The Best Exercise Bikes in Canada of 2023

How to Choose an Exercise Bike for Canadians

Before you can choose the right exercise bike for your home gym, there are a few things you need to know. Most of the time, you can’t just pick a random bike and hope for the best. You should choose one that works with your skill level and space. Keep the following features in mind as you shop for the best exercise bikes in Canada.

Type

There are a few different types of exercise bikes represented on our list. You should choose the option that best appeals to you, keeping in mind your fitness level and needs.

• Stationary bikes are your standard, upright exercise bikes. These bikes may use a standing position (like in an upright exercise bike) or may include a seat to allow for some reclining while you work out. These bikes include a screen to track progress and use a modified pedal position from a normal outdoor bicycle. The best stationary bikes in Canada have multiple levels of magnetic resistance, as well as comprehensive metric tracking over time.
• Spin bikes, on the other hand, are meant to mimic the natural feel of an outdoor bicycle while you’re working out indoors. Spin bikes transition smoothly from one resistance to another, creating a gradual difficulty ramp (such as pedalling uphill would produce). These bikes also use a more natural pedal position. The best spin bikes in Canada have undefined resistance levels because of the gradual nature of their resistance.
• Recumbent bikes allow you to reduce the strain on your lower back as you work out. These bikes often have wider seats and a reclined position. They are comfortable, supportive, and focus only on your lower body.

Resistance Type

Resistance type can make a big difference in how quickly your machine is ready to go, how loud it is, and how smoothly it changes between resistances. There are a few different types of resistance, but most exercise bikes use magnetic resistance.

Magnetic resistance is the smoothest option available on the Canadian market today. Magnetic resistance uses a magnet on each side of the flywheel. The magnets move closer to the flywheel when tension is decreased, and close when tension is increased. Most of the exercise bikes on our list use magnetic resistance, though some use manual options.

There are other resistant types for exercise bikes, but they are far less common in quality machines. Magnetic resistance is the standard, especially on our list.

Resistance Levels

The resistance levels on your exercise bike can tell you what the bike is capable of. A bike with more resistance levels, for instance, might not be for beginners. The number of resistance levels you need depends on the fitness level of the people using the bikes. If you frequently use your bike and want more of a challenge, choose an exercise bike with about 100 resistance levels.

You can choose options with fewer levels. Manual resistance adjustment, however, might have between 6 and 10 different resistance levels. This is great for occasional use.

Weight Limit

Like with any exercise equipment, your exercise bike may have a weight limit. The weight limit on any piece of equipment should be observed. If you exceed this weight limit, you could cause damage to the machine, cause it to work improperly, or void the warranty. Most exercise machines will inform you of the weight limit before you make a purchase.

To play it safe, make sure to choose an exercise bike with a weight limit that easily fits your weight. Remember, there are no weight minimums. This means that you can choose one that’s closest to your weight without being afraid of going too low.

Console

The control console and screen can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy an exercise bike. A bike with a large touchscreen with streaming, multiple programs, and a lot of different exercise tracks can make your time on your bike more enjoyable. However, most bikes have a device stand to help improve your experience with them, especially if you enjoy watching media or listening to music while you work out.

The console might be a touchscreen, or it might be a small LCD screen that rotates between different progress metrics. As it’s an important part of the exercise bike, you should choose an option that works best for you. If you have your own tablet and would prefer to use it, consider an exercise bike that integrates directly with your device.

Choosing the console type you’re most comfortable with or excited to use can make a world of difference.

Metrics

Most bikes keep track of your metrics in some capacity. These are self-explanatory figures that can help you record your progress over time, as well as tell you how much you’re doing during each session.

Some common metrics that exercise bikes will track are:

• Calories
• Distance
• Time
• Speed
• RPM (Rotations Per Minute)
• Heart Rate (if pulse trackers are available)
• Resistance
• And more

The possibilities for the metrics tracked are endless. With some bikes, you can keep track of your progress over time through various integrated fitness apps. As long as you connect your device to the bike via Bluetooth (and pay for the app subscription), you can see how you’re improving over multiple exercise sessions. This makes setting goals simple and effective.

Look for metrics that you prefer to track as you work out. If you only want to track calories, time, or distance, there are many more options that will suit you. In these cases, you might not need the extra metrics. As monitors and tracking systems can drastically raise the price of an exercise bike, it’s best to focus on the options you will use.

Size

How big is the bike? The size of the bike (including the footprint, weight, and frame dimensions) can determine where it will fit in your home. If you have a smaller home gym, for instance, avoid choosing a bike that requires more space. If you don’t have much room, to begin with, consider a folding exercise bike. These options may help save you space, as they can be stored when not in use.

The weight of the bike is important when you consider how often you’ll move it, as well as where you’ll place it in your home. Choose a bike that isn’t too heavy for you to move on your own. On the other hand, you want a bike that is sturdy enough to withstand rigorous exercise sessions.

You must determine the space you have in your home before you can choose the right exercise bike.

Power Source

Some exercise bikes work without power. Bikes with manual resistance adjustment, for example, don’t require any power to run effectively. The console section, which monitors your progress, might require a battery to work.

On the other hand, more complicated bikes may require a power outlet. Exercise bikes with large touchscreens integrated into the console, as well as consoles with multiple complicated controls or programs, might require an outlet to work at all.

The power source you prefer is a personal preference. You can choose the one that works best for your space and lifestyle. If you prefer not to be tethered to a wall, feel free to choose a bike that uses a battery for the screen instead. If you don’t mind keeping the bike near an outlet for your workouts, feel free to choose one that uses a power cord.

Height Accommodations

The ability to adjust the bike in various ways is critical. Ideally, there will be multiple points of adjustment throughout the handlebars and seats to accommodate users of different heights. Sometimes, exercise bike companies will disclose the heights that their bike is best for. If possible, use these guidelines to determine if the bike will work for you.

Some of the best exercise bikes in Canada have multiple layers of adjustment, too. You’ll often find handlebars that adjust up, down, forward, and backward, as well as seats that adjust forwards and backward. Usually, pedals cannot be adjusted because of the position of the flywheel. Still, look for as many adjustments as possible, especially if you are very tall or very short. 

You definitely want to make sure that you know the range of adjustments available for each part of the bike. This can help you determine if the bike is a good fit for you, particularly if you are on the taller side (or the shorter side). Everyone should feel comfortable while working out, so choosing the right bike size with the proper accommodations is important.

Seat

The seat on your exercise bike can be extremely important, especially if you plan on using the bike frequently. The best stationary bikes in Canada have cushioned, padded seats that make sitting upright comfortable without any unpleasant feelings. If the bike you’re looking at only has a standard bicycle seat, you might want to think about upgrading it in the future.

The best seats don’t use the moulded bicycle model at all. Instead, they feature a larger, cushioned surface with lumbar support back. While some upright bikes may not be designed to use this type of seating arrangement, it can be beneficial in some stationary bikes.

Make sure to use the seat that is most comfortable for you. Keep in mind that some companies offer additional seat models you can install on your bike, which might help if you choose one that isn’t working for you.

Special Attachments

In addition to all the features your exercise bike offers, you might find an exercise bike that features some special attachments. Some of the most common attachments are water bottle holders, which keep your hydration close at hand during your exercise sessions. Some bikes even have two water bottle holders.

Bikes might also include device holders, which can include a place for your tablet or phone. This keeps them out of your hands, but still close enough that you can use them if you need to. You might also encounter dumbbell racks attached to the frame, which can help take your cycling to another level altogether.

Regardless of what special attachments you need, you’re sure to find a bike that provides what you’re looking for.