Best Spin Bikes: Magnetic & Friction Resistance | 2022 Buyer’s Guide

What is the best spin bike? Bikes with magnetic friction resistance deliver better performance and are noiseless whereas friction resistance bikes will cost you less money and hold a higher resistance. Another thing to consider is adjustability. We recommend models that are 4-way adjustable like the Sunny Health & Fitness Cycling Bike as they fit all family members and are more suitable for cardio exercise. Also, choose a model with a heavy flywheel (35lbs to 50 lbs) as it will give you a smoother ride and natural feel. You may go for this heavy-duty Sunny Health & Fitness Exercise Cycling Bike with a 48-pound flywheel. If you are going to track distance, speed, and calories burnt, opt for spin bikes with an LCD monitor. High-end models, such as the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle come with a large touchscreen display for streaming workouts with trainers.

What Types of Spin Bikes Are There?

Basically, there are two major types: pricier magnetic resistance bikes and more affordable friction resistance bikes. Of course, the difference does not boil down simply to the price. Models with magnetic resistance. Below, we are going to explore their distinctive features in more detail.

Magnetic Resistance Bikes

This type of equipment is built with two magnets that generate electromagnetic induction. Once you start pedaling, the steel flywheel interferes with the magnetic field that creates an opposing force. Most bikes have adjustable flywheel resistance, which is pretty convenient. Depending on the model, you can adjust it manually or using an electronic console. By increasing the resistance, you place the magnets closer to the flywheel. The closer the magnets, the harder it is to pedal.

Considered to be the best option for indoor cycling, bikes with magnetic resistance have a number of advantages. When compared with friction resistance bikes, they operate much smoother with little to no noise and require little maintenance. On top of that, magnetic resistance bikes last longer as this type of mechanism does not wear out over time. This is because magnetic resistance does not come in direct contact with the flywheel. The same reason lies behind the noiseless operation and little maintenance required.

Magnetic resistance bikes differ among themselves, too. Let’s compare two reliable machines in this class: the 600-dollar Sunny Health & Fitness Bike and the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle for $1,700. Both have adjustable resistance providing a smooth ride. However, the latter allows you to adjust the bike’s incline and decline, while the former is built with adjustable seat, handlebars, and pedal straps. Both machines are made with a heavy-duty frame but the NordicTrack bike has a greater user weight capacity — 360 lbs against 300 lbs.

One of the essential advantages of the NordicTrack bike is a large 15” HD touchscreen display. The screen rotates 360 degrees and is interactive. Not only does it show all your workout statistics but it can also stream on-demand exercise sessions with elite coaches. Moreover, your trainer will digitally adjust the bike!

Friction Resistance Bikes

Friction resistance works like a vehicle’s brake. Such a bike is made with brake pads that come in direct contact with the flywheel when the resistance is increased. As a result, rotational speed goes down while resistance goes up. Like magnetic resistance bikes, these machines also allow for resistance adjustment through a dedicated knob. Made of felt, the bike’s brake pads tend to wear out quickly after a while because of rubbing against the flywheel. That rubbing also creates a soft noise resembling whistling, which is not too loud but may be annoying to some.

As for performance, this is where magnetic resistance and friction resistance do not actually differ. However, the latter tends to hold a higher resistance because there is direct contact with the flywheel. Anyway, you will hardly want to switch to maximum resistance, where it is virtually impossible to push the pedals.

A well-made friction resistance bike will cost you somewhere between $300 and $400. You may pick a budget-oriented YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike with a 35lbs flywheel and adjustable handlebar, seat, and pedals. Or you may pay some $40 more to get the Sunny Health & Fitness Indoor Cycling Bike with a heavier 40-pound flywheel, fully adjustable seat, handlebar, and resistance.

Why is a flywheel weight so important? A heavier flywheel provides a smoother ride as it has the momentum to improve the bike’s stability. Apart from that, the Sunny Health & Fitness model is made from steel, whereas the Yosuda bike has a carbon steel frame. What is the difference? The thing is that stainless steel is high in chromium that protects the device against rust and corrosion. Carbon steel has a high carbon content, something that makes it more prone to corrosion.

There is a more heavy-duty bike from the Sunny Health & Fitness brand — the Exercise Cycling Bike with Heavy Chrome Flywheel. It features a 49-pound flywheel, 2-way adjustable handlebars, and a 4-way adjustable seat. Although the bike uses friction resistance, it boasts almost noiseless operation. The only downside to this model is that it has no LCD monitor for tracking your time, speed, distance, and calories burnt.

Best-Selling Spin Bikes | Comparison Table

Spinning classes have controlled exercises that push levels of endurance. These exercises raise heart rates while developing endurance and strength through intense workout sessions. The focus of the exercise is on a stationary bike that is mechanically designed to provide difficulty peddling while working up a sweat as if riding a real bike. The design of each bike varies little between brands, but there are different qualities each bike has for its user.

How Spin Bikes Work

The best bicycles for spinning have several things in common. The bikes have a steel frame that is bolted to a durable base. The frame and bars make the entire cycling unit heavier. The heavier frame helps to prevent the bicycle from tipping over during intense workouts.

The best bicycles have multi-grip handlebars, so exercisers can change positions as they change exercises and intensities. The bikes have also been modified to have a combo pedals, or toe cages, to keep the spinner's foot engaged during intense activities. The handlebars and the seat the rider uses are adjustable to accommodate different riders and to make the entire activity enjoyable as well as active.

How Do Spin Bikes Differ?

Spinning in class is different than spinning on one's own. A lone spinning will require a display screen to track the progress of the workout, calories burned, and level of intensity. The display often comes with a media tray, which is a good place for a phone or other device used during workouts such as an iPad or a magazine.

The adjustability of the handlebars and seat extend to having an adjustable inseam, which can be important for smaller spinners as reaching paddles can be problematic if it is not adjustable. Final components are not needed, but nice to have, including a Bluetooth function for recording workouts directly into an app and a good warranty in case there are problems.