many magnetic spin bikes come with an LCD screen or console that contains various stats regarding your performance. These include things like distance covered, amount of calories burned, time spent on the machine, heart rate, and so on.

While this is not a must-have, especially when you’re spending less money, it is a nice feature that will make it easier to measure your progress. This can be the booster you need to add more pump action!

Flywheel

One of the major components of a spin bike is the flywheel.

A flywheel is a revolving wheel located at the front of the spin bike or any other exercise bike. It is used to increase the bike’s momentum in order to provide greater stability and power.

Generally, a heavy flywheel is usually desired, especially when you’re looking to replicate the same rolling movement found in regular road bikes. It also guarantees a smoother ride. On the other hand, a lightweight flywheel will be easier on the joint but not as challenging as the heavy ones.

Price Range

Even when you’re shopping for a cheap spin bike, it’s still a good idea to have a specific budget in mind. This helps to narrow down your options.

You can find many cheap spin bikes under $300, but if you want something with higher quality, you can move up further to $500. Looking up user reviews can be helpful in determining whether a particular bike is reliable and can meet your needs. This is very important since many cheap spin bikes are usually of low quality.

FAQs

Is a spin bike better than a road bike?

If your plan is to shed weight or tone muscles, then you may find a spin bike more effective for this purpose. Besides the convenience it offers, you will find it easier to follow workout programs which can make a big difference.

How long should you spend on a spin bike?

We recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise if you’re following a schedule. If you can aim for one hour, then you’re bound to achieve even more impressive results.

Do spin bikes tone leg muscles?

Yes, spin bikes are great for toning leg muscles. Most of the exercises on the bike combine pedaling and resistance, which target various muscle groups in the leg.

Conclusion

The best spin bike with screen will not only give an incredible workout but also allow you to track your progress in real-time.

By now, you should have made your pick. And just in case you’re still a bit hesitant, you can always look up our buyer’s guide.

Whether you’re a beginner or you cycle professionally, the bikes reviewed can help you reach your fitness goals.

Let us know if you have any more questions about choosing a spin bike with a monitor. Until then, pedal hard, have fun, and stay fit!