[Original Post 23-03-2020]
[Updated 18-05-20] Added new models and updated the current in-stock options on amazon
With gyms closed and social distancing in place, many of us are trying to find alternatives to work out at home. Exercise bikes are a popular option, being cheaper and smaller than treadmills. Spin lessons have become extremely popular in recent years, while I am sure we would all love to own a Peloton, they cost a fortune.
The options that are currently available on Amazon are a mixed bag, it would seem high demand means a lot of stock is not available for a little while.
Some companies are exploiting this by hiking their prices. The brand called Sportstech who claims to be a German quality brand are particularly bad for it, several of their products I have checked have seen a price rise since March. These tend to be their (slightly) more affordable products, which I imagine what most people are currently looking at,
If you already own a road bike then a smart turbo trainer for Zwift or other virtual cyling is an amazing investment.
Companies that have hiked their prices – Sportstech
For example, the Sportstech RSX400 Rowing Machine was £359 from January through to 16th of March then it jumped up to £419, and now £429, that’s almost a 20% price hike. The Sportstech F17 treadmill was £529 from January and is now £615 which is a 16% price rise. Their premium price products don’t appear to be affected.
Best reviewed bikes on Amazon
I have not used any of these bikes personally, I have just highlighted the ones with the best reviews on Amazon. I have included two Sportstech models because they are well-reviewed, I just don’t like the fact they have raised the prices very recently.
If you are not very fit you can probably get away with a bike that has a lighter flywheel. With upright bikes, they have a lighter flywheel as they then use magnetic resistance to control the difficulty better.
With all exercise equipment, you get what you pay for, if you are very fit, or hope to increase your fitness considerably then you will quickly outgrow cheaper products.
Nero Sports Upright Exercise Bike – £379 [In Stock]
- Rating: 4.1 / 5 – 142reviews
- Details: 12KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: In stock – 2-3 days dispatch
- Price Increase: Was as low as £155 at the start of march
ANCHEER Indoor Exercise Bike – £369.99 [In stock]
- Rating: 5 / 5 – 20 reviews
- Details: 6KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: In stock – about 2-weeks delivery
- Price Increase: Was £320
Dripex Upright Exercise Bikes – £269 [In stock on May 25, 2020.]
- Rating: 4 / 5 – 172 reviews
- Details: 6KG flywheel with friction resistance
- Other: In stock on May 25, 2020.
- Price Increase: Was £209
JLL IC300 PRO Indoor – £318.99 [In stock on June 15, 2020]
- Rating: 4.4 / 5 – 224 reviews
- Details: 20KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: In stock on June 15, 2020.
- Price Increase: Was as low as £290 recently, but was £249.99 in February
Nero Sports Bluetooth Upright Exercise Bike £399.99 [In Stock & works with Zwift]
- Rating: No reviews yet
- Details: 12KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: Less than 10 days delivery
- Price Increase: Dropped in price from £420
This is an interesting option and is likely the cheapest way to be able to use Zwift. Though I am not sure how enjoyable Zwift would be on a Spin bike.
JLL IC400 ELITE Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike – £340 [No Stock]
- Rating: 4.2 / 5 – 49 reviews
- Details: 20KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: No stock until April
JLL JF100 Home Exercise Bike – £109.99[No Stock]
- Rating: 4.3 / 5 – 533 reviews
- Details: 4KG fly wheel with magnetic resistance
- Other:
No stock until April
Mieres Indder Bike – £179 [No sotck]
- Rating: 4 / 5 – 16 reviews
- Details: 10KG fly wheel with magnetic resistance
- Other:
In stock 27th of March
Sportstech ESX500 Upright Bike – £349.00 + £29 delivery [In stock on June 12, 2020.]
- Rating: 4.3 / 5 – 83 reviews
- Details: 12KG flywheel with magnetic resistance
- Other: Not available until June, so I probably wouldn’t bother with this option
- Price Increase: This used to be £299 until the 12th of March
Sportstech Indoor Exercise Bike SX200 – £529 [In stock on June 12, 2020.]
- Rating: 4 / 5 – 27 reviews
- Details: 22KG fly wheel with friction resistance
- Other: Not available until June, so I probably wouldn’t bother with this option
- Price Increase: Apart from this not being available until June, Sportstech have jacked up the price from £469
