As more individuals create their ideal home fitness space, many are perplexed about what type of equipment to purchase. Space is often limited, so it is crucial to find the right quality piece of exercise equipment. An exercise bike is an ideal choice of equipment as it offers a challenging low-impact cardio workout and does not require much square footage.
Why Choose a Commercial Over a Standard Spin Bike for Your Home?
Not all bikes are created equal. There is a distinct difference between a quality bike and one that is not. When riding a standard exercise bike, you might feel that the pedal stroke is jerky or the set-up doesn’t feel right for your height. Traditional exercise bikes often lack the quality of construction and features associated with a commercial spin bike. It is understandable to use a lower quality piece of equipment like this in a hotel when traveling, but that is not what you want in your home. A commercial-grade exercise bike offers a more enjoyable experience than that of a standard exercise bike.
Commercial grade bikes are quality designed bikes that are created to last. They are crafted with commercial-grade steel and durable components. Commercial grade bikes are the type of exercise bikes you can find in most fitness facilities. However, many manufacturers are making the process more convenient than ever to have one of these incredible pieces of equipment in your home.
Benefits that commercial exercise bikes include:
My Top Commercial Grade Spin Bikes
I have created an assortment of my top commercial-grade bike selections. I carefully analyzed each category and designated our winners based on quality, customer feedback, and enhanced features.
My Top Overall: Keiser M3i
A top-tier, rear-flywheel indoor bike known for its quiet, smooth, and adjustable ride. Its self-powered design doesn’t need electricity, adding convenience. The M3i’s robust build and reliable performance make it a favorite among serious cyclists and fitness enthusiasts.
Main Specs
- Resistance Type: Magnetic
- Drive System: Poly V
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 49” x 26” 51”
- Pedal Type: SPD/Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’11” -7′
- Max User Weight: 350 pounds
The Keiser M3i is a quality Peloton-compatible bike that contains 24 levels of magnetic resistance and a Poly V-belt drive. Its V-shaped frame accommodates riders between 4’11” -7.”
The lightweight flywheel spins eleven times faster than a single pedal stroke. This helps to provide a smooth flywheel not available with many commercial-grade cycles on the market. In addition, the Keiser M3i features a Bluetooth® wireless signal for open API for smartphones and tablets.
This bike is whisper-quiet due to the high-grade materials used in its construction. Since this bike is easy to assemble, it is ideal for the at-home fitness enthusiast to build it independently.
Over the past year, I have ridden the Keiser M3i for all my cycling classes on my facility (The Ridge Athletic – Montana). You can read my detailed M3i review for a lot of information and tips.
Images From The Testing
Most Value for the Money: Bowflex C6 & Schwinn IC4
An excellent alternative option to Peloton or other streaming bikes. A quiet magnetic resistance bike, proficient enough to link with the many available streaming devices such as Peloton® and Zwift®.
Comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to link to several apps such as Peloton® and Zwift®. The Schwinn really does offer excellent quality at a very affordable price.
Main Specs
· Flywheel weight: 40lbs
· User height range: 4′ 6″- 6’6″
· Backlit LCD Metric Console
· Magnetic Resistance with 100 Micro-Adjustable Resistance Levels
· Height: 51.8″
· Width: 21.2″
· Length: 48.7″
· Item weight: 106 lbs.
· Max user weight: 330 lbs.
The Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are both manufactured by Nautilus and offer the same specifications. They include a 40lb flywheel and a backlit LCD metric console. Their magnetic resistance system includes 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels.
I love that both the Bowflex C6 and Schwinn IC4 are exceptionally built and affordably priced. If you are an outdoor rider, these bikes might be more appealing as they offer a smooth ride with their 40lb flywheel. Both cycles rated high with consumers. One Bowflex C6 customer said, “I love my Bowflex C6 bike. As a cycling instructor, I am picky about the quality of my bikes. This bike delivers!”
These cycles are almost silent when ridden and exceptionally crafted. The sturdy frame helps to keep the bike from swaying from side to side when climbing out of the saddle. Another purchaser commented, “Very solid exercise bike with excellent range of gearing and adjustments for height.” Both bikes include four-way handlebars, which allow each rider the flexibility to ride comfortably.
Images From The Testing
My Favorite for Interactive Experience: Freebeat Lit Bike
Offers a smooth riding experience with excellent resistance and adjustable features for different heights. It has a music-based app with gaming elements, and the construction is sturdy and durable. Comes with a 22" HD Touchscreen, Auto Resistance System, and more.
Main Specs
- 21.5″ HD touchscreen
- Bike Footprint: 49.3” L x 22.6” W x 58.8” H
- Welded Steel Construction
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Bike Weight: 113.3 pounds
- Flywheel Weight: 28.6 pounds
- Height Range: 4’11” – 6’4”
- USB Port
The Freebeat Lit Bike is great for those seeking a smooth riding experience. I tested it for around 1 month (read my detailed freebeat bike review), and I feel confident to say that it has excellent resistance, whether you want to use manual or auto, and is relatively quiet. The same goes for the quality of the bike; the construction is sturdy and durable, although the pedals and water bottle holders could be more robust.
The saddle and handlebar are adjustable to fit whether you are short or tall, and the bike has a music-based app that provides a unique riding experience with “gaming-like” elements. The assembly process is relatively straightforward, and the bike is well-packed – probably the best package I’ve seen with Styrofoam for every component. Overall, it’s an excellent bike for those seeking a high-energy, music-based workout.
Images From The Testing
My Favorite with Built-in Screen: MYX II Bike
Used in elite cycling studios and gyms, MYX comes with a monthly membership that gives up to 5 people access to the widest range of workouts available.
Main Specs
- Resistance Type: Friction
- Drive System: Belt
- Flywheel Weight: 41 pounds
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 47” x 21” 54”
- Pedal Type: SPD & Toe Cages
- User Height Range: 4’11”- 6’8″
- Max User Weight: 350 pounds
Being one of my best exercise bikes with a screen, the MYX II showcases a belt drive and friction resistance system. In addition, this model includes a 41-pound flywheel and offers riders versatility in shoe options with its dual SPD and toe cage pedal.
My Video Review on Youtube
Check out my video with the beachbody bike review on Youtube, where I share many details about my experience with the bike.
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Images From The Testing
This commercial-grade indoor cycling offers four-way adjustability of the handlebars, making it possible for riders at even 4’11” to find a comfortable riding position. This cycle accommodates a wide range of riders with its max weight capacity of 350 pounds and a maximum height of 6’8”.
Recently, Beachbody integrated all of its content with the MYX II bike through its applications of OpenFit and BODi (Beachbody On Demand Interactive). This model has also introduced an exciting new feature called BODcast. Located in the monitor is a camera that allows Beachbody instructors to see participants in real-time offer encouragement and safety cues. Unfortunately, since the MYX II has its software, the Peloton App cannot be played through the monitor, and an additional device will be needed.
What to Look for When Buying A Commercial Grade Exercise Bike
When looking to purchase a commercial-grade exercise bike, you first need to identify which style of bike you are interested in purchasing, may it be indoor cycling, SPIN®, recumbent, or an air resistance bike. Once you have established which type of bike you are interested in, you need also decide your budget and the key features you want. It is essential to understand the least or most expensive bikes are not always what should drive your decision. Below are a few tips on what to look for when buying a commercial-grade exercise bike.
Flywheel for an Indoor Cycling Bike
Resistance for an Indoor Cycling Bike
Pedals
Drive System
Seat Options
Once you decide what features you would prefer, you can begin to focus on which commercial bike is right for you.
Bottomline
Quality is essential when making this type of investment. Quality is the difference between a standard and a commercial bike. In the words of William A. Foster, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” A quality bike should make you crave to ride it. Isn’t that the whole point? Good luck!
