8 Best Magnetic Resistance Spin Bikes for 2021 in US & Canada
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If you’re looking for an effective way of burning fat and improving your health and fitness in the process, cardiovascular exercise is very beneficial. In terms of what you can do when exercising, a spinning exercise bike hugely benefits for a whole host of different reasons, which we’ll get to a little later on. Indeed, a recent study of August 2019 with a total sample size of 372 individuals revealed that indoor cycling may improve aerobic capacity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body composition.
As great as it is to work out at the gym, sometimes we simply don’t have the time, the funds, or the inclination to go to a gym and perform a spin bike workout. This is where owning a magnetic resistance spin bike proves to be so useful. Purchasing a spinning exercise bike is not a simple purchase, and it’s essential to get it right the first time around. Here’s a look at several of the best spinning bikes on the market today, along with a useful spin bike guide. So, sit back, get comfortable, put up your feet, and take a look at the only spin bike guide you will ever need.
Magnetic Spin Bike: Best Picks based on IF-FIT Editorial Team
The perfect Peloton alternative. The connectivity with many apps (including Zwift), sturdy frame, and great price make it a top choice in the market.
A virtually silent bike with solid construction at a great price. It comes with an adjustable seat, multi-grip handlebars, and 1-year FREE replacement for all parts!
Magnetic Belt Drive System: Why is Better than Friction (Direct Contact Flywheel)?
So, are magnetic spin bikes better?
In this first section, we’re going to look at what magnetic belt drive spinning bikes are and why they’re considered more beneficial than friction belt-drive spin bikes. When it comes to working out, a resistance system is incredibly essential. The more resistance there is, the tougher the workout and the more calories you will burn off. With spinning bikes, the resistance is increased to make the cardio harder. The resistance is there to mimic the effects of cycling up a steep hill or incline. If you want to make the workout more relaxed, you simply reduce the amount of resistance.
A magnetic spin bike gets its resistance from magnets. On a magnetic belt drive exercise bike, you’ll find that the flywheel is located at the front of the bike. It is made from steel, which means it works very well with magnets. At the top of the flywheel, you’ll find not one, but two magnets that are there to apply resistance to make your workout that little bit tougher. At the push of a button or the twist of a manual turn crank, the magnets move closer to one another, which adds extra resistance to the flywheel, slowing it down and making your workout much harder. These bikes are generally more costly than friction belt-driven bikes and for a good reason. Though beneficial, friction belt-driven bikes tend to make a lot more noise. They also require more maintenance as the pads tend to wear down much quicker. With a magnetic resistance system, the two magnets never come into contact with one another or the flywheel. This keeps everything in top condition, so there is less maintenance needed.
Rating Table & Detailed Reviews
| Name | Features | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | Bowflex C6 |
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 | Keiser M3i |
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| Runner-up | JOROTO X2 |
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Editor’s Pick | Sunny Health B1805 |
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Best Value No.1 | Finer Form Spin Bike |
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Best Value No.2 | CHAOKE Magnetic Bike |
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 | MaxKare Magnetic Bike |
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 | MaxKare Magnetic Bike 35lbs |
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 | EFITMENT IC031 |
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In this next section, we’re going to quickly review 8 of the best magnetic spinning cycles currently on the market today. Below you’ll find a brief overview of each cycle, as well as some prominent pros and cons:
Bowflex C6 Indoor Bike
The perfect Peloton alternative. The connectivity with many apps (including Zwift), sturdy frame, and great price make it a top choice in the market.
Detailed Review
This is one of the best magnetic spin bikes we have ever reviewed. C6 provides you an incredibly smooth & quiet ride. Regarding resistance, not only it’s adjustable, but it has 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels!
The C6 Bike was introduced as an affordable alternative to Peloton Bike and other commercial spinning bikes that you may have seen in many gyms. For example, a user on the Bowflex Official website is writing on his review:
“I purchased the Bowflex C-6 as a Christmas gift for my wife after researching the reviews and test videos. I was amazed at the comparisons to the Peloton at about 1/2 the cost. My wife absolutely loves this bike.”
It comes with a 10-year frame and a 3-year mechanical & electrical warranty.
Consider also: Schwinn IC4
Both C6 & IC4 are owned and manufactured by the same company called Nautilus, and that’s the reason IC4 and C6 have identical appearances and features. Schwinn IC4 stands out because of its lower price (usually 100$), where, C6 has some slightly better aesthetics packed with a better seat. You can learn more about the differences & similarities of those two bikes in our Detailed Comparison Guide.
Schwinn IC4 Indoor Bike
Thanks to the magnetic resistance with 100 levels, the ride is quiet and smooth via a 40lbs flywheel. It comes with a beautiful backlit display screen.
Detailed Review
The Schwinn IC4 magnetic indoor cycling bike combines high-performance with heart-pumping cycling action and the convenience of a convenient console. The 40lbs flywheel is complemented by a sturdy steel frame, making this bike both quiet and smooth. A beautiful backlit display screen provides real-time metrics like RPM, speed, distance, calories, and time.
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle
A USA-made bike featuring the industry's first V-frame to mimic the shape, feel, and resistance of a variety of different road bikes.
Detailed Review
This first spinning cycle from Keiser is one that has been generating a lot of positive reviews. It is a bike featuring the industry’s first V-frame to mimic the shape, feel, and resistance of a variety of different road bikes. It can connect to the Keiser M Series app and show you real-time graphs for heart rate, power, cadence range dials, FTP zones and many more! Don’t be afraid of the light-weight flywheel (8 lbs); This bike’s technology with the rear flywheel is different from the regular spin bikes but offers a premium cycle feeling.
Made in the USA, it offers Bluetooth enabled interactive cycling, a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing design. It has fully adjustable height settings suitable for riders ranging from 4,10′ to 7′, and an M3i digital display and much more besides. It is also one of the best commercial spin bikes for home, based on our research.
JOROTO X2 Bike
A virtually silent bike with solid construction at a great price. It comes with an adjustable seat, multi-grip handlebars, and 1-year FREE replacement for all parts!
Detailed Review
This exercise bike offers a virtually silent workout coupled with a beautiful sleek design, solid construction, and a fully adjustable design.
On top of that, users will benefit from a wide, soft, and adjustable seat, multi-grip handlebars, a digital monitor, a chrome flywheel, wheels for transportation, and much more besides.
The wide seat and handlebar are both 4-way adjustable to fit those users with different heights
Updated Value for Money Model: X1S
Compared with the original version, this indoor cycling bike is updated with belt drive, wider seat, water bottler holder and 18 degree upward handlebar. Super quiet, it will be a great choice of home gym exercise bikes for seniors, beginners or experts.
Check Price & Reviews
Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Bike B1805
It offers a heavy-duty flywheel and a very appealing design at a great price.
Detailed Review
This is one of the best spin bikes we have ever reviewed. It offers users a heavy-duty flywheel, magnetic resistance, a tablet holder, and a very appealing design; all the above, at a great price!
The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycle is fully customizable as it offers 4-way adjustable handlebars and seat. On top of that, there is a durable and hard-wearing steel frame, and a max user weight of 300 pounds.
CHAOKE Magnetic Bike (2020 Upgraded)
Thanks to the well-cushioned, wide, and high-density foam seat, it offers comfortable riding for long hours. Ideal for the cardio workout!
Detailed Review
If you care about fitness and wellbeing, bring home the CHAOKE magnetic spin bike. Unlike other stationary exercise bikes in the market that don’t support heavy people, this indoor bike has a sturdy rust-proof steel frame, a wide base for stability, and a trendy appearance with 37lbs heavy flywheel. It supports up to 300lbs of weight capacity. No more seat discomfort! Thanks to the well-cushioned, wide, and high-density foam seat, it offers comfortable riding for long hours. Ideal for the cardio workout!
A belt-driven system with magnetic resistance offers quiet, smooth pedaling without any disturbance. The magnetic resistance is adjustable using a rotary knob, depending on your workout intensity and fitness goal. Plus, there’s an emergency stop feature that immediately stops the flywheel. Another great benefit is that the CHAOKE spin bike is low-maintenance as compared to the pad tension system.
To offer maximum comfort, stability, safety, and better positioning, you can adjust the seat and handlebar up and down to match your height. A lot of people complain about feet slipping sideways or forward throughout the intense ride. So, CHAOKE features sturdy caged-shaped pedals with adjustable straps to avoid the slip-off issue.
What’s better than a hand pulse sensor and an LCD monitor on the front that tracks heart rate, time, distance, and calories burnt. It can be your real home fitness coach!
Best of all, the CHAOKE bike is equipped with transport wheels for effortless moving or storage. Other useful features include a water bottle holder, so you stay hydrated, while a mounting pad allows users to enjoy movies or songs during exercise.
MaxKare Magnetic Bike with Monitor
One excellent, value for money product with great customer reviews.
Detailed Review
This magnetic spinning bike from MaxKare is one excellent, value for money product with great customer reviews.
Designed with ergonomic magnetic resistance, this bike provides smooth and quiet exercise while cycling, no worry for disturbing others.
MaxKare Magnetic Exercise Bike with 35lbs Flywheel
The belt-driven mechanism with full-coverage 35lbs heavy wrapped flywheel offers ultra-smooth and quiet operation.
Detailed Review
Looking for an effective way to achieve a fitness goal without leaving your room or apartment? The MaxKare exercise bike might be the right solution! You don’t have to pay gym fees; this bike allows you to perform a comprehensive body workout indoors. Users love its strong magnetic resistance with step-less easy adjustment. Adjust the resistance tension from 0-100% via knob according to exercise intensity. The belt-driven mechanism with full-coverage 35lbs heavy wrapped flywheel offers ultra-smooth and quiet operation.
An emergency brake for an instant flywheel stop is also there for the rider’s safety. Another safety feature is the anti-slip durable foot pedals that have a cage-like shape. Even if you ride powerfully, the leg plug keeps the bike stable without any shaking. Not just you, even your family can stay fit. Buyers admire its various adjustable riding positions, horizontally and vertically. You can adjust the seat height from 4.9-6.2ft, leg room from 32.7-41.1″, and handlebar from 34.6-4
3.3″ to match different heights or fitness demands.
The soft spongy and breathable seat offers a comfortable riding experience each time. Additionally, there’s an Ipad holder for entertainment and a digital monitor on the front to track your real-time fitness activity. This portable home gym bike also features front porting wheels; users need not worry about moving it anywhere.
EFITMENT Magnetic Bike - IC031
A budget spin bike with a light but durable design and a quiet resistance mechanism.
Detailed Review
This magnetic spinning cycle from EFITMENT is one of the most popular magnetic spinning cycles on the market today.
It has an adjustable seating and handlebars, a 40 pound chromed flywheel, a fitness monitor, and a device holder. Besides, EFITMENT has wheels for transportation, and this is a device that spin cycle enthusiasts will absolutely adore.
Magnetic Resistance Spin Bike Buying Guide
Now that you have a better idea about which magnetic spin exercise bikes are worth looking into, to help narrow down your search, we will soon be looking in great detail at what you need to look for when buying a spinning cycle for home use. In this next section, we’re going to give you our ultimate spinning bike buying guide to make your next purchase that little bit easier.
Features to look for when choosing an indoor bike with magnetic resistance
Choosing the right indoor magnetic resistance bike is vital if you want to get the most from your workouts. Knowing which features to look for is essential, which is why we’re sharing a few handy tips with you right now. Here’s a look at some critical features to look out for when choosing your new indoor cycling bike.
1. Resistance
Here’s that word again. Yep, by now, you’ve probably noticed that the word ‘resistance’ is used a lot when discussing spin bikes. Well, there’s a perfect reason for that. Resistance is what gives you a workout and makes the bikes so beneficial. Resistance can come in the form of magnetic resistance, or it can come from friction. Resistance from a friction belt-driven cycle comes when pads rub onto the flywheel, like brake pads on a regular cycle. The tighter they squeeze, the more resistance you receive, and vice versa. Magnetic resistance, however, comes in the form of two magnets located just above the flywheel. When you push the button or turn the crank wheel to increase resistance, the two magnets move closer together.
As you know, opposites attract, and the closer to one another the magnets get, the more resistance they apply to the flywheel. Whereas friction resistance is still very beneficial, magnetic resistance is advantageous in that there is no maintenance required. So, you get smoother resistance, there is no need to replace worn out pads years down the line, and the whole operation is quieter.
2. Console display
This is by no means a deal-breaker, but it would be nice to have a digital console equipped on your bike so that you can get a better idea of how your workout is going. Ideally, you will want a console that will display things such as distance traveled, time, calories burned, heart rate, speed, RPM, and so on. You needn’t look for the fanciest, most sophisticated digital console display on the market, but just try and find one that at least tells you the basics in terms of how your workout is going and how you’re progressing.
3. Water bottle holder
This sounds like such a trivial feature to look out for. Still, honestly, it makes an enormous difference to your workout. When you look for a spinning cycle, try to ensure that the one you’ve got your eye on does indeed come with a water bottle holder. If it doesn’t, our advice is to find one that does or at least find one that you could snugly and securely attach a water bottle holder to at a later date. The last thing you want when you’re in the middle of a workout is to have to stop what you’re doing, climb off the bike, and grab your water bottle from somewhere else in the room. This is inconvenient, it will disrupt your workout, and it’s annoying. A spin bike equipped with a water bottle holder is beneficial, so be sure to keep an eye out when looking to buy.
4. Flywheel
In terms of importance, after resistance, the flywheel is probably the most crucial feature to consider when looking to purchase a spinning cycle. Spin bikes have large flywheels that can vary in weight from 30 pounds up to around 50 pounds. The flywheel is what will give the user that similar experience and feeling of riding a regular cycle outdoors. The flywheel ensures that pedaling is smooth and fluent. It can also reduce the jerky and unstable motion that you get when pedaling devices with smaller and lighter flywheels. A spin cycle with friction resistance usually has a flywheel weighing 30 pounds at the very least. Magnetic resistance cycles often have far heavier flywheels. The heavier the flywheel, the tougher it is to get the pedals turning, and the more challenging the workout becomes. Pedals are attached to the flywheel either via a belt or a chain, with a fixed gear. This function takes coasting out of the equation and basically means that the pedals are only turning when the flywheel is spinning.
5. Drive
When buying a spin bike, you’ll find that there are two different types of drive used to connect the pedals to the flywheel. This can be either a belt or a chain. Chain drives are very similar to the ones that you see on typical outdoor bikes. Chain drives require the same sorts of maintenance as those found on outdoor bikes as well, so things such as lubrication and tightening/loosening. Belt drives, however, are rigid and sturdy hard rubber bands that require virtually zero maintenance at all. The only downside is that, after a few years, they will likely need replacing. Weigh up the pros and cons of a belt drive or a chain drive, and see which you find more appealing.
6. Seat
The seat is one of the most important features to consider when purchasing a new spin bike. Yet, you’d be amazed by just how many people tend to overlook this feature when buying. We won’t patronize you by talking about what a seat is and how it works because it’s obvious. What we will say, though, is that it is vitally important to select a seat that is comfortable, durable, and adjustable, and practical for you and your indoor cycling experience. If the seat is uncomfortable, the appeal of working out on a spin bike will quickly wear off, and you’ll wish you’d gone with something more comfortable. Before buying a spin bike, try to spend time sitting on the bike, and give it a test run and see how the seat feels. Ensure that it can also be adjusted, as you never know when you might need to change the height and/or position of the seat.
7. Price
In an ideal world, the price wouldn’t be an issue, but sadly for most of us, it is. You needn’t spend a fortune on a spin exercise bike, but at the same time, you shouldn’t look for the cheapest budget models that you can find. If you go with a super cheap model, it’s affordable for a reason, and it obviously won’t give you the best experience when riding. Do your research, give yourself a reasonable budget, and see what you can find in your price range.
8. Adjustments
One thing that makes us human beings unique is that we’re all different. We come in all shapes and sizes. So obviously, it is crucial to find an utterly adjustable spin bike. A 6ft 7 man, for example, is not going to have an exercise bike set at the same height as a 5ft 2 woman. Look for a spin bike, which allows you to adjust the height and position of the handlebars and seat. A good quality spin bike will enable users to the option to adjust the handlebars and the seat in 4 different directions (up, down, backward, and forwards). This will ensure that riders can adjust the indoor cycling bike accordingly so that it is best suited for them. This not only gives a more comfortable riding experience, but it also reduces the risk of injury. Some bikes only allow for adjustment of the seat, which can still be beneficial, though it will depend on how intensely and how frequently you plan on using the bike.
9. Noise
Remember, we’re talking about buying a spin bike for use at home. When exercising at home, you might have other family members, flatmates, or neighbors nearby. This isn’t a gym where music is blaring at loud volumes, so other people in the vicinity will probably no appreciate you using a noisy spin cycle when they’re trying to relax. While most spin bikes are quiet, some are exceptionally quiet. Belt-driven and especially magnetic exercise bikes are more silent than chain-driven bikes, so bear this in mind.
Related Article:
1. Best Recumbent Bikes
2. Air Bike vs Spin Bike
3. Spin Bike vs Stationary Bike
What are the benefits of using a magnetic vs a normal indoor bike?
They are quieter
Magnetic resistance spin bikes are significantly quieter than normal bikes as they use magnets; as a result, there is no direct contact with the flywheel.
Require less maintenance
The magnetic resistance bikes don’t have parts that need to be replaced or repaired as regularly, as technically, nothing comes in contact with the flywheel.
What are the benefits of spinning / indoor cycling?
In this section, we’re going to talk to you about why spin bikes are such fantastic purchases as we’ll be looking at the benefits that they provide.
Burn fat
First and foremost, we’re going to start with one of the most prominent benefits of spin bikes and spinning in general, and that is fat loss. Spin bikes are incredibly useful when it comes to burning fat because they provide such fantastic rates of resistance. The more resistance there is, the harder you have to peddle, and the harder you will have to work. This means that your body will need more energy and so you’ll burn off more calories and burn more fat as a result. People looking to lose body fat often take part in spin classes and find that they work exceptionally well. One hour of indoor cycling with a spin bike could potentially burn anything from 600 calories up to around 1000 calories depending on the intensity and resistance.
Tone your muscles
Another remarkable benefit of spin bikes is the fact that they also help you to build and tone your muscles. When spinning, you are cycling against various levels of resistance, and the more resistance you apply, the harder the exercise becomes. Because of the resistance, your muscles are having to work hard to peddle, and so the harder they work, the leaner and toned they will become. Primarily you’ll see improvements in your legs and lower body. Still, specific muscle groups on your upper body will also benefit from spinning.
Improved cardio
Cardiovascular exercise is hugely beneficial for the heart. Spinning is an aerobic exercise that helps to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, increase lung capacity, and help to improve stamina and endurance. The stronger and healthier your heart, the better, especially considering that heart disease is the biggest killer in the world.
Strong core
When doing indoor cycling, as long as you adopt the correct posture and technique, you’ll find that when you jump on a spin bike and perform the workout, your core will gradually get stronger and stronger. A strong core helps to generate more strength and power in general. Plus, it is also great for people looking to shape, tone, and sculpt their abs and achieve that six-pack that has eluded them for so long.
Low impact exercise
As beneficial as some high-impact forms of exercise can be, the main downside is the fact that they can put additional pressure and strain on the joints, which can then lead to problems later in life. Running, for example, is beneficial, but if you suffer from knee or ankle issues, running will only exasperate the conditions rather than improve them. Spinning, though, is a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise that doesn’t put the joints under any pressure. Because of this, you can work out efficiently without having to worry about injuries or pain and discomfort.
How to adjust a spinning bike
In this last section, we’re going to wrap things up by leaving you with a series of tips designed to help you adjust your brand-new spinning exercise bike when it arrives. Remember, getting the indoor cycling bike adjusted so that it is just right for you is vital. Follow these tips, and you can’t go wrong.
Saddle height
Perhaps the most important thing to consider when adjusting a spinning exercise bike, is the height of the seat/saddle. Not only will having your seat set at the right height give you a more comfortable spinning experience, but it will also help you to avoid injuries and get your posture correct potentially. To get a rough idea of where it should be, stand next to your indoor cycling bike and raise the saddle until it is roughly level with your hips.
Saddle position
Most spin bikes also allow for the seats/saddles to be adjusted forwards and backward as well. Once you have the height just right, you next need to move the seat forward or backward until your knees are correctly aligned with your kneecap located directly over the top of the center of the pedals.
Handlebar height
Once you’re happy, your seat is just right, you can then move onto the handlebars. Most handlebars can be moved up and down, forward and backward, and getting the position right is essential. A poorly positioned set of handlebars can put unnecessary strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. It can also lead to misalignment of the spine and bad posture. Ideally, you want your handlebars positioned so that you can grip them normally with shoulders in line with your hips and your elbows.
Feet
Believe it or not, but the position of your feet on the pedals can make a big difference when it comes to using a spin bike. If the bike has toe cages, for example, you’ll want to align the balls of your feet directly over the middle of the pedals. Make sure your feet are secured firmly in place before beginning, and away you go.
Check those nuts
No, not those nuts, so get your minds out of the gutter. Whether you purchase a readily assembled exercise bike, or you assemble it yourself, double-check every single nut, bolt, and screw on the bike, and make sure they’re all secured firmly in place. If any of them feel loose, use the necessary equipment i.e., an Allan key, and secure them nice and tight.
Magnetic Spin Bike FAQ
Which muscles does spinning work?
There are anaerobic resistance-based benefits that can help to tone and strengthen the muscles. Indoor cycling with a spin bike can work, primarily, your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, though it also works your core and your lats.
Does spin bike promote weight loss?
If you’re looking to burn fat and lose weight, spinning is one of the best forms of exercise that you could wish for. Spinning is primarily an aerobic form of exercise that helps to increase your heart rate and burn calories as you perform it. If you want to shed those unsightly pounds, spinning is ideal
What is the difference between a spin bike & an upright bike?
Upright bikes addresses the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calf muscle where spin bikes works on shoulders, back, biceps, core, and triceps along with quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. You can read the detailed guide of the differencies.
Is Peloton bike magnetic?
Yes, Peloton indoor bike has a magnetic resistance with 100 resistance levels.
Are magnetic spin bikes quieter?
Magnetic resistance spin bikes are significantly quieter than normal bikes as they use magnets; as a result, there is no direct contact with the flywheel.
Are spin bikes noisy? Can I use them in my home without disturbing the neighbors?
Hi!
The quick answer is no, they aren’t, especially if we are talking about a quality magnetic resistance spin bike. Of course, they aren’t silent, just like every cardio machine. You could use a spin bike mat which, except for absorbing the noise, it Protects also floors from damage.
Finally, spin bikes like Joroto X2, due to the magnetic resistance and belt drive system, create an unbelievably smooth and nearly silent ride.