An exercise bike is one of the best-value pieces of cardio equipment you can own. It’s low-impact, easy to use, takes up little space, and lets you train while you watch TV or take a call. No wonder bikes are one of the most popular categories at Fitbiz. But “exercise bike” actually covers three quite different machines – upright bikes, spin bikes (indoor cycles) and recumbent bikes – and choosing the wrong one is the most common mistake we see.

This guide explains how the three types differ, who each one suits, and which models we’d recommend at every budget. We’ve been fitting Australians to the right bike since 1989, so by the end you’ll know exactly what to look for.

The three types of exercise bike at a glance

Upright bikes: the all-rounder

An upright bike is what most people picture: you sit upright with the pedals beneath you, much like a standard bicycle. They’re compact, beginner-friendly, and usually the most affordable type – making them the default choice for general home fitness and weight loss. Most come with programmable consoles, heart-rate tracking and a range of resistance levels so you can build a routine and progress over time.

Best for: everyday fitness, fat loss, beginners, and anyone who wants a no-fuss bike that fits in a corner.

Fitbiz upright bike picks (all Bodyworx, a trusted value brand):

• Bodyworx Compact Manual Upright Bike (190) (around $449) – a simple, space-saving entry bike with 8 manual tension levels; perfect for getting started.

• Bodyworx Programmable 295 Upright Bike (around $879) – a 7kg flywheel and 24-level auto tension with built-in programs.

• Bodyworx ABX450BT Programmable Upright Bike (around $999) – 24 auto-tension levels plus Zwift and Kinomap app support and a 150kg user capacity.

• Bodyworx ABX600 Programmable Upright Bike (around $1,190) – a heavier 9kg flywheel, 32-level auto tension and Bluetooth for the keen home rider.

Spin bikes (indoor cycles): for serious training

Spin bikes – also called indoor cycles – mimic a road racing bike. You lean forward into a more aggressive posture, and a heavy weighted flywheel delivers a smooth, road-like feel that lets you ride out of the saddle and push hard. This is the bike for high-intensity interval training, cycling-specific fitness and anyone who loves a spin-class style workout at home.

The two specs that matter most are flywheel weight (heavier generally feels smoother and more realistic) and resistance type: friction (felt/Kevlar pad) is simple and gives a classic feel, while magnetic resistance is quieter, smoother and almost maintenance-free.

Best for: high-intensity workouts, road cyclists training indoors, and fans of spin classes.

Fitbiz spin bike and indoor cycle picks across every budget:

• Voller YD-660 Commercial Spin Bike (around $899, with a free console) – a 20kg stainless-steel flywheel and belt drive at an outstanding price; a standout value buy.

• Bodyworx ASB600 Indoor Cycle (around $899) – a 13kg flywheel, belt drive, Bluetooth and a 150kg capacity.

• Bodyworx AIC850BT Rear Drive Indoor Cycle (around $1,099) – a heavier 18kg flywheel and rear-drive design for a more premium ride.

• Voller 230A Mag Spin Bike (around $1,499) – an 18kg flywheel with quiet, low-maintenance magnetic resistance.

• Sole SB700 Indoor Cycle (around $1,949) – a hefty 22kg flywheel for the most road-like feel in the home range.

• Schwinn AC Sport Indoor Cycle (around $3,499) – a club-grade indoor cycle with Carbon Blue belt drive and non-contact magnetic resistance; built for years of hard use. The Schwinn AC Performance (around $3,999) steps up to an aluminium frame and the Schwinn Fit System.

Want a true commercial cycle for a studio or PT space? Look at the Spirit SB850 Commercial Indoor Cycle (around $2,999) with magnetic resistance and Bluetooth FTMS.

Recumbent bikes: comfort and low impact

A recumbent bike seats you in a reclined position with your legs out in front and your back fully supported by a contoured seat. That takes pressure off your lower back, wrists and neck, and the step-through frame makes getting on and off easy. It’s the most comfortable type of bike by far – ideal for rehabilitation, seniors, heavier users, or anyone with back or joint concerns who still wants effective, low-impact cardio.

Best for: comfort-focused riders, rehab and recovery, seniors, and people managing back or joint pain.

Fitbiz recumbent bike picks (Bodyworx):

• Bodyworx 700 Series Deluxe Recumbent Bike (around $1,499) – a 9kg flywheel, 32-level auto tension, a breathable mesh backrest and Bluetooth.

• Bodyworx ARX950 Recumbent Bike (around $1,899) – a deluxe step-through frame with a reclining backrest and computer-controlled resistance; superbly comfortable.

How to choose: 6 things to check before you buy

1. Flywheel weight – heavier flywheels (16kg+) give spin bikes a smoother, more road-like ride. Less critical on uprights and recumbents.

2. Resistance type – magnetic is quiet and low-maintenance; friction gives a classic spin feel. Auto/programmable tension lets the console control intensity for interval programs.

3. Maximum user weight – always choose a bike rated comfortably above your bodyweight; higher-capacity frames (150kg+) are also sturdier for everyone.

4. Console and tech – decide whether you want simple readouts or app connectivity (Bluetooth, Zwift, Kinomap) for interactive rides.

5. Footprint and storage – uprights and spin bikes are compact; recumbents are longer. Measure your space first.

6. Budget – entry uprights start under $500, quality spin bikes sit around $900–$2,000, and commercial cycles run higher. Buy the best you can in the type that fits your goal.

So which bike should you buy?

Choose an upright bike if you want affordable, compact, all-round fitness. Choose a spin bike / indoor cycle if you want intense, road-style training or love spin classes. Choose a recumbent bike if comfort, back support and low-impact riding matter most. There’s no single “best exercise bike” – only the best one for your body and goals. If you’re unsure, our team can match you in minutes.

Spin bike vs exercise bike: is there really a difference?

People often use “exercise bike” and “spin bike” interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Technically, a spin bike is a type of exercise bike – the difference is in design and intent. A spin bike (indoor cycle) has a heavy flywheel, a forward-leaning racing posture and lets you ride standing up for intense, cycling-specific training. A standard upright exercise bike has a lighter flywheel, a comfortable upright posture and is built for steady, general-fitness sessions. If you want hard, sweaty interval training, choose a spin bike; if you want easygoing cardio while you watch a show, an upright or recumbent will serve you better.

How much should you spend on an exercise bike?

Budget tracks closely with type and use. As a rough guide: $400–$700 buys a solid entry upright for light, regular use; $900–$1,500 gets you a quality spin bike or a feature-rich upright or recumbent with a heavier flywheel and app connectivity; and $2,000+ moves into commercial-grade indoor cycles like Schwinn and Spirit, built for daily, intensive training. Spend according to how often and how hard you’ll ride – a bike that suits your habits is one you’ll actually use.

Frequently asked questions

Which exercise bike is best for weight loss?

Any of the three can help with weight loss – consistency matters most. Spin bikes allow the highest-intensity sessions and biggest calorie burn, but the best bike for weight loss is the one you’ll happily use several times a week. For many people, that’s a comfortable upright or recumbent.

Are recumbent bikes good for bad knees or backs?

Yes. The reclined position and supported back make recumbent bikes the gentlest option for sensitive knees, hips and lower backs, which is why they’re popular for rehab and for older riders.

Is a heavier flywheel always better?

On spin bikes, a heavier flywheel (16kg+) generally gives a smoother, more road-like ride, so it’s worth prioritising. On uprights and recumbents the flywheel matters less, because you’re not riding out of the saddle.

Why buy your exercise bike from Fitbiz

• Trusted since 1989 – 35+ years of expert, honest fitness advice.

• Try before you buy – test bikes in person at our Rydalmere showroom near Parramatta.

• Australia-wide delivery with fast dispatch on in-stock models.

• Best Value Guaranteed price match, 14-day returns, and Buy Now Pay Later via Afterpay, ShopHumm and LatitudePay.

• Sydney-based support seven days a week, plus spare parts and servicing.

Browse all exercise bikes for sale at fitbiz.com.au, or call our team on 1800 817 418 for a personal recommendation. Let’s find the bike that keeps you pedalling!

Prices and product availability mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing (June 2026) and may change. Visit fitbiz.com.au or call our Sydney team on 1800 817 418 for current pricing and stock.