The Best Magnetic Resistance Indoor Bikes in the UK

What to consider when choosing a magnetic spin bike in the UK?

There are several features and criteria that you should look for when searching for spin bikes. Although these may look like small details, they are very important to keep in mind next time you come across magnetic resistance spin bike reviews in the United Kingdom.

Don’t overlook these spin bike considerations because they can determine how ergonomic and effective the next indoor cycling bike with magnetic resistance you are buying.

To avoid regrets and disappointments, here is a list of features check to consider before investing in any indoor exercise bikes with magnetic resistance in the UK.

It would be great to physically check these features when buying the best magnetic resistance stationary bike, but you can also review these features digitally.

Without further ado, here are some of the details that you should observe when trying to find the best indoor cycling bike with magnetic resistance in the UK market.

Bike Transmission System:

The transmission is the part of the indoor bike in charge of transmitting movement exerted on the pedals to the inertia wheel. It is like the chain of a conventional bike or the strap of the car. We can find two different types of transmission:

Chain driven system –

It’s as close to road bike as it gets in terms of feel when you are on the bike. It also transmits 100% power because there is no slipping or jerky move.

However, chain drive magnetic spin bikes require maintenance, frequent adjusting, lubing, and cleaning. They are also noisier than the magnetic resistance belt drive spin bikes in the UK and I wouldn’t recommend them for indoor use.

Poly-V Belt driven system –

This type of transmission is very quiet and provides smoother pedal stroke especially when it’s on a magnetic spin bike. It also has less maintenance than chain transmission.

But it ultimately wears out with use and you might need to change it after a couple of years depending on the quality. Some Schwinn exercise bike with magnetic resistance in the UK come with up to 10 year belt warranty.

Toothed Belt driven system –

This is by far the best type of transmission system that can be found in some magnetic spin bikes in the United Kingdom.

This drive system makes a little more sound than poly-v belt system but still less noise than chain drive. There is no jerky move when you do high intensity out of the saddle spinning workout with carbon aka toothed belt driven magnetic spin bikes.

Spin Bike Flywheel:

Spin bike flywheel weight is the most essential factor to consider and you must not overlook when buying a magnetic spinning bike in the UK. Flywheel is the part that you see that turns when you pedal the spinning exercise bike.

It is either made of steel or aluminum, placed at the back or front of the spin bike. A spin bike flywheel can weigh between 8 pounds to 55 pounds. Usually the lighter flywheels are aluminium while the heavier flywheels are steel.

Flywheel weight can affect the inertia and the amount of resistance to pedaling. When flywheel start spinning, the weight helps to accumulate more or less kinetic energy.

Exercise bike flywheel weight is also responsible for providing a natural cycling feeling similar to what you experience when you are riding on a conventional road bike.

Generally speaking, the heavier the flywheels give more resistance, better pedal stroke and smoothness when pedaling, ,ore intense indoor cycling training possibility, and of course the higher the price of the magnetic spinning bike in the UK. Here is a breakdown of what you should expect from spin bike flywheel.

5-10 kgs flywheel –

Spinning bikes that come with lighter flywheels, often don’t provide much resistance or the greatest pedal stroke. But they certain advantages too.

The light weight flywheel requires less strength to pedal the bike. Therefore, a magnetic indoor bike with light flywheel is ideal for rehabilitation therapy or weight loss.

They are budget magnetic belt drive spin bikes designed to perform low-intensity training. As you can see, they are the cheapest magnetic spinning bikes in the UK in 2023.

Another reason you may want to consider a budget magnetic spin bike with lightweight flywheel under 10 kgs is the transportation. You can easily move them from one room to another room without hurting your back.

But generally, I do not recommend buying an indoor bike that has a flywheel under 10 kgs. Especially if you are trying to ride indoors to improve outdoor cycling performance.

Spin bikes with lightweight flywheel should be considered if you are buying the exercise bike as a gift for users above 60 years of age and those who need little resistance due to injury or physical limitation.

From our UK picked magnetic spin bike review, examples of this include the JLL IC200 indoor bike and Dripex magnetic indoor cycling bike.

10-15 kgs flywheel –

Most of magnetic resistance exercise bikes in the UK market come with flywheels under 15 kgs. Some of the most famous bikes like Nordictrack S22i that I added to this UK-based magnetic resistance exercise bike reviews have a flywheel under 15 kgs.

This an ideal weight and good compromise between light and heavy flywheels. With a 13 kg flywheel, Peloton bike, the number 1 best seller magnetic resistance spin bike in the UK falls within this range.

They are the recommended magnetic resistance spinning bikes for domestic use in the UK, especially for anyone who wants to start cardiovascular exercise at home.

Also it’s a good option if anyone who wants a magnetic indoor bike to occasionally supplement their workout when they weather is rough or they don’t have time to use their road or mountain bike.

If you have knee issues, you are probably better of considering a spinning exercise bike with lighter flywheel, perhaps one like Keiser M3i.

A few models of spinning bike magnetic resistance that fall within this range of flywheel weight include the ProForm TDF Indoor cycle, and NordicTrack S22i magnetic exercise bike.

15-25 kgs flywheel –

In gyms and cycling studio classes, you will often find commercial quality spin bikes with such heavy flywheels. We recommend these spin bikes if you are in good health and you would want to use them intensively.

They have a robust construction and exceptional durability. They are great for all types of spinning workouts, but specially for high intensity training.

Spin bikes that come with heavy flywheels are also extremely stable and don’t share when standing on the pedals and sprints on the bike. They are considered some of the most professional magnetic resistance spinning bikes in the UK. They also efficiently improve both strength and and aerobic fitness.

But I wouldn’t recommend spin bikes with 20kg flywheels for everyone because they have a bit of impact on the knees and require good strength to keep the flywheel turning. Plus, you need to consider heavy flywheels make the bike harder to move.

I recommend this type of stationary bike if you’re going to do high-intensity training (HIITs). You need this if you wish to work your aerobic capacity for 2-3 hours several days a week.

The Sportstech SX600 magnetic resistance indoor bike, JLL IC300 PRO belt driven magnetic exercise bike, and Stages Solo magnetic belt driven models also fall within this range. I added all these bikes to this UK magnetic spin bike reviews. You can scroll up and read about each of these bikes.

Spin Bike Resistance:

This feature allows the rider to adjust the resistance level during an indoor cycling session. Bike resistance is important when searching for a good spin bike in the UK. It’s what allows you to increase or decrease the intensity level.

All the spin bikes reviewed in this article features magnetic resistance. However, to help you understand the different types of resistance mechanisms and why you should choose magnetic resistance system, I will try to explain the two major types of spin bike resistances.

Magnetic resistance

Also known as Eddy Current system, magnetic braking system will allow you to regulate the effort based on your type of spinning workout.

It’s the latest technology in terms of resistance for spin bike. Exercise bikes with magnetic resistance are extremely quiet because in order to add intensity, nothing has to come in contact with the flywheel.

The magnets come close to steel flywheel to add resistance and get far when to decrease the intensity. So, there is no wearing part or noise.

It is the system that is integrated into the highest quality of spinning bikes in the UK. It offers silent resistance and smooth pedalling.

While 95% of magnetic spin bikes in the United Kingdom come with manual magnetic system, the best exercise bikes with magnetic resistance in the UK, like Nordictrack S22i, come with electronic magnetic resistance.

Electronic-magnetic is what allows the bike to change resistance automatically based on the type of programs. They are also very useful if you are into online spinning classes as they can automatically change the resistance based on what spinning instructor recommends.

It’s something to keep in mind when buying a spin bike in the UK because there are only a few indoor bikes that come with such technology.

Friction resistance

In this type, resistance is applied by pressing the a wool pad on top of the flywheel until they are completely stopped. It is an outdated system that has more cons than pros.

Although, they tend to be a cheaper braking system, they wear out and require replacement every few years depending on how often a spin bike is ridden.

Unlike magnets, the friction brake has to come in direct contact with flywheel to create resistance. Therefore, they also have greater wears and maintenance.

Friction resistance pads are either made of wool or leather. Although they are both to rubbish and to be avoided, the leather materials is better because is makes less noise than wool pads.

Spin Bike Weight

There are two types of spin bike structures. Aluminium and steel. Although they are both okay, spin bikes that have aluminium structure are better for home use.

Aluminum spin bikes are lighter than the steel bikes. Therefore, it’s easier to move the bike in the house from one room to another.

In fact, aluminum is around 1/3 the weight of steel. Even though steel is stronger, aluminum has a much better strength to weight ratio than stainless steel.

Remember that it is not a deal breaker if the magnetic spin bike that you found in the UK comes with steel Fram. As long as it has durable silicon wheels at its front that facilitate the tranportation.

A few top-notch indoor bikes that I can think of with aluminium frame are Stages indoor bikes and Schwinn magnetic resistance spin bikes, especially the AC Performance Plus models.

User height and weight capacity

If you are trying to find the best spin bikes with magnetic resistance, you should diffusely remember this feature of you might have to spend hours to pack the bike and send it back.

The user height and weight are very important criterias when buying a magnetic resistance spin bike in the UK. This is because there are certain models in this review designed for shorter people and some for average or taller users.

Generally speaking most magnetic spin bike models that I have seen in the UK market can fit users between 160 centimetres to 180 centimetres.

But there are exceptions like Keiser M3i that can fit users up to 195 centimetres. As you can see, there are spinning bikes for tall and short people but for average height people, almost every spin bike fits fine.

User weight capacity shouldn’t be an issue because every model that I tried and added to this magnetic exercise bike reviews can support up to 100 kgs.

But if you weight above 100 kgs, it is important to see and make sure the spinning bike that you want to buy can support your weight.

Some of the cheapest magnetic resistance spin bikes in the UK like JLL IC300 can stand user weight of up to 130 kgs which is pretty impressive. Indoor bikes with a range between 100-130 kgs, like the NordicTrack S15i and Sportstech SX600, will accommodate just about most user.

Handlebar Adjustment

It is important that you can adjust the handlebar both horizontally and vertically so you can enjoy the perfect bike fit. Also, ensure that it has several positions to place your hands to avoid hand numbness during cycling sessions.

Consider those that come with bottle holders in the handlebars. They have more space to keep your accessories and reach to your bottle to stay hydrated during spinning workouts.

Look for stationary bikes with magnetic resistance that come with elbow pads, a tablet holder, and dumbbell holders on the handlebars.

Saddle Quality

It is important that the indoor bike’s saddle is adjustable both vertically and horizontally. The quality of the seat matters too but it’s not a deal breaker because you can always buy a comfortable spin bike seat replacement in the UK for as little as 30 BGP.

For you to carry out your indoor cycling workout routines without feeling uncomfortable and without back pain, it’s important that you take into account: bike adjustment, the handlebar, and more importantly the saddle quality.

What is the proper height for the spin bike saddle? When you are on the saddle and the pedal is all the way down, you knee should be straight, not bent.

But as a general rule of thumb, the upper part of the saddle must be at the level of your hip, when you stand next to the bike. You can find more information in my detailed spin bike fit article and see how to correctly setup your spin bike seat and handlebars.

Display Screen or Console

You have three options when it comes to spin bike fitness monitor. Basic console without backlit, Basic console with backlit, and HD touchscreen display.

There are also budget magnetic spin bikes in the UK that come without any type of fitness monitor. I recommend them if you want to do regular indoor cycling workout and see your improvements.

That said, every model added to this magnetic spin bike reviews come with some sort of workout monitor. Even the cheapest magnetic spin bike in the list, the JLL IC200 has a console

You should always aim for spin bikes with HD screens. They are more fan and motivational than those that come basic console because you can interact.

Not only you can set improvement goals with a good screen but you can also Watch Netflix shows when cycling or listen to Spotify musics.

A good magnetic resistance belt drive spin bike should provide cadence (RPM), speed, watts, time, calories, distance, and heart rate.

There are a few really good Peloton alternatives that have connect to indoor cycling applications to perform guided spinning workouts.

Brand Reputation

There are many good fitness equipment brands that manufacture top-notch magnetic stationary bikes in the UK and have great reputation.

But there are also those that have no brand and simply doing drop-shipping. When you order, they buy from China and have it directly shipped to your home. This means if things go wrong after 30-days, you won’t get much help.

Good spin bike brands incorporate ergonomic designs that ultimately adds up to rider’s comfort, especially longer indoor cycling workouts.

Aside from the brand, look out for design and dimensions too. If you live in a smaller home, choose a more compact spin bike that will fit with the rest of the room.

Warranty Policy

No matter what you buy, warranty and usage guarantee policies are the hallmark and assurance of quality. Quality magnetic pin bikes in the UK come at a relatively expensive prices. Therefore, it only makes sense to have assurance for your money.

When things go wrong unexpectedly within the year of coverage, you call use a good warranty and a brand that stand with their products.

Many spin bikes in the UK, especially the cheapest low-end models, don’t come with long warranties. I advice against stationary bikes with no full or limited warranties.

There has to be a guarantee on the wearable parts, mechanical parts and electric parts. Labour warranty is a plus, but unfortunately not easy to find.

While many magnetic spin bikes on this review have up to at least 1-year warranty, you can find models like Sportstech SX600 with up to 3-year part warranty which can be extended with additional fee.

At the end, it all comes down to the price and the brand. Usually manufacturers of budget spin bikes in the UK don’t offer more than a year warranty.

Pedals and Q-Factor

This is an important detail for those looking for a professional spinning bike. Pedals that allow the use of specific indoor cycling shoes with cleats will allow you to exercise safer and more efficiently.

These clipless pedals will also keep the arches of your foot on the pedals naturally in the correct position. These characteristics will also enable you to increase performance on the bike and pedal harder.

That said, spin bike pedals are not a deal breaker because you can always swipe them with another pair of bike pedals that you prefer.

Spin bike Q-factor on the other hand is really important and not replaceable or fixable. When reading magnetic exercise bike review and comparisons in the UK and ready to buy your next indoor bike, you should look for models that fall under 210 millimetre q-factor size.

While looking at q-factor and spin bike pedals, also see if the bike offers multiple crank-length options. Not many but there a couple of magnetic spin bikes in the UK like Stages SB20 and Wahoo kicker that come with at least three crank-length options.

Magnetic Bike Price – From £200 to £5000

Magnetic spinning bikes are more affordable than ellipticals but they can still cost up to 3500 GBP. The price often depends on the quality and features but there are cases that you might come across an overpriced spin bike that costs £2000 but still doesn’t have the quality or features of a spin bike that costs £1000.

If you decide to buy one of the spin bikes I reviewed in this article, you can rest assured you are getting value for your money because they all provide enough features to provide their price range. That said, I divided magnetic spin bikes in the UK in four categories. Let’s take a look!

First level: These ones cost under £500.

These are the basic magnetic indoor bikes under £500. This is where the cheapest and most abundant spin bikes can be found. Although they are good for beginner cyclists, they are not the best choice for elite riders and those with experience. Often magnetic spin bikes in the category don’t have the best ergonomics and monitor.

Here are three magnetic spin bikes in the UK that are great value under 500 GBP:

• https://yourexercisebike.com/jll-ic400-pro-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/sunny-sf-b1805-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/kouz-live-indoor-cycling-bike-review/

Second level: These ones cost between £500 to £1000.

These are the ones between the range of £500 to £1000. Spin bikes in this category are good for beginners and intermediate levels but not the best choice professional road cyclists. 2 Excellent models in this best reviews and comparison article fall within this range. My favourite one is the Sportstech SX600 indoor bike in this category. There are all kinds, including those that use electronic magnetic and manual manual resistance. Many include interesting additives such as elbow rests, backlit console, tablet holders, movable wheels, and adjustable handlebars.

Here are three magnetic spin bikes in the UK that are great value under 1000 GBP:

• https://yourexercisebike.com/sportstech-sx600-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/proform-tdf-clc-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/sportstech-sx500-review/

Third level: Those ones cost between £1000 to £2000.

Third level: Here are those with prices of £1000 to 2000 GBP. Generally, although not always, they are the ones with HD screen and advanced electronic resistance system. Except for elite road cyclists, anyone who can afford magnetic spin bikes in this category will have lots of good time. What sets the cost of the product in this range, is related to the monitor size and the construction materials.

Here are three magnetic spin bikes in the UK that are great value under 2000 GBP:

• https://yourexercisebike.com/nordictrack-s22i-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/keiser-m3i-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/peloton-bike-review/

Fourth level: Those ones cost between £2000 to £4000.

Fourth level: Spin bikes that fall in the price range are the ones that are precisely designed to be as similar to read bikes as possible with top of the line ergonomic design. They don’t necessarily have huge monitors with them but they do have advanced gearing system and accurate cycling monitors. If you are not a cyclists, you would probably find them less comfortable than a traditional spin bikes. Some of the models that fall in this price range are Watt Atom, Wahoo kicker and Tacx Neo.

Here are three magnetic spin bikes in the UK that are great value under 4000 GBP:

• https://yourexercisebike.com/wahoo-kickr-bike-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/tacx-neo-bike-review/
• https://yourexercisebike.com/wattbike-atom-review/

Extra features

In addition to the technical features I mentioned above, there are a few other bits and pieces to look for when buying magnetic spinning exercise bikes in the UK.

These may not be included with cheap magnetic resistance spin bike in the UK. But it’s worth checking because it will increase the bike’s technical performance.

• I have came across magnetic resistance spin bike for sale that include a floor mat. Aside from protecting the floor from scratches, bike mats can also minimizes vibrations on the floor and avoid making too much noise.
• Bluetooth connection is also a plus. It enables compatibility for Zwift indoor cycling and polar heart rate monitor trackers. Don’t sweat it if it’s not included with your spin bike as you can separately buy Bluetooth cadence and speed sensors for Zwift cycling.
• Tablet holder is another accessory that often comes included with the best affordable magnetic spin bikes in the UK. It allows you to keep your tablet or iPad on the bike while doing spinning workouts.
• Seat cushion is not always included with magnetic resistance indoor bikes but I have seen a few Schwinn magnetic spin bikes that came with seat cushion. It helps avoid spin bike saddle sore.
• If a sport towel is included with the bike, it would be nice. It comes really handy during high intensity spinning workout when using a magnetic resistance indoor bike.

What are the benefits of indoor cycling exercise?

Apart from the fact that magnetic flywheel spin bikes are compact and adjustable, a major point that creates interest when buying a magnetic indoor bike in the UK is the benefits it offers.

There are several benefits associated with every type of indoor cardio exercise that you can them all with a session of indoor cycling workout.

Regardless of whether you are buying a professional magnetic spinning bike in the UK or just a budget indoor bike for beginners, ultimately you will get the same benefits.

If you are at the stage that you are trying to find out what indoor cycling benefits are, keep reading. Here I will try to explain some of the most important benefits to expect from magnetic resistance cycle in the Untied Kingdom.

Please note the positive effects of spinning, cycling on a magnetic stationary exercise bike goes beyond these couple of paragraphs.

From work efficiency at work to better sex life, an indoor exercise bike with magnetic resistance in the UK can help you get so many benefits.

Without further ado, let’s get to some of the best benefits to expect from indoor cycling with a magnetic resistance indoor bike in the UK.

Helps Control Weight

A huge beneficial factor of spinning exercise and magnetic resistance spin bikes is weight control. Indoor cycling at home with a good diet is a great tool to get rid of the extra body fat and control serum lipids.

Several studies have shown that HIIT and high-intensity aerobic exercise using magnetic indoor bike can burn up to 800 calories per hour and increase loss of body fat.

These studies were made on overweight men and women and show the positive advantages of cycling indoors in the using magnetic indoor bikes.

Improves Mental Health

There are tons of studies and articles on the web that explain how indoor cycling and using magnetic exercise bikes can help mental health. Considering how the modern society works, mental health is a major concern.

And it is essential to have tools to improve your mental well-being. It is not a secret that physical activity is directly associated with state of mental health.

Several studies shows that cardio exercises such as indoor cycling improves mental health. Based on the studies, those who carried out periodic exercise activity suffered from fewer days of poor mental health.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

When it comes to maintaining an optimal blood flow in our system, cardio exercises are the most recommended activities. There is a lot of research that supports the fact that cycling indoors improve blood flow in human body.

The benefits is not age limited. Cardio exercises such as spin bike workout provide cardiovascular health benefits at any stage of life and for everyone who can use an exercise bike.

There is a more recent study that shows the benefits of spinning on cardiovascular risk factors in people with rheumatoid arthritis. So, the cardiovascular benefits of using a home spin bike magnetic resistance is not limited to young people only.

The practice of spinning in a studio cycling class or at home is also directly associated with longevity and the general reduction of causes of death.

As you can see, there are so many reasons to do indoor cycling workout no matter your age or fitness level. You can always get these cardiovascular benefits at home while watching TV from an affordable magnetic spin bike in the UK, a portable mini stepper, under desk ellipticals, or recumbent exercise bikes.

Relieves Stress and Anxiety

There is a famous study that shows how aerobic exercise such as indoor cycling at home can reduce the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for generating stress in human body.

And you don’t even have to put too much effort to reap these health benefits. There is a study that shows with just fifteen minutes of daily physical exercise, you can achieve the desired cortisol level.

Although a spin bike belt drive magnetic resistance would help, you can use any type of exercise bikes in the UK to get these awesome benefits.

Relieves Joint Pain

Cycling, as a low impact exercise, has also been shown to help relive stiffness and joint pain. Compared to exercises like running, indoor cycling with exercises causes less fatigue in the joints of the lower body muscles.

Dues to the fact that most of your body weight supported by spin bike saddle, there is also very little pressure on the knees. This was shown by a study where the therapeutic effects of indoor cycling on arthritis patients were analyzed.

Builds Lean Muscles

Although you can’t bulk up with indoor cycling workout, it is a great cardio option if you’re looking to get lean muscle volume and stay ripped.

Indoor cycling with belt driven magnetic spin bikes will reduce body fat and increase lean muscle gains. If you eat every three hours instead of every 5 hours, and consume protein and vegetables with each meal, with a good indoor cycling workout you can quickly get results.

A personal recommendation that really help boost the indoor cycling benefits for me was eating carbs only after your workout, drinking lots of water, and eating whole foods.

Allows Interactive Workout

Unlike any other exercise bikes, indoor cycling bikes allow attending group cycling in dedicated cycling studios or from home with your TV or computer.

The hype that comes with group indoor cycling is really unique because of competition, music and light play. Studies the combination of these elements make the exercise more fan and effective.

The light, music, competition, and a motivational indoor cycling instructor can significantly influence your mood, efforts, and the amount of calories you burn on the bike.

Unlike some boring exercises, indoor cycling can be interactive if you buy one of the best magnetic indoor cycling bikes in the UK such as Nordictrack S22i that has HD screen and iFit compatibility. It’s something you might like to keep in mind when you get ready to buy a magnetic spinning bike in the United Kingdom.