Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

August 19, 2026July 8, 2026 by ejh22

Exercise Bikes · Buying Guide

Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

A recumbent bike is the comfortable, low-impact way to do cardio at home. You sit back in a supported, chair-like seat with the pedals out in front, which takes the strain off your back and knees, so you can ride longer and more often. Here are the best recumbent exercise bikes in the UK, ranked on FitRank, with prices and who each one suits.

Recumbents are the bike of choice for anyone who finds an upright saddle uncomfortable, and for older riders, people with back pain, heavier users and anyone easing back into exercise after injury. The reclined position spreads your weight across a large seat and backrest, and the low step-through frame makes getting on and off easy. What you give up is compactness, a recumbent has a bigger footprint than an upright, but for comfort and joint-friendly riding nothing else comes close.

All three of our picks are built around iFIT, so a trainer can guide your ride and adjust the resistance for you. Worth knowing up front, they all ride perfectly well as manual bikes without a membership, so a subscription is an option rather than a requirement. We have scored every bike on the site with FitRank, and this list runs in FitRank order.

The quick list

Best overall · NordicTrack GX10 Recumbent · FitRank 4.2 · £1,499
Best value · ProForm 325 CSX · FitRank 4.1 · £599
Best for comfort · NordicTrack GX LE Recumbent · FitRank 4.0 · £784

1Best overall

NordicTrack GX10 Recumbent

4.2/5

FitRank

Recumbent (screen)Low impact

The NordicTrack GX10 Recumbent is the most complete recumbent in the range, and our top pick. It pairs a large cushioned seat and full back support with a built-in touchscreen and iFIT, so a trainer can adjust the resistance for you through scenic rides and studio classes while you sit back in a supported, chair-like position. The step-through frame is low and easy, and the seat slides to fit a wide range of heights.

It is the most comfortable and most guided way to do low-impact cardio at home, with the automatic resistance doing the thinking so you just pedal and follow along.

Best for Anyone who wants the full guided, low-impact experience with a big screen and automatic resistance, and has the budget for it.

Watch-out At £1,499 it is a serious outlay for a recumbent, and the guided classes and routes that justify it need an ongoing iFIT membership.

£1,499

Check price Read our full review →

2Best value

ProForm 325 CSX

4.1/5

FitRank

RecumbentLow impact

The ProForm 325 CSX is the value recumbent, and the one most people should look at first. It has the same comfortable step-through frame and supportive padded seat, with adjustable magnetic resistance and an iFIT-enabled console, plus a 30-day iFIT trial in the box. You get most of the low-impact comfort of the pricier NordicTracks for a fraction of the money.

There is no built-in screen, so you run iFIT or any workout on your own tablet clipped to the holder, which keeps the price down without losing the guided option.

Best for Comfortable, low-impact home cardio on a sensible budget, with the option of guided workouts if you want them.

Watch-out No built-in touchscreen, and the full iFIT class library needs a membership once the 30-day trial ends.

£599£699

Check price Read our full review →

3Best for comfort

NordicTrack GX LE Recumbent

4.0/5

FitRank

RecumbentLow impact

The NordicTrack GX LE Recumbent is tuned around comfort rather than outright specs. It has an oversized, breathable seat and one of the easiest low step-throughs here, which makes getting on and off simple for anyone with limited mobility. It is iFIT-enabled for guided sessions on your own tablet, with NordicTrack’s build quality behind it.

If the priority is a seat you can sit on comfortably for a long, gentle session, this is the one that leads on that.

Best for Riders who put seat comfort and an easy step-through first, including seniors and anyone easing back into exercise.

Watch-out It sits above the cheaper ProForm on price without a clear feature lead, and like the others leans on iFIT for its best features.

£784£899

Check price Read our full review →

The three compared

#	Bike	Screen	Price	FitRank
1	NordicTrack GX10 Recumbent	Built-in	£1,499	4.2
2	ProForm 325 CSX	Your tablet	£599	4.1
3	NordicTrack GX LE Recumbent	Your tablet	£784	4.0

What a recumbent bike actually is

A recumbent exercise bike puts you in a reclined, seated position with a backrest behind you and the pedals out in front rather than beneath you. That single change alters almost everything about how the bike feels. Your weight rests on a broad, padded seat instead of a narrow saddle, your spine is supported rather than hunched, and your hands are free rather than bearing weight through the wrists. The frame is a low step-through, so you walk into the bike and sit down rather than swinging a leg over and climbing on.

The result is a machine you can ride for forty-five minutes while watching television without any of the numbness, saddle soreness or lower-back ache that drives people off an upright. That comfort is not a luxury, it is the whole point. The bike you find comfortable is the bike you actually use, and consistency beats intensity for almost everyone training at home.

Why choose a recumbent bike

The case for a recumbent is comfort and low impact. Because you sit back against a supportive backrest with your weight spread across a large seat, there is no pressure on your wrists, no sore saddle and far less load on your lower back. The pedalling motion is smooth and controlled, which is gentle on the knees and hips, so a recumbent is often the bike people can keep using when an upright has become uncomfortable.

That gentleness explains why recumbents turn up so often in rehabilitation settings and why they suit older riders, heavier riders and anyone returning to exercise after a break or an injury. The supported position also makes the bike stable and unintimidating, which matters more than any specification if balance or confidence is a concern. If you have a specific condition or are recovering from surgery, it is worth a quick word with your GP or physiotherapist about resistance levels and how often to ride, but as a category recumbents are among the most forgiving cardio machines you can own.

Recumbent, upright or spin bike

The three main types of exercise bike suit genuinely different people, and picking the wrong one is the most common and most expensive mistake buyers make.

Recumbent

Reclined, fully supported, pedals in front. The most comfortable and the gentlest on the joints, and the easiest to get on and off. Best for long, steady, low-impact sessions, older riders, back or knee trouble, and anyone easing back into exercise. The trade is a larger footprint and a less intense workout.

Upright

You sit over the pedals as you would on a normal bike, on a padded seat with handlebars in front. More compact than a recumbent and more versatile than a spin bike, with a moderate, general-fitness feel. Best for people short on space who want something familiar and comfortable enough.

Spin bike or indoor cycle

A forward-leaning, road-racing position with a heavy flywheel. The most vigorous and sweat-inducing of the three, ideal for interval training and virtual classes, and the least comfortable for long, gentle rides. Best for riders who want to train hard rather than train comfortably.

If comfort, joint health or ease of access are anywhere near the top of your list, a recumbent is the right answer. If you want to sprint and sweat, look at our indoor cycle picks instead.

Understanding iFIT and what it costs

All three bikes here are iFIT-enabled, so it is worth explaining what that means before you buy. iFIT is a subscription platform of guided workouts, streamed either to the bike’s own screen on the GX10 or to your tablet on the ProForm 325 CSX and GX LE. Its distinctive feature is that a trainer controls your resistance during a class or scenic route, so the bike gets harder as the virtual road climbs. It is genuinely motivating, and for many riders it is the difference between using a bike and ignoring it.

What matters practically is that iFIT is optional. Every bike on this page rides as a straightforward manual machine with adjustable resistance the moment you unbox it. If you never subscribe, you still have a fully working recumbent, you simply set the resistance yourself. Budget for the membership if the guided rides appeal, and ignore it entirely if they do not. If you want a bike with no subscription in the picture at all, see our best exercise bikes without a subscription guide.

How to choose the right recumbent

Seat and step-through

This is the heart of a recumbent, so look for a large, well-padded and ideally breathable seat, an easy fore-and-aft adjustment to fit your leg length, and a low step-through frame if getting on and off is a concern. The GX LE leads on seat comfort, while all three offer a proper supported backrest. If more than one person will use the bike, check the seat slides easily rather than needing tools.

Resistance and guidance

All three use smooth, quiet magnetic resistance with no friction pads to wear out. The difference is whether you want that resistance controlled for you. With iFIT the resistance adjusts automatically through a class or scenic route, which takes the thinking out of a session. Ride manually and you set the level yourself, which is perfectly fine for steady cardio.

Screen or your own tablet

Only the GX10 has a built-in touchscreen. The ProForm 325 CSX and GX LE use the iFIT app on your own tablet, clipped to the console, which keeps their prices down. If a big integrated display matters to you, that is most of what the extra spend on the GX10 buys. If you already own a tablet, the cheaper bikes give you the same content on a smaller screen.

Footprint, weight limit and assembly

Recumbents are longer than uprights, so measure your space before you order, and remember you need room to step in at the side. Check the user weight limit against your own weight rather than assuming, and be aware these are heavy machines to assemble, so plan for two people or a delivery option that includes assembly.

How we chose these bikes

Every bike on this page has been scored with FitRank, our editorial rating out of 5 that weighs performance, build quality, value and features against each bike’s rivals and its price. We do not rank by commission, and the order of this list follows the FitRank scores exactly. Our scores draw on published specifications and independent owner and reviewer feedback rather than a single showroom session, so they reflect how these bikes hold up in real homes over months of use.

Who should not buy a recumbent

Recumbents are not for everyone, and it is worth being honest about that. If you want a hard, sweaty interval workout, the reclined position limits how much power you can put down and how much you can use your upper body, so a spin bike will serve you better. If floor space is genuinely tight, a recumbent is the largest of the three bike types and a folding upright will suit you far better. And if the appeal of cycling is that it feels like riding a bike, a recumbent will feel odd, because it does not. For everyone else, particularly anyone who has quietly stopped using an uncomfortable upright, this is the category that gets you back on a bike.

Frequently asked questions

Who are recumbent exercise bikes best for?

Anyone who wants comfortable, low-impact cardio. The reclined, supported seat takes pressure off the lower back and is gentle on the knees and hips, which makes recumbents a popular choice for older riders, people with back pain, anyone in rehab, heavier users, and those who simply find an upright saddle uncomfortable.

Do these recumbent bikes need an iFIT subscription?

No, not to ride them. All three work as manual bikes, so you can just get on and pedal with adjustable resistance. The classes, scenic routes and automatic resistance are the iFIT features, and those need a membership after the included trial. If you never want a subscription, you use the bike manually and lose nothing on the basic ride.

Are recumbent bikes good for weight loss?

Yes, for steady, sustainable low-impact cardio they work well, and comfort means you are more likely to keep at it. Minute for minute at high intensity an upright or air bike can burn a little more, but the recumbent you actually use beats the intense bike you avoid because it is uncomfortable.

What is the difference between a recumbent and an upright bike?

On a recumbent you sit back in a supported, chair-like seat with the pedals out in front, which spreads your weight and supports your back. On an upright you sit over the pedals like a normal bike. Recumbents win on comfort and joint-friendliness, uprights on compactness and a more cycling-like feel.

Can I use a recumbent bike with bad knees or after surgery?

Recumbents are one of the gentler options because the motion is smooth, supported and low-impact, which is why they are common in rehab settings. That said, everyone is different, so if you are recovering from surgery or managing a joint condition, check with your GP or physiotherapist before starting.

Are recumbent bikes worth it?

If comfort or joint health is a priority, very much so. The whole value of a recumbent is that you will use it, because nothing aches afterwards. If you want maximum intensity in minimum time and have no comfort concerns, a spin bike gives you more workout for the money.

How much space does a recumbent bike need?

More than an upright. They are longer because the pedals sit out in front, and you need clear room at the side to step in. Measure the length and width of your chosen bike, then add space to get on and off comfortably, and remember that unlike some uprights, recumbents do not fold away.

Are recumbent bikes good for seniors?

They are the type most often recommended for older riders, thanks to the supportive backrest, the large seat and the low step-through that makes getting on and off straightforward. Our best exercise bikes for seniors guide covers the full range of senior-friendly options, including uprights and a folding bike for small flats.

Do recumbent bikes work your core and glutes?

Less than an upright does. Because the backrest supports your torso, your core works considerably less, and the reclined angle changes how the glutes and hamstrings engage. You still get a genuine lower-body and cardiovascular workout, but if core engagement is a goal, add some floor work rather than relying on the bike for it.

Prefer to keep costs down with no membership at all? See our best exercise bikes without a subscription. For senior-friendly options across every type, read our best exercise bikes for seniors guide, and for the full field start with our main best exercise bikes guide.

Chris Linford · Fitness equipment reviewer
Chris writes the home fitness reviews across our sites, including our sister site HomeTreadmill.co.uk. He compares every machine against its rivals on UK pricing and specs, and scores each one with FitRank.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← All exercise bikes

Best Exercise Bikes Without a Subscription

August 19, 2026July 8, 2026 by ejh22

Subscription-free exercise bikes compared, including the JTX Studio Pro and Reebok Z-Tech Sprint

Exercise Bikes · Buying Guide

Best Exercise Bikes Without a Subscription

By Chris Linford · Updated July 2026 · Rated with FitRank

Plenty of the best-known indoor bikes tie you to a monthly membership before they are much use. These do not. Every bike below rides fully on its own, connects to the apps you already have if you want, and charges no compulsory fee, ranked on FitRank, with current UK prices.

The big connected brands, Peloton, Echelon and the iFIT bikes from NordicTrack and ProForm, build their appeal around a paid platform. The classes, the automatic resistance and the scenic routes all sit behind a membership, and over a few years that fee can add up to more than the bike itself. The bikes on this list take the opposite approach. Some connect over Bluetooth to apps like Zwift, Kinomap and even Peloton using your own account, others have no apps at all, but none of them charges you a membership of its own. You buy the bike once and it is yours.

We have scored every bike on the site with FitRank, our editorial rating out of 5, and this list is ordered strictly by that score, so the ranking matches the numbers you see on each bike. Here are the seven best subscription-free exercise bikes in the UK right now.

The quick list

Best overall · JTX Studio Pro · FitRank 4.6 · £799
Best for HIIT and intervals · JTX Ignite AirX Rider · FitRank 4.6 · £799
Best connected value · Reebok Z-Tech Sprint · FitRank 4.5 · £699
Best compact · Reebok i-Bike · FitRank 4.1 · £349
Best heavy flywheel · adidas C-21x · FitRank 4.0 · £699
Best budget · JTX Cyclo-3M · FitRank 3.9 · £299
Best ultra-budget connected · Viavito Satori · FitRank 3.8 · £229

1Best overall

JTX Studio Pro

4.6/5

FitRank

SpinNo subscription

The JTX Studio Pro is the best subscription-free bike we have compared, and it earns it on ride quality. A commercial-grade frame, a heavy 16kg flywheel and 32 magnetic levels give it a smooth, road-like feel, and it connects to Zwift and Kinomap through your own tablet using your own account. JTX is a British brand that sells direct and handles its own servicing, so it comes with a 3-year in-home warranty and no middleman.

There is no compulsory JTX fee at any point. You ride whatever app you like, free or paid, or none at all, and the bike is fully yours from day one.

Best for Serious, structured riders who want a proper studio ride and are happy to bring their own screen.

Watch-out A committed buy at £799, and you supply the tablet rather than getting a built-in display.

£799Summer Sale 10% off

Check price Read our full review →

2Best for HIIT and intervals

JTX Ignite AirX Rider

4.6/5

FitRank

Air (erg)No subscription

If your training is short and hard rather than long and steady, the Ignite AirX Rider is the subscription-free pick. It is a seated erg-style air bike with a freewheel and a performance console that reports drag factor, splits and history, and it connects to Zwift for structured sessions. The air resistance scales with how hard you push and never runs out.

Like every bike here it needs no membership. You get the data and the connectivity without a recurring fee.

Best for Interval and race training, and anyone who wants data-led conditioning rather than steady spinning.

Watch-out An air bike is a different tool to a spin bike, louder, and built for hard bursts rather than gentle rides.

£799Summer Sale 10% off

Check price Read our full review →

3Best connected value

Reebok Z-Tech Sprint

4.5/5

FitRank

Indoor cycleNo subscription

The Reebok Z-Tech Sprint is the clever one, and our value pick. It pairs a 13kg flywheel and 50 levels of app-controllable electromagnetic resistance with the widest app support on this list, Zwift, Kinomap, Rouvy and even the Peloton app. That means you can follow Peloton classes with no Peloton bike and no Reebok fee of its own. It ships with a 60-day Kinomap trial and a 150kg user limit.

The electromagnetic resistance can adjust itself as the gradient changes in a route or workout, so you get an automatic, immersive ride that usually costs a lot more.

Best for Anyone who wants the connected, class-led experience, Peloton classes included, without paying a monthly membership for the bike.

Watch-out You bring your own tablet, as there is no built-in screen, and the Peloton app itself still has its own separate fee if you choose to use it.

£699£900GOAL10 -> £629.10

Check price Read our full review →

4Best compact

Reebok i-Bike

4.1/5

FitRank

Indoor cycleNo subscription

The Reebok i-Bike is the compact, affordable way onto app-connected riding. An 8kg flywheel, 32 levels of magnetic resistance, self-levelling pedals and Zwift and Kinomap support, in a small 131 by 51cm footprint that tucks into a flat or spare room. Same open, no-subscription approach as its bigger sibling.

It is heavily discounted at Sweatband and drops further with the GOAL10 code, which makes it one of the cheapest genuine connected bikes here.

Best for Smaller homes and tighter budgets that still want app-connected riding with no fee.

Watch-out A 110kg user limit and a lighter flywheel, so it suits steady cardio rather than hard, out-of-the-saddle training.

£349£399GOAL10 -> £314.10

Check price Read our full review →

5Best heavy flywheel

adidas C-21x

4.0/5

FitRank

Indoor cycleNo subscription

The adidas C-21x is the pick if you want a weighty, traditional spin feel. Its heavy 16kg rear-drive flywheel gives a smooth, road-like ride, and a manual resistance paddle lets you change effort instantly mid-sprint, the way a gym spin bike does. It connects to Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap over Bluetooth, and comes with a chest strap and SPD-ready pedals.

There is no adidas membership. You use whichever app you like on your own tablet, or just ride on the bike’s own numbers.

Best for Committed riders who want a heavy, traditional spin feel and like the brand.

Watch-out You pay a little for the three stripes, and resistance is a manual paddle rather than app-controlled.

£699£900

Check price Read our full review →

6Best budget

JTX Cyclo-3M

3.9/5

FitRank

SpinNo subscription

The JTX Cyclo-3M is the best budget bike here, and the sensible first spin bike. It is a compact, quiet magnetic bike with a 6kg flywheel, built for beginners and casual daily riders, and it comes with JTX’s in-home warranty behind it for peace of mind at the price.

There are no apps to set up and nothing to subscribe to. You get on and pedal, which is exactly what a lot of first-time buyers want.

Best for A first bike, or a simple, reliable daily ride on a budget, with nothing to configure.

Watch-out No app connectivity and a lighter flywheel, so it is a get-on-and-pedal bike rather than a connected one.

£299Summer Sale 10% off

Check price Read our full review →

7Best ultra-budget connected

Viavito Satori

3.8/5

FitRank

UprightNo subscription

The Viavito Satori is remarkable value and the cheapest genuine route into connected riding on this list. For £229 you get a 9kg flywheel, 32 computer-controlled magnetic levels, adjustable bars and Bluetooth for Zwift and Kinomap, and it out-specs Viavito’s own pricier SB1. It is Sweatband’s budget brand, so it is often discounted further still.

No subscription, no locked-in app. You pair whichever app you fancy, on its own free or paid plan, from a bike that costs a fraction of the premium options.

Best for The cheapest way into app-connected riding, or testing whether indoor cycling sticks before spending more.

Watch-out Budget construction and a basic console, and as a newer brand its long-term durability is less proven than an established name.

£229£349

Check price Read our full review →

The seven compared

#	Bike	Type	Price	FitRank
1	JTX Studio Pro	Spin	£799	4.6
2	JTX Ignite AirX Rider	Air (erg)	£799	4.6
3	Reebok Z-Tech Sprint	Indoor cycle	£699	4.5
4	Reebok i-Bike	Indoor cycle	£349	4.1
5	adidas C-21x	Indoor cycle	£699	4.0
6	JTX Cyclo-3M	Spin	£299	3.9
7	Viavito Satori	Upright	£229	3.8

What counts as subscription-free

It is worth being precise, because the word subscription gets used loosely. A subscription-free bike is one that charges no compulsory fee of its own to work. That splits into two kinds on this list. The first is app-optional bikes like the JTX Studio Pro, the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint and the Viavito Satori, which connect over Bluetooth to third-party apps such as Zwift, Kinomap and Peloton. You use your own account on that app, on its free or paid tier, and you can stop any time and still have a fully working bike. The second is app-free bikes like the JTX Cyclo-3M, which have no connectivity at all and simply let you get on and pedal. Neither kind sends money to the bike maker every month.

The one nuance worth understanding is the Peloton app. On the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint you can follow Peloton classes without buying a Peloton bike, which is a genuine saving on hardware. The Peloton app itself still has its own separate fee if you choose to use it, but that is your choice on your terms, not a cost the bike forces on you.

What a subscription really costs over time

This is the arithmetic that makes subscription-free bikes worth considering even if you like the idea of classes. Platform memberships commonly run somewhere between £120 and £400 a year depending on the plan. Over three years that is a few hundred pounds at the low end and well over a thousand at the high end, on top of a bike that was rarely cheap to begin with. It is entirely possible to spend more on the membership than on the machine.

A subscription-free bike converts that recurring cost into a one-off. You can still add an app if you want structure, Zwift and Kinomap both have paid tiers and both have free or trial options, and you can stop paying whenever you like without the bike becoming less useful. That flexibility is the real product here, not the absence of software.

What you give up, and what you do not

Being fair about the trade matters. Subscription bikes offer two things these do not. The first is a large built-in touchscreen, which is genuinely more immersive than propping a tablet on a holder and removes the daily friction of setting up. The second is automatic resistance controlled by a trainer or a virtual gradient, though the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint’s electromagnetic resistance does exactly this through third-party apps, which is why it scores so well.

What you do not give up is the ride. Flywheel weight, frame quality, resistance smoothness and warranty are all hardware, and the JTX Studio Pro at £799 with a commercial-grade frame, a 16kg flywheel and a three-year in-home warranty is a better bike than plenty of connected machines costing more. The subscription buys content, not engineering.

Which apps work with these bikes

The app-optional bikes here pair over Bluetooth with the main third-party platforms, and it is worth knowing what each offers before you choose.

Zwift

A virtual world where you ride against other people in real time. Strong for structured training plans and racing, and the closest thing to a competitive group ride at home. Works with the JTX bikes, the Reebok pair, the adidas C-21x and the Viavito Satori.

Kinomap

Real-world route videos with your speed matched to the footage, so you ride actual roads and climbs. On bikes with electromagnetic resistance like the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint, the resistance changes automatically as the gradient does. The Reebok i-Bike ships with a 60-day Kinomap trial.

Peloton

The Reebok Z-Tech Sprint pairs with the Peloton app, so you can follow Peloton classes without buying Peloton hardware. The app has its own fee, but you have saved on the bike and you are not locked to it.

None of these is compulsory. Every bike here works with no app at all, showing your speed, time, distance and resistance on its own console.

How to choose a subscription-free bike

Decide if you want apps at all

If you like the idea of classes, virtual routes or structured workouts, choose an app-optional bike and pair it with Zwift, Kinomap or Peloton on your own tablet. If you would rather just ride, an app-free bike like the Cyclo-3M keeps things simple and cheap. Both avoid a compulsory membership, so this is about how you like to train, not about cost.

Look at the flywheel

Flywheel weight is the biggest single influence on how a bike feels. A heavier flywheel, the 13kg on the Reebok Z-Tech or the 16kg on the JTX Studio Pro and adidas C-21x, gives a smoother, more road-like ride, especially standing up. Lighter flywheels around 6 to 9kg are fine for steady cardio and keep the price and weight down.

Check the resistance type

Magnetic resistance is quiet, maintenance-free and standard across this list. Electromagnetic resistance, on the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint, goes a step further by letting an app adjust the load automatically as a route climbs. If you want the immersive, hands-off ride without a platform fee, that is the feature to look for.

Remember you supply the screen

Part of how these bikes stay subscription-free and cheaper is that they have no built-in touchscreen. You clip your own tablet or phone to the holder to run any app. If a large built-in screen matters more to you than avoiding a fee, a subscription bike is the trade you are really weighing, and our best exercise bikes with a screen guide covers those.

Check the warranty and user weight limit

A long warranty is worth a great deal on a machine you will use hard. JTX sell direct with a three-year in-home warranty, which is the strongest cover here. Check the user weight limit too, as budget bikes often sit lower, the Reebok i-Bike is rated to 110kg while the Z-Tech Sprint takes 150kg.

How we chose these bikes

Who should buy a subscription bike instead

If a large built-in screen and a trainer talking you through every session is what will get you on the bike three times a week, buy the subscription bike and pay the fee gladly. Motivation is the scarcest resource in home fitness, and a machine you use beats a cheaper one you do not. The same goes if you want the leaderboard and the community, which no third-party app quite replicates.

Everyone else is better off here. If you are self-motivated, if you already own a tablet, if you like Zwift or Kinomap, or if you simply object to renting access to a machine you have already bought, a subscription-free bike gives you the same ride and keeps the money.

Frequently asked questions

Do these exercise bikes really work without a subscription?

Yes. None of them charges a compulsory monthly fee. Some connect to apps like Zwift, Kinomap or Peloton using your own account, on that app’s own free or paid plan, and others have no apps at all. You never pay the bike’s maker a membership to use it.

Which is the best exercise bike with no subscription?

The JTX Studio Pro overall, for its commercial-grade ride, heavy flywheel and 3-year in-home warranty. For connected riding on a smaller budget, the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint is the value pick, and it even runs Peloton classes with no Peloton bike or Reebok fee.

Can I use Peloton without buying a Peloton bike?

Yes, on the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint, which pairs with the Peloton app over Bluetooth. You would still pay for the Peloton app itself if you want its classes, but you avoid buying Peloton’s hardware, and the bike has no fee of its own.

How are these different from an Echelon or NordicTrack bike?

Echelon, NordicTrack and ProForm are built around a paid platform, Echelon Premier Membership or iFIT. They ride manually without it, but the classes, automatic resistance and scenic routes that justify buying them need an ongoing membership. The bikes on this list do not.

Do I need to buy a screen for these bikes?

For the connected bikes here you bring your own tablet or phone and clip it to the holder. None has a built-in touchscreen, which is part of how they stay subscription-free and keep the price down.

Are subscription-free bikes cheaper to own?

Over time, usually yes. A platform membership commonly runs £120 to £400 a year, which across a few years can add up to more than the bike itself. A subscription-free bike has a one-off cost, and any apps you add are your choice on your own terms.

Is Zwift free?

Zwift has a paid subscription for full access, though it is your choice and entirely separate from the bike. The point of a subscription-free bike is that you can use Zwift, use a cheaper app, or use nothing at all, and the machine works either way.

Which subscription-free bike has automatic resistance?

The Reebok Z-Tech Sprint. Its electromagnetic resistance can be controlled by an app, so the load adjusts itself as a route climbs in Kinomap or Zwift. That is the immersive feature people usually associate with subscription bikes, without a platform fee attached.

Are cheap exercise bikes without subscriptions any good?

The better ones are, yes. The Viavito Satori at £229 offers a 9kg flywheel, 32 computer-controlled resistance levels and Bluetooth app support, which is a lot of bike for the money. What to avoid is an unbranded marketplace bike with no warranty and no UK support.

If a built-in screen and guided classes appeal more than avoiding a fee, see our best exercise bikes with a screen. Working to a budget? Our best exercise bikes under £500 guide has the value picks. For the full field across every type and brand, start with our main best exercise bikes guide.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Xterra Fitness FB150 Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra Fitness FB150 folding exercise bike review UK

Xterra Fitness · Folding Bike Review

Xterra Fitness FB150 Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The FB150 is the cheapest, lightest and most compact bike Xterra makes. It is the stripped-back version of the FB350, with the same flywheel and resistance but a smaller frame and none of the extras. At £149 it is the lowest-cost way into the range, though for a little more the FB350 is the more comfortable bike.

Xterra Fitness FB150

Compact folding bike

2.7/5

FitRank

Fair

Performance2.5

Build2.6

Value3.0

Features2.6

£149

Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The FB150 is Xterra’s most basic bike, and it is honest about it. You get the same 1.5kg flywheel and eight-level magnetic resistance as the FB350, wrapped in a smaller, lighter X-frame that folds away to the slimmest footprint in the range. At 17kg it is the easiest Xterra to lift, fold and store, which is the entire reason to choose it.

The catch is how little separates it from the FB350. For around £20 more, the FB350 adds a lower-back support pad, an accessory tray and a slightly larger frame, and it is the more comfortable bike to spend time on. So the FB150 only really makes sense if the lowest possible price or the smallest possible size is your single priority. For everyone else, the small step up is worth taking.

Strengths

Lightest and most compact bike in the range at 17kg
Folds flat on a small X-frame, with transport wheels
Cheapest Xterra at £149
Simple and quick to set up
Magnetic resistance runs quietly

Watch-outs

Very light 1.5kg flywheel, little momentum
No back-support pad or accessory tray
Smaller frame and seat than the FB350
102kg maximum user weight
Basic LCD, hand-pulse heart rate, no connectivity

Ride feel and real-world experience

The FB150 rides much like the FB350, because mechanically it is almost the same bike. The 1.5kg precision-balanced flywheel and eight magnetic levels make for a quiet, light ride that is comfortable on the lower settings and short on momentum higher up. It is built for gentle, steady pedalling rather than hard work, and within those limits it does the job.

The differences are in comfort and size. The seat is oversized and padded with height adjustment, but there is no lower-back support pad, and the frame is smaller and lighter than the FB350’s, supporting the same 102kg maximum. For shorter riders and tight spaces that compactness is a positive; for longer sessions or larger users, the extra room and back support of the FB350 are worth having. As with every Xterra, this is a light bike, so it feels less planted than a fixed-frame upright like the UB120.

Assembly, size and storage

Storage is where the FB150 makes its case. It is the smallest Xterra set up, at 81cm long by 46cm wide, and folds down to roughly 46cm deep, so it disappears into a narrow gap a larger bike could not. At just 17kg it is easy to fold, lift and wheel away on its transport wheels, and assembly is quick, arriving mostly built. If your priority is a bike that takes up as little room as possible, the FB150 is the one in the range that delivers it.

Console and features

The FB150 uses the same basic battery-powered LCD console as the FB350, displaying speed, distance, time, calories, heart rate and an odometer, with a scan mode, and heart rate read through hand-grip pulse sensors. What it does without is the accessory tray, so there is no built-in spot to rest a phone or tablet. There is no Bluetooth or app connectivity either: this is a ride-to-the-console bike with nothing to set up and nothing to pay for after purchase.

How it compares

The decision here is almost entirely FB150 versus FB350. They share a flywheel, resistance and weight limit, so the FB350’s back pad, accessory tray and larger frame are what your extra £20 buys, and for most people that is money well spent. The FB150 wins only on price, weight and folded size. If you do not need a folding bike at all, the UB120 is the better Xterra for the money, and if you can spend more, the £299 JTX Cyclo-3M is a heavier, smoother bike from a brand with full UK support. You can weigh all three Xterras on the range hub.

Who it is for

The FB150 is for the buyer who wants the cheapest, smallest folding bike they can get for light cardio, and who will trade comfort features to achieve it. It suits very tight spaces, shorter riders and anyone on the tightest budget. If comfort over longer sessions matters, or you are a larger rider, step up to the FB350; if folding is not needed, the UB120 is the better choice.

Specifications

Bike type	Folding upright
Resistance	Magnetic, 8 levels, manually adjustable
Flywheel	1.5kg, precision balanced
Maximum user weight	102kg
Console	LCD: speed, distance, time, calories, heart rate, odometer, scan
Connectivity	None
Heart rate	Hand pulse sensors
Power supply	2 AA batteries (included)
Seat	Oversized, padded, height-adjustable
Handlebars	Soft foam, non-slip, multi-grip
Pedals	Ergonomic with adjustable straps
Included	Transport wheels
Assembled size (l x w x h)	81 x 46 x 109 cm
Folded size (l x w x h)	46 x 46 x 129.5 cm
Machine weight	17kg
Warranty	1 year frame, 90 days brake, 90 days parts
Usage class	Home

Warranty and after-sales

The FB150 has the same home-use cover as the rest of the folding range: one year on the frame, 90 days on the brake and 90 days on parts, with UK retail support through Sweatband. It is short compared with premium machines, but in keeping with a £149 folding bike intended for light, occasional use.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 2.5

Identical drivetrain to the FB350: a 1.5kg flywheel and eight magnetic levels that suit gentle cardio but carry little momentum. The lowest performance score in the range.

Build quality 2.6

A smaller, lighter folding frame at 17kg with a 102kg limit. It is the most compact Xterra but also the least substantial, and the short parts warranty reflects the price.

Value 3.0

The cheapest bike in the range, but the FB350 offers more comfort for only around £20 more, which holds the value score just below its sibling.

Features 2.6

The most basic in the range. It loses the FB350’s back-support pad and accessory tray, leaving a plain LCD, hand-pulse heart rate and no connectivity.

Frequently asked questions

Is the FB150 or FB350 better?

The FB350 is the more comfortable bike, adding a lower-back support pad, an accessory tray and a larger frame for around £20 more. The FB150 wins only on price, weight and folded size, so it suits the tightest budgets and smallest spaces.

How compact is it when folded?

It is the smallest Xterra. Set up it is 81cm long; folded it drops to around 46cm deep, and at 17kg it is the easiest in the range to move and store.

Is the 1.5kg flywheel powerful enough?

It is fine for gentle, steady cardio, which is what the bike is designed for. It is too light for hard or sustained training, where the ride feels short on momentum.

What is the maximum user weight?

102kg, the same as the FB350. Heavier riders should consider the non-folding UB120, which supports up to 130kg.

Does it have a tablet holder?

No. Unlike the FB350, the FB150 has no accessory tray, so there is no built-in place to rest a phone or tablet while you ride.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Xterra Fitness FB350 Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra Fitness FB350 Folding Exercise Bike UK review

Xterra Fitness · Folding Bike Review

Xterra Fitness FB350 Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The FB350 is the better of Xterra’s two folding bikes: a compact X-frame that tucks away after each session, with a padded back-support seat and an accessory tray the cheaper FB150 goes without. At £169 it is a sensible buy for light cardio in a small space, as long as you go in knowing it is an entry-level ride.

Xterra Fitness FB350

Folding upright bike

2.9/5

FitRank

Fair

Performance2.6

Build2.8

Value3.2

Features3.0

£169

Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The FB350 does one thing well: it gives you a usable exercise bike that folds down to a slim 52cm-deep shape and rolls out of the way when you are done. For a flat, a spare bedroom or any home where floor space is the constraint, that is the whole point, and Xterra has covered the comfort basics with a padded seat, a cushioned lower-back pad and soft-foam multi-grip handlebars that the cheaper FB150 cannot match.

The limitation is the flywheel. At 1.5kg it is very light, so the pedal stroke is functional rather than fluid and the ride does not carry much momentum between strokes. That is fine for gentle, steady cardio, which is what this bike is for, but it is the wrong tool for anyone wanting to push hard or train with structure. Read it as a comfortable, fold-away bike for easy sessions and it makes sense at £169.

Strengths

Folds flat on a compact X-frame for storage
Padded seat with a cushioned lower-back support pad
Accessory tray for a phone or remote
Soft-foam multi-grip handlebars and transport wheels
Magnetic resistance runs quietly

Watch-outs

Very light 1.5kg flywheel, little momentum
102kg maximum user weight
No app connectivity and a basic LCD console
Hand-pulse heart rate only
1-year frame warranty, 90 days on parts

Ride feel and real-world experience

The FB350 is built around a 1.5kg precision-balanced flywheel and eight levels of manually controlled magnetic resistance. That keeps it quiet and easy to live with, but it also defines the ride: a light flywheel stores little energy, so the stroke feels more like steady pedalling than the flowing, weighted motion of a heavier bike. On the lower resistance levels it is comfortable for easy cardio; wind it up and you will find the ceiling quickly. This is a bike for keeping moving, not for chasing performance.

Where it does well is comfort and stability for the money. The oversized padded seat adjusts for height and adds a lower-back support pad, the handlebars are soft-foam and non-slip, and the X-frame holds users up to 102kg. It is light at 20.5kg, which is what lets it fold and roll away, though that same lightness means it feels less planted than a heavier fixed-frame bike like the UB120.

Assembly, size and storage

Folding is the FB350’s headline feature and it works well. Assembled it measures 103cm long by 53cm wide; folded it shrinks to around 52cm deep, so it slides into a corner or beside a wardrobe between sessions. Transport wheels make moving it easy despite the modest 20.5kg weight, and assembly is simple, arriving largely built with only the pedals, seat and handlebars to fit. If the ability to clear the floor after every workout matters to you, this is exactly what the FB350 is designed to deliver.

Console and features

The FB350 runs a basic LCD console powered by two AA batteries, showing speed, distance, time, calories, heart rate and an odometer, with a scan mode that cycles through them. Heart rate comes from hand-grip pulse sensors built into the handlebars. There is no Bluetooth and no app connectivity, so you ride to the on-board readout. The practical extra over the FB150 is the accessory tray, which holds a phone or remote so you can prop up a device and follow a free class or watch something while you pedal.

How it compares

The closest comparison is its own stablemate, the FB150. The two share the same 1.5kg flywheel and resistance system, but the FB350 adds a back-support pad, an accessory tray and a slightly larger frame for around £20 more, which makes it the more comfortable buy of the pair. If you do not need to fold the bike away, the UB120 is the stronger Xterra overall, with a heavier flywheel and a higher weight limit. And if you can stretch the budget, the £299 JTX Cyclo-3M moves you into a heavier, smoother class of bike with proper brand support.

Who it is for

The FB350 is for someone who wants light cardio at home but cannot give a bike permanent floor space. It suits small flats, shared rooms and anyone returning to gentle exercise who values comfort and easy storage over ride quality. It is not for hard training or heavier or taller riders pushing the 102kg limit. If folding is not essential, spend the same money on the UB120 instead.

Specifications

Bike type	Folding upright
Resistance	Magnetic, 8 levels, manually adjustable
Flywheel	1.5kg, precision balanced
Maximum user weight	102kg
Console	LCD: speed, distance, time, calories, heart rate, odometer, scan
Connectivity	None
Heart rate	Hand pulse sensors
Power supply	2 AA batteries (included)
Seat	Oversized, padded, with lower-back support, height-adjustable
Handlebars	Soft foam, non-slip, multi-grip
Pedals	Ergonomic with adjustable straps
Included	Accessory tray, transport wheels
Assembled size (l x w x h)	103 x 53 x 122 cm
Folded size (l x w x h)	52 x 53 x 128 cm
Machine weight	20.5kg
Warranty	1 year frame, 90 days brake, 90 days parts
Usage class	Home

Warranty and after-sales

The FB350 carries a home-use warranty of one year on the frame, 90 days on the brake and 90 days on parts. That is short next to premium brands but typical for a folding bike at this price, and it is backed by UK retail support through Sweatband. For a £169 fold-away bike used for light, occasional cardio, the cover matches the way most owners will use it.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 2.6

The 1.5kg flywheel carries little momentum, so the ride is light and functional rather than smooth. Eight magnetic levels give enough range for easy cardio but not for hard or sustained efforts.

Build quality 2.8

A solid enough folding frame with a 102kg limit and transport wheels, but at 20.5kg it is light, and the folding X-frame feels less planted than a fixed upright. The 90-day parts warranty reflects the price.

Value 3.2

The strongest pillar. At £169 you get a fold-away bike with a back-support seat and an accessory tray, which is fair for the comfort and storage it offers.

Features 3.0

Better equipped than the FB150 thanks to the back pad and accessory tray, but still a basic LCD, hand-pulse heart rate and no connectivity.

Frequently asked questions

How small does the FB350 fold?

Folded it measures around 52cm deep by 53cm wide, down from a 103cm length when set up, so it tucks into a corner or beside a wardrobe. Transport wheels help you move it once folded.

What is the difference between the FB350 and FB150?

They share the same 1.5kg flywheel and resistance, but the FB350 adds a lower-back support pad, an accessory tray and a slightly larger frame. The FB150 is smaller, lighter and around £20 cheaper.

Is the 1.5kg flywheel enough?

It is enough for gentle, steady cardio, which is what the bike is built for. It is too light for hard training or standing efforts, where the ride feels short on momentum.

What is the maximum user weight?

102kg. If you are close to or above that, the non-folding UB120 with its 130kg limit is the safer choice.

Does it connect to apps?

No. The FB350 has no Bluetooth or app connectivity. You ride to the on-board LCD, though the accessory tray lets you prop up a phone to follow a free class yourself.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all Xterra exercise bikes

Xterra Fitness UB120 Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra Fitness UB120 Exercise Bike review UK

Xterra Fitness · Upright Bike Review

Xterra Fitness UB120 Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The UB120 is the bike Xterra gets most right. It is a plain, non-folding upright with the heaviest flywheel and the highest weight limit in the range, and it regularly sells for under £100. For light, no-fuss cardio at home, that is a lot of bike for the money.

Xterra Fitness UB120

Non-folding upright bike

3.2/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.0

Build3.2

Value3.6

Features2.9

£99£199

Sale · Save £100 Check price at Sweatband

The verdict

The UB120 is the pick of the Xterra range, and the reason is simple: it is the only one built like a bike you keep in place rather than fold away. The 4kg flywheel is more than double the weight of the one in the folding FB350 and FB150, the frame supports up to 130kg, and the upright stance feels steadier underfoot than the lightweight X-frames. None of that makes it a performance machine, but it does make it the most usable Xterra for regular, gentle cardio.

Where it earns its FitRank is value. At the £199 list price it is unremarkable, but it spends much of its life on offer at around £99, and at that money a non-folding upright from an established brand, with a tablet holder and a 130kg limit, is hard to fault. The compromises are the ones you would expect: a single-button LCD console, manual resistance, no app support, and a height window of roughly 155cm to 185cm that rules out the tallest riders.

Strengths

Heaviest flywheel in the Xterra range at 4kg
130kg maximum user weight, the highest here
Tablet holder built in
Strong value when discounted to around £99
Transport wheels for moving it aside

Watch-outs

Does not fold, so it needs a permanent spot
Single-button console is very basic
No app connectivity or Bluetooth
Suits riders roughly 155cm to 185cm
Hand-pulse heart rate only

Ride feel and real-world experience

For an entry-level upright, the UB120 rides better than the folding Xterras, and the flywheel is the reason. At 4kg it still counts as light, so you will not get the planted, road-like momentum of a heavier spin bike, but it carries enough inertia to smooth out the pedal stroke and keep the lower resistance levels from feeling twitchy. The magnetic resistance runs quietly, with eight levels set by hand on the dial, which is plenty of range for steady cardio even if it will not satisfy anyone chasing hard interval work.

Comfort is handled by an oversized, padded, height-adjustable seat and soft-foam multi-grip handlebars, and the 130kg weight limit gives the frame a reassuring margin that the folders lack. The one fit caveat to take seriously is height: Xterra lists the UB120 as suitable for users between roughly 155cm and 185cm, so if you are taller than six foot, look elsewhere in the range or step up a class.

Assembly, size and storage

The UB120 is straightforward to build, arriving largely pre-assembled with the main job being the stabilisers, seat, handlebars and pedals. At 18kg it is light to manoeuvre, and transport wheels at the front let you tip and roll it out of the way. The trade-off for that lightness is that it does not fold, so unlike the FB350 and FB150 it needs a permanent home. Its footprint is compact at 88cm by 56cm, so a spare corner is enough, but plan for it to stay put rather than disappear into a cupboard between sessions.

Console and features

The UB120 keeps things deliberately simple. A clear LCD console operated by a single button tracks speed, distance, time, calories and heart rate through hand-grip pulse sensors, and that is the extent of the electronics. There is no Bluetooth and no app connectivity, so this is a ride-and-go bike rather than a connected one. The useful extra is the built-in tablet holder: prop a phone or tablet on it and you can follow a free spin class on YouTube or stream whatever keeps you pedalling, which covers the entertainment gap most budget bikes leave open.

How it compares

Within the range, the UB120 is the clear pick over the folding FB350 and FB150: it has a heavier flywheel, a higher weight limit and a steadier upright frame, and the only thing it gives up is the ability to fold away. If folding is your priority, the FB350 is the one to read up on; if it is not, the UB120 is the better bike. Against other budget uprights, including the Sweatband house-brand Viavito range, it competes mainly on its sale price. If you want a heavier flywheel, app connectivity and a frame built for harder training, the step up is the £299 JTX Cyclo-3M, the entry point to a far more capable range.

Who it is for

The UB120 suits anyone who wants light, regular cardio at home and does not need their bike to fold or connect to anything. It is a sensible choice for a returning exerciser, a steady daily pedal in front of the television, or a second machine for a spare room, especially at its sale price. If you are taller than six foot, want structured training or expect app classes and a heavier ride, treat it as a stepping stone and look higher up.

Specifications

Bike type	Upright (non-folding)
Resistance	Magnetic, 8 levels, manually adjustable
Flywheel	4kg, precision balanced
Maximum user weight	130kg
Suitable height	Approx 155cm to 185cm
Console	LCD: speed, distance, time, calories, heart rate
Console operation	Single button
Connectivity	None
Heart rate	Hand pulse sensors
Power supply	2 AA batteries for the display (included)
Seat	Oversized, padded, height-adjustable
Handlebars	Soft foam, non-slip, multi-grip
Pedals	Ergonomic with adjustable straps
Included	Tablet holder, transport wheels
Assembled size (l x w x h)	88 x 56 x 124 cm
Machine weight	18kg
Warranty	1 year frame, 90 days parts
Usage class	Home

Warranty and after-sales

The UB120 comes with a home-use warranty of one year on the frame and 90 days on parts, which is standard for a bike at this price and in line with the rest of the Xterra folding range. It is not the long, multi-year cover you get from premium brands, so it reflects the UB120’s entry-level position, but for a sub-£100 purchase backed by an established name with UK retail support through Sweatband, it is reasonable reassurance.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.0

The 4kg flywheel is the heaviest in the range and gives a noticeably smoother stroke than the folders, but it is still light by wider standards, so the ride suits steady cardio rather than intense or standing efforts.

Build quality 3.2

The strongest of the structural pillars here. A 130kg weight limit and a fixed upright frame make it the sturdiest Xterra, though the 18kg mass and short parts warranty keep it firmly in budget territory.

Value 3.6

The highest-scoring pillar. At its frequent £99 sale price, a non-folding brand upright with a tablet holder and a high weight limit is a lot of usable bike for the money.

Features 2.9

Deliberately minimal. A single-button LCD, hand-pulse heart rate and a tablet holder cover the basics, but there is no connectivity, no programmes and no powered resistance.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Xterra UB120 fold?

No. Unlike the FB350 and FB150, the UB120 is a fixed-frame upright bike. It has transport wheels so you can move it aside, but it does not fold flat for storage.

How heavy is the flywheel?

It uses a 4kg precision-balanced flywheel. That is light by performance standards but more than double the 1.5kg flywheel in Xterra’s folding bikes, so the UB120 has the smoothest ride of the three.

What is the maximum user weight?

130kg, which is the highest in the Xterra range and well above the 102kg limit on the folding models.

Does it connect to apps like Zwift?

No. There is no Bluetooth or app connectivity. It does have a tablet holder, so you can prop up a device and follow free classes or streaming yourself, but the bike will not link to training apps.

How tall can you be to use it?

Xterra lists it as suitable for riders between roughly 155cm and 185cm, so it is best for users up to about six foot.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

← Back to all Xterra exercise bikes

Xterra Fitness Exercise Bikes: The Full Range Compared

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

Xterra exercise bikes compared: the folding FB350 and FB150 alongside the UB120 upright

Xterra Fitness · Brand Hub

Xterra Fitness Exercise Bikes: The Full Range Compared

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

Xterra Fitness sits right at the entry end of the home cardio market: light, foldable, cheap, and built for casual use rather than serious training. Three models reach the UK, and the appeal across all of them is the same. They take up little room, cost little money, and ask nothing of you beyond a couple of AA batteries. Here is how the FB350, FB150 and UB120 compare, where each earns its keep, and the point at which it is worth spending more.

The short version

All three Xterra bikes are budget machines and we have scored them as such. The two folding models share a very light 1.5kg flywheel, so the pedal stroke is functional rather than fluid. The non-folding UB120 is the pick of the range thanks to a heavier 4kg flywheel, a far higher 130kg weight limit, and a sale price that regularly drops to under £100. If you want something for gentle, occasional cardio in a small flat, Xterra does the job. If you want a ride that feels like a proper bike, or you plan to train with any intensity, this is not the range for you.

At a glance

Model	Type	Flywheel	Max user	Folds	Price	FitRank
UB120	Upright	4kg	130kg	No	£199 (often £99)	3.2
FB350	Folding upright	1.5kg	102kg	Yes	£169	2.9
FB150	Folding upright	1.5kg	102kg	Yes	£149	2.7

All three use manually controlled magnetic resistance with 8 levels, hand-grip pulse sensors and a basic LCD console. None has app connectivity, a powered console or built-in workout programmes.

The range, model by model

Xterra Fitness UB120

Non-folding upright bike

3.2/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.0

Build3.2

Value3.6

Features2.9

£99£199

Sale · Save £100 Check price

Affiliate link. Price correct at time of writing.

Heaviest flywheel of the three (4kg)
130kg max user weight, the sturdiest
Tablet holder built in
Strong value at the £99 sale price
Does not fold
Single-button console is bare-bones
Best for riders 155cm to 185cm
No heart-rate readout in the feedback set

The UB120 is the only Xterra that does not fold, and it is the better bike for it. The 4kg flywheel is still light by serious standards, but it carries noticeably more momentum than the 1.5kg folders, so the pedal stroke is smoother and the lower resistance levels feel less twitchy. The 130kg weight limit is genuinely useful and well ahead of the folding pair. Add a tablet holder and a price that frequently falls to £99, and this is the one in the range we would actually recommend. The catch is the height window: Xterra lists it for users between roughly 5ft and 6ft, so taller riders should look elsewhere.

Xterra Fitness FB350

Folding upright bike

2.9/5

FitRank

Fair

Performance2.6

Build2.8

Value3.2

Features3.0

£169

Check price

Affiliate link. Price correct at time of writing.

Folds flat for easy storage
Padded seat with lower-back support pad
Accessory tray for a phone or remote
Transport wheels fitted
Very light 1.5kg flywheel
102kg max user weight
No tablet holder
Basic scan-style LCD only

The FB350 is the more comfortable and better-equipped of the two folders. You get a larger, padded seat with a cushioned lower-back pad, an accessory tray and a slightly more substantial frame than the FB150. None of that changes the fundamental limitation: at 1.5kg, the flywheel is too light to give the ride any real flow, so this is a bike for gentle, steady pedalling rather than building momentum. As a fold-away option for light cardio in a small space, it is a reasonable buy at £169. Just go in expecting an entry-level feel.

Xterra Fitness FB150

Compact folding bike

2.7/5

FitRank

Fair

Performance2.5

Build2.6

Value3.0

Features2.6

£149

Check price

Affiliate link. Price correct at time of writing.

Smallest footprint, lightest at 17kg
Folds flat, transport wheels fitted
Cheapest in the range at £149
Simple, quick to set up
Same light 1.5kg flywheel as the FB350
No back-support pad or accessory tray
Smaller frame and seat than the FB350
102kg max user weight

The FB150 is the stripped-back version of the FB350: the same 1.5kg flywheel and eight manual resistance levels, but a smaller frame, a simpler seat and none of the extras. It is the lightest and most compact bike here, which is the whole point of it, and at £149 it is the cheapest way into the range. For the sake of £20, though, the FB350 adds a back-support pad and an accessory tray and is the more comfortable bike, so the FB150 only really makes sense if absolute compactness or the lowest possible price is the priority.

Worth spending more?

Xterra covers the floor of the market, and for occasional, gentle use that is fine. But if you intend to ride regularly, train with any intensity, or you simply want a bike that feels solid underneath you, the jump in quality from here is large and worth it. A heavier flywheel transforms the ride, and a proper console or app connection keeps you coming back.

That is where JTX Fitness comes in. Its bikes use far heavier flywheels, sturdier frames and longer warranties, and they hold their resale value in a way budget machines never do. The JTX Studio Pro is our benchmark indoor bike, and the range scales down to the £299 Cyclo-3M. If your budget can stretch, start with JTX rather than replacing an Xterra in eighteen months.

Who Xterra Fitness is for

Xterra makes sense for a fairly specific buyer. You want light cardio at home without giving up half a room to a machine. You value the folding design and the low price more than ride quality. You are returning to exercise gently, topping up activity between walks, or want something undemanding to spin on while watching television. For all of that the range delivers, and the UB120 in particular is hard to argue with at its sale price.

It is not for anyone chasing fitness gains through structured training, intervals or long sessions. The light flywheels, manual resistance and basic consoles will frustrate you quickly, and the folding models cap out at 102kg. If any of that describes you, treat Xterra as a stepping stone rather than a destination.

Frequently asked questions

Which Xterra exercise bike is best?

The UB120. It has the heaviest flywheel at 4kg, the highest weight limit at 130kg, a tablet holder, and it frequently sells for around £99. The trade-off is that it does not fold and suits riders between roughly 155cm and 185cm.

Do Xterra bikes fold away?

The FB350 and FB150 both fold flat on a compact X-frame and have transport wheels for moving them aside. The UB120 does not fold, so it needs a permanent spot.

Are Xterra exercise bikes any good for serious training?

No. These are entry-level bikes built for light, occasional cardio. The 1.5kg flywheels on the folders and 4kg on the UB120 are too light for intense or sustained training, and there is no app connectivity or powered resistance. For regular or harder workouts, step up to a heavier machine such as those in the JTX range.

What is the weight limit on an Xterra bike?

The two folding models, the FB350 and FB150, support up to 102kg. The non-folding UB120 supports up to 130kg.

Do they need mains power?

No. All three run their LCD console on AA batteries, which are included, and the magnetic resistance is adjusted manually, so there is nothing to plug in.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

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adidas C-24c Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

adidas · Exercise Bike Review

adidas C-24c Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The adidas C-24c is a well-equipped upright exercise bike: a 9kg flywheel, 32 electronic resistance levels, 18 programmes, Zwift and Kinomap support and USB charging, for £446.99. It is a versatile bike for steady cardio, though a similar specification can be found for less.

adidas C-24c

Connected upright bike

3.8/5

FitRank

Good

Performance3.9

Build3.9

Value3.5

Features4.0

£446.99

Check price at Argos

Price and availability via Argos and Amazon

The verdict

For a comfortable upright, the C-24c is generously specified. The 9kg flywheel gives a smooth, consistent pedal stroke, and the 32 levels of electronic resistance, adjusted on a control dial, offer fine, precise control from gentle recovery rides to harder efforts, more granularity than most uprights at the price. Add 18 preset programmes, a clear LED display, hand-grip heart rate, a USB charging port and Bluetooth for Zwift and Kinomap, and it is a well-rounded, connected bike.

Comfort and adjustability are strong: the seat moves both ways, the handlebar angle adjusts, and there is a tablet holder, bottle holder and transport wheels. The honest issues are value and form. At £446.99 the C-24c costs roughly double what near-identical 9kg, 32-level connected uprights sell for from budget brands, so you are paying for the adidas badge and the better build. And as an upright rather than a spin bike, it is built for steady cardio rather than hard, standing sprints. Taken as a comfortable, feature-rich upright you like the look of, though, it does the job well.

Strengths

9kg flywheel for a smooth, consistent ride
32 electronic resistance levels with fine control
18 preset programmes and a clear LED display
Zwift and Kinomap over Bluetooth, no subscription
USB charging, tablet holder and full adjustability
120kg user limit

Watch-outs

Pricey for the spec, a brand premium applies
An upright, not built for hard spin sprints
No built-in screen, you supply the tablet
Best features need a third-party app

Ride feel and real-world experience

On the bike, the C-24c gives a smooth, comfortable upright ride. The 9kg flywheel is a decent weight for an upright and keeps the pedal stroke even and consistent, well suited to steady cardio, recovery rides and interval sessions rather than hard, out-of-the-saddle sprinting, which is not what an upright is for. It is quiet in use thanks to the electronic magnetic resistance.

Resistance is a strong point. Rather than a handful of broad steps, the C-24c offers 32 electronic levels adjusted on a control dial, giving fine, precise control over intensity and letting you make small, repeatable changes, which is genuinely useful for structured training and noticeably more granular than most uprights at this price. There are also 18 preset programmes to add variety, and a clear LED display showing speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, RPM and resistance.

Comfort and convenience are well covered. The seat adjusts both vertically and horizontally and the handlebar angle adjusts, so most riders will find a good fit, hand-grip sensors read your heart rate, and there is a USB port to charge your device, a tablet and phone holder, a bottle holder and transport wheels. It is a thoughtfully equipped, easy-to-live-with upright.

Assembly, size and setup

The C-24c arrives boxed for home assembly and is a manageable, fairly compact upright, so most people will put it together solo in around 45 minutes with the supplied tools. It is mains powered, so it needs to sit near a socket, and it has transport wheels and levelling feet to help you position and stabilise it. As with any new bike, check the pedals and bolts are fully tight after the first few rides.

Living with it: noise, footprint and storage

The electronic magnetic resistance keeps the C-24c quiet, so it suits a flat or shared home, and its compact upright footprint makes it easy to live with. It is mains powered rather than self-powered, so it wants a spot near a socket. Upkeep is minimal beyond a wipe-down and a periodic bolt check, and the bottle and tablet holders make longer sessions more comfortable.

Apps and connectivity

The C-24c connects over Bluetooth through the adidas Console+ app and is compatible with Zwift and Kinomap, so you can ride virtual routes and follow workouts on your own tablet in the holder, with no adidas subscription, just each app’s own pricing. Your workout data syncs out to Apple Health, Google Fit and other third-party platforms, and a USB port keeps your device charged while you ride. There are also 18 preset programmes built in, so you have plenty to work with on the console alone before connecting anything.

How it compares

The most useful comparison is on value: the C-24c’s specification, a 9kg flywheel with 32 levels and Zwift and Kinomap, is strikingly close to the Viavito Satori, which sells for around half the price, so the adidas charges a clear premium for its badge and build. The Reebok i-Bike is another connected upright to weigh up. Within adidas, the C-24c is the comfortable upright alternative to the spin-focused C-21x.

Similar spec, different brand: you may want to consider the Viavito Satori, a near-identical 9kg, 32-level connected upright for around half the price.

Who it is for

Buy the C-24c if you want a comfortable, well-built and well-equipped connected upright for steady cardio, you value fine electronic resistance control and built-in programmes, and you like the adidas design enough to pay a little extra for it. If value is your priority, the near-identical Viavito Satori offers much the same spec for around half the price; and if you want a hard, spin-style workout rather than an upright, the adidas C-21x is the bike to choose.

Specifications

Bike type	Upright
Flywheel	9kg
Resistance	32 levels, electronic magnetic
Programmes	18 preset
Console	LED display
Console feedback	Speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, resistance
Apps	Zwift, Kinomap, adidas Console+ (Bluetooth)
App sync	Apple Health, Google Fit
Heart rate	Hand-grip sensors
Adjustment	Seat both ways, handlebar angle
Charging	USB port
Power	Mains
Max user weight	120kg
Warranty	2 years, home use

Warranty and after-sales

adidas covers the C-24c with a 2-year home-use warranty, typically on-site (including the drive) in the first year and bring-in in the second under the brand’s licensed terms. It is sold through Argos and Amazon, which add their own return windows, so register on arrival if prompted and keep your proof of purchase.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 3.9

A 9kg flywheel gives a smooth, consistent upright ride that suits steady cardio and intervals well, if not hard standing sprints.

Build quality 3.9

A well-built, fully adjustable upright with a 120kg limit. Solid mid-market construction, in line with the licensed brand.

Value 3.5

The weak point. At £446.99 it costs roughly double what near-identical connected uprights sell for, so you pay a clear brand premium.

Features 4.0

Excellent for an upright: 32 fine electronic levels, 18 programmes, Zwift and Kinomap, USB charging and app syncing, all without a subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Is the adidas C-24c a good exercise bike?

For its type, yes. It is a well-equipped, comfortable connected upright with a 9kg flywheel, 32 fine electronic resistance levels, 18 programmes and Zwift and Kinomap support. The main drawback is value, as similar specs cost less from budget brands.

Does the C-24c need a subscription?

No. It connects to Zwift and Kinomap over Bluetooth through the adidas Console+ app, using your own tablet and each app’s pricing, and has 18 built-in programmes. There is no adidas subscription.

Is the C-24c a spin bike?

No, it is an upright exercise bike, built for comfortable steady cardio and interval training rather than hard, out-of-the-saddle sprinting. For a spin-style workout, the adidas C-21x is the one to choose.

How many resistance levels does it have?

32 electronic resistance levels, adjusted on a control dial, which is more granular than most uprights at this price and good for precise, repeatable training.

What is the maximum user weight?

120kg.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

Compare spin and upright bikes by brand

Viavito · NordicTrack · Reebok · Echelon · All exercise bikes

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adidas C-21x Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

adidas · Exercise Bike Review

adidas C-21x Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The adidas C-21x is a proper indoor cycle wearing the three stripes. A heavy 16kg rear-drive flywheel, an 8-level manual resistance paddle and Bluetooth for Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap, with a chest strap in the box, for £699 down from £900. It is the stronger of adidas’s two bikes and a genuinely capable spin bike.

adidas C-21x

Bluetooth indoor cycle

4.0/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.1

Build4.1

Value3.7

Features3.9

£699£900

Save £201 Check price at Sweatband

Price and any sale applied at Sweatband

The verdict

The C-21x gets the fundamentals of a spin bike right. The 16kg rear-drive flywheel is genuinely heavy, on a par with our top spin picks, and it stores enough momentum to give a smooth, road-like pedal stroke that lighter bikes cannot match. The 8-level resistance paddle adjusts manually and instantly, the way a gym spin bike does, so you can stand up and crank the load mid-sprint without clicking through electronic steps. With a sprint saddle, SPD-compatible Jendel pedals and fully adjustable bars and saddle, it is built for committed training.

It backs the ride with sensible connectivity and a few flourishes. Bluetooth links it to Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap with no subscription of its own, a chest strap is included for accurate heart rate, and there is a dual bottle holder and a tablet shelf. The honest caveats are that resistance is manual rather than app-controlled, so it will not auto-adjust in a class, there are only four onboard programmes, and the £900 list price leans on its frequent discount to £699 to make sense. The Ultra Series LED lighting that glows as you pedal is pure gimmick. But as a heavy, quiet, well-made spin bike, the C-21x delivers.

Strengths

Heavy 16kg rear-drive flywheel for a smooth, road-like ride
Quick manual resistance paddle, ideal for sprints
Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap over Bluetooth, no subscription
Chest strap included, plus a 60-day Kinomap trial
Sprint saddle and SPD-compatible pedals
Reassuringly heavy, quiet and fully adjustable

Watch-outs

Manual resistance, no app-controlled auto-adjust
Only four onboard programmes
Steep £900 list price, relies on the discount
Ultra Series LED lighting is a gimmick

Ride feel and real-world experience

On the bike, the C-21x rides like a serious spin bike, and the heavy flywheel is why. At 16kg it matches our top spin picks, and that mass carries real momentum, so the pedal stroke is smooth and road-like rather than light and choppy. It feels planted and stable under a hard, standing effort, and owners consistently describe it as reassuringly heavy and very quiet, which it is.

Resistance works the traditional spin-bike way, and that suits some riders more than others. Rather than stepped electronic levels, you shift an 8-level paddle by hand to add or shed load, which is instant and intuitive for sprints and intervals, you just push and go. The trade-off against electronic systems is that it will not auto-adjust to follow a class, and the eight broad steps offer less fine granularity than the C-24c’s 32 electronic levels. For hard, self-directed spin work, the paddle is arguably better; for app-controlled training, it is a limitation.

The setup is built for proper riding. The streamlined sprint saddle adjusts horizontally and vertically, the handlebars are fully adjustable with armrests, and the Jendel pedals take SPD cleats or trainers with toe straps. A chest strap is included for accurate heart rate, there is a dual bottle holder and a tablet shelf, and the signature Ultra Series red LED lighting glows as you generate energy, which looks striking but adds nothing to the workout.

Assembly, size and setup

The C-21x arrives boxed for home assembly, and being a heavy spin bike it is a more substantial build than a light upright, so a second pair of hands helps with the flywheel end. Most people will have it together in around 45 minutes to an hour with the supplied tools. Once built it is heavy and stable, and it sits on transport wheels so you can tip and roll it into place. Check the pedals and bolts are fully tight after the first few rides.

Living with it: noise, footprint and storage

The heavy flywheel and belt-style rear drive make the C-21x quiet and smooth, so it suits a flat or shared home, and its weight keeps it planted during hard efforts. It is a full-size spin bike rather than a folder, so it wants a permanent spot, though the transport wheels help you reposition it. Upkeep is minimal beyond a wipe-down and a periodic bolt check, and the dual bottle holders are a practical touch for longer sessions.

Apps and connectivity

The C-21x connects over Bluetooth to Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap, so you can ride virtual routes, follow live and on-demand classes and gamify your sessions on your own tablet in the integrated holder. There is no adidas subscription: you bring whichever app you like on its own pricing, and a 60-day Kinomap trial is included to get you started. The one thing to understand is that, because resistance is manual, the apps cannot control it for you, so when a class calls for more resistance you shift the paddle yourself rather than the bike adjusting automatically. The included chest strap feeds accurate heart rate into the apps.

How it compares

At £699 the C-21x lines up against the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint, also £699, which counters with electromagnetic, app-controlled resistance that auto-adjusts in a class, where the adidas uses a manual paddle. Our top spin pick, the JTX Studio Pro, matches the 16kg flywheel for £799 and adds a stronger warranty, also without a subscription. Within adidas, the C-21x is the spin-focused alternative to the upright C-24c: choose the C-21x for harder, athletic training and the C-24c for comfortable steady cardio.

Similar spec, different brand: you may want to consider the JTX Studio Pro, another no-subscription spin bike with a matching 16kg flywheel, for £799.

Who it is for

Buy the C-21x if you want a serious, heavy-flywheel indoor cycle, you like manual paddle resistance for sprints and intervals, and you want Zwift, Peloton or Kinomap without a subscription, with the adidas design as a bonus. If you would rather the resistance adjusted itself in a class, the Reebok Z-Tech is the electromagnetic alternative at the same price; if you want our top-rated spin bike, the JTX Studio Pro is the step up; and if you would rather have a comfortable upright, look at the C-24c.

Specifications

Bike type	Indoor cycle
Flywheel	16kg rear-drive
Resistance	8 levels, manual paddle
Programmes	4 onboard
Console	LCD
Console feedback	Speed, time, distance, calories, pulse, RPM
Apps	Zwift, Peloton, Kinomap (Bluetooth)
Heart rate	Hand sensors and included chest strap
Pedals	Jendel, SPD and toe straps
Saddle	Sprint saddle, adjustable both ways
Handlebars	Fully adjustable with armrests
Extras	Dual bottle holder, tablet holder, transport wheels
Warranty	2 years, home use

Warranty and after-sales

adidas covers the C-21x with a 2-year home-use warranty, which under the brand’s licensed terms is typically on-site (including the drive) in the first year and bring-in in the second. It is sold through Sweatband and Decathlon, so register on arrival if prompted and keep your proof of purchase. That is a reasonable term, though specialists like JTX sometimes offer longer cover on comparable spin bikes.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.1

A heavy 16kg rear-drive flywheel delivers a smooth, road-like ride that matches far pricier spin bikes, held back only by the broad eight-step manual resistance.

Build quality 4.1

Reassuringly heavy, quiet and fully adjustable, with a sprint saddle and SPD pedals. A genuinely solid, stable build.

Value 3.7

Good at the £699 sale price for a 16kg spin bike with a chest strap, though the £900 list price is steep and it relies on the discount.

Features 3.9

Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap with no subscription and an included chest strap are strong, but manual resistance, four programmes and no built-in screen cap the score.

Frequently asked questions

Is the adidas C-21x a good spin bike?

For the money, yes. Its heavy 16kg flywheel gives a smooth, road-like ride that matches far pricier bikes, it is quiet and well built, and it connects to Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap with no subscription. The main trade-off is manual rather than app-controlled resistance.

Does the C-21x need a subscription?

No. It connects over Bluetooth to Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap using your own tablet and each app’s own pricing, and a 60-day Kinomap trial is included. There is no adidas subscription.

Does the C-21x work with Peloton?

Yes. It can connect to the Peloton app over Bluetooth, alongside Zwift and Kinomap, so you can follow Peloton’s live and on-demand classes, though the bike’s resistance is set manually rather than controlled by the app.

Does the resistance adjust automatically in a class?

No. The C-21x uses a manual 8-level resistance paddle, so when a class or route calls for more resistance you shift the paddle yourself. For app-controlled auto-resistance, the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint is the alternative at the same price.

Is the C-21x heavy?

Yes, and that is a strength. The 16kg flywheel and solid frame make it reassuringly heavy and stable during hard efforts, and very quiet in use. It sits on transport wheels to help you move it.

We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our FitRank score. See our affiliate disclosure.

Compare spin and upright bikes by brand

JTX · Echelon · Reebok · NordicTrack · All exercise bikes

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adidas Exercise Bikes: Both Top Models Compared

August 19, 2026June 22, 2026 by ejh22

The two adidas exercise bikes compared, the C-21x indoor cycle and C-24c upright

Brand Hub

adidas Exercise Bikes: Both Top Models Compared

adidas brings its design-led approach to home cardio with two exercise bikes: the C-21x, a heavy-flywheel Bluetooth indoor cycle, and the C-24c, a feature-packed upright. Both connect to Zwift and Kinomap without a subscription. Here is how the two compare, scored with FitRank, with honest notes on specs, value and the brand premium you pay for the three stripes.

A quick word on the brand, because it matters for expectations. adidas-branded fitness equipment is produced under licence by RFE International rather than by adidas itself, which is normal for sportswear names in the hardware space. In practice that means a design-led, recognisable range with solid mid-market build quality, sold through retailers like Argos, Decathlon and Sweatband, but also a modest premium for the badge: you can find similar specifications for less from specialist brands. Set against that, both bikes are genuinely well equipped, and the C-21x in particular is a serious piece of kit. We have scored both with FitRank below.

Best of the two

adidas C-21x

FitRank 4.0£699£900Save £201

A proper indoor cycle: a heavy 16kg rear-drive flywheel, an 8-level manual resistance paddle, and Bluetooth for Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap. Sprint saddle, SPD-ready pedals and a chest strap included. Reassuringly heavy and quiet.

Check price Read review

Upright

adidas C-24c

FitRank 3.8£446.99

A well-equipped upright: a 9kg flywheel, 32 electronic resistance levels on a control dial, 18 programmes, Zwift and Kinomap, USB charging and full adjustability. Good kit, though similar specs cost less elsewhere.

Check price Read review

adidas exercise bikes compared

Model	Type	Flywheel	Resistance	Apps	Price	FitRank
C-21x	Indoor cycle	16kg	8 levels, manual paddle	Zwift, Peloton, Kinomap	£699	4.0
C-24c	Upright	9kg	32 levels, electronic	Zwift, Kinomap	£446.99	3.8

Both connect over Bluetooth and use your own tablet rather than a built-in screen, and neither needs a subscription. The C-24c has a 120kg user limit; adidas does not prominently publish a figure for the C-21x, so heavier riders should confirm with the retailer. The C-24c is sold through Argos and Amazon, the C-21x through Sweatband and Decathlon.

Is adidas a good brand for exercise bikes?

For what they are, yes, with the brand caveat in mind. Because the range is licensed, you are buying adidas styling and a recognisable name on top of hardware that sits in the solid mid-market rather than the specialist top tier. Both bikes are well built, well equipped and back up their spec sheets, and the C-21x’s heavy 16kg flywheel and the C-24c’s 32 electronic resistance levels are genuinely good. The honest catch is value: a specialist brand will often sell you a comparable specification for less, so you are paying something for the three stripes. If you like the design and the brand, both bikes deliver; if you are chasing the most performance per pound, it is worth comparing against the alternatives below.

C-21x indoor cycle or C-24c upright?

The two bikes are aimed at different riders, so the format decides it.

adidas C-21x (indoor cycle)

This is a spin-style bike with a forward-leaning, athletic position, built for harder, sweatier training. Its 16kg rear-drive flywheel is genuinely heavy, giving a smooth, road-like feel, and the 8-level manual resistance paddle adjusts quickly mid-sprint, the way a traditional spin bike does. With a sprint saddle, SPD-compatible pedals, a chest strap in the box and Zwift, Peloton and Kinomap support, it suits committed riders who want intensity. Choose it if you want a proper indoor cycle.

adidas C-24c (upright)

The C-24c seats you in a more traditional, comfortable upright position and leans on electronics rather than a heavy flywheel. Its 9kg flywheel, 32 electronic resistance levels, 18 preset programmes, USB charging and adjustable seat and handlebars make it a versatile bike for steady cardio and general fitness. Choose it if you want comfort, programmes and fine resistance control rather than a hard spin workout.

Apps without a subscription

Both adidas bikes are quietly appealing for one reason: they give you connected training with no monthly fee. Each connects over Bluetooth to Zwift and Kinomap, with the C-21x adding Peloton, so you can ride virtual routes, follow classes and gamify your sessions on your own tablet in the integrated holder, using each app’s own free or paid plan. There is no adidas subscription. The C-21x even includes a chest strap and ships with a 60-day Kinomap trial. That puts adidas alongside brands like Reebok and Viavito as a route to app-led training without the recurring membership that Peloton, Echelon and iFIT bikes rely on.

How adidas compares

It is worth seeing both bikes against their natural rivals. The C-24c’s specification, a 9kg flywheel with 32 levels and Zwift and Kinomap, is strikingly close to the Viavito Satori, which sells for around half the price, so the adidas charges a clear brand premium for a similar upright. The C-21x is the more competitive of the two: at £699 it lines up against the electromagnetic, app-controlled Reebok Z-Tech Sprint at the same price, and our top spin pick the JTX Studio Pro, which matches its 16kg flywheel for £799. Against those, the adidas trades app-controlled resistance for a simpler manual paddle, but counters with a heavy flywheel and the included chest strap.

Which adidas bike should you buy?

If you want a serious indoor cycle and like the brand, the C-21x is the one to have: the heavy flywheel, sprint setup and Peloton support make it a capable spin bike, and at £699 down from £900 it is the better value of the two. The C-24c is the pick if you would rather have a comfortable upright with electronic resistance and built-in programmes for steady cardio, though it is worth weighing against cheaper uprights with similar specs first. For most buyers drawn to this range, the C-21x is the more compelling bike.

adidas discounts and where to buy

The two bikes are sold through different retailers: the C-24c via Argos and Amazon, and the C-21x via Sweatband and Decathlon. Prices move with regular promotions, the C-21x is currently reduced to £699 from a £900 list price, and seasonal sales tend to bring the sharpest cuts. We show the live price on each bike in the cards above.

Frequently asked questions

Are adidas exercise bikes any good?

For their type, yes. Both are well-built, well-equipped mid-market bikes that connect to Zwift and Kinomap with no subscription. The C-21x’s heavy 16kg flywheel makes it a genuinely capable indoor cycle. The main caveat is value, as the licensed brand carries a premium over specialist rivals.

Do adidas bikes need a subscription?

No. Both connect over Bluetooth to Zwift and Kinomap, with the C-21x also supporting Peloton, using your own tablet and each app’s own pricing. There is no adidas subscription, and the C-21x includes a 60-day Kinomap trial and a chest strap.

Which adidas bike is best?

The C-21x, for most people. Its heavy 16kg flywheel, sprint setup, Peloton support and £699 sale price make it the stronger and better-value of the two. The C-24c is the choice only if you specifically want an upright rather than a spin bike.

What is the difference between the C-21x and C-24c?

The C-21x is a spin-style indoor cycle with a heavy 16kg flywheel and a manual resistance paddle, for harder training. The C-24c is an upright with a 9kg flywheel and 32 electronic resistance levels, for comfortable steady cardio. Different riders, different jobs.

Are adidas bikes made by adidas?

Not directly. adidas fitness equipment is produced under licence by RFE International, which is common for sportswear brands in the hardware market. The result is a design-led, recognisable range with solid mid-market build quality.

For exercise bikes beyond adidas, see our main best exercise bikes guide, and read how we score every product on the FitRank page.

← All exercise bikes

ProForm Sport CX Review 2026

August 19, 2026June 18, 2026 by ejh22

ProForm · Exercise Bike Review

ProForm Sport CX Review 2026

By Chris Linford · Updated June 2026 · Rated with FitRank

The ProForm Sport CX is a simple, capable iFIT indoor cycle: an 11kg flywheel, 16 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance and a belt drive, for £499, with a Watts readout and a Quick Stop brake. It runs iFIT from your own tablet, and it is all but identical to ProForm’s Pro Trainer 500.

ProForm Sport CX

iFIT indoor cycle

4.0/5

FitRank

Very good

Performance4.0

Build3.9

Value4.0

Features3.9

£499£699

Save £200 Check price at Sweatband

Price and any sale applied at Sweatband

The verdict

The Sport CX covers the indoor-cycle basics well. An 11kg flywheel gives a smooth, road-like pedal stroke, 16 levels of quiet SMR resistance handle everything from recovery to harder efforts, and the belt drive keeps it quiet. The ergonomic padded saddle and non-slip multi-position handlebars both adjust horizontally and vertically, the toe-cage pedals keep your feet secure, and the 1-window LCD includes a Watts power readout, useful for gauging effort, plus a Quick Stop braking system to halt the flywheel quickly.

You connect your tablet over Bluetooth, rest it on the integrated shelf, and ride iFIT’s trainer-led classes and scenic routes, with SmartAdjust setting your resistance automatically. The thing to understand is that the Sport CX and the Pro Trainer 500 are, in practice, the same bike at the same £499 and a 114kg limit. They only trade extras: the Sport CX gives you the Watts readout and the Quick Stop brake, while the Pro Trainer 500 instead bundles dumbbells. Neither is better overall, so pick by which extras you value.

Strengths

Decent 11kg flywheel for a smooth, road-like ride
16 quiet SMR resistance levels and a belt drive
Watts power readout on the LCD and a Quick Stop brake
Fully adjustable saddle and multi-position handlebars
iFIT with SmartAdjust via your own tablet
Good value at £499

Watch-outs

No built-in screen, you supply the tablet
No dumbbells (the Pro Trainer 500 includes them)
Best features need an ongoing iFIT membership
Same price as the near-identical Pro Trainer 500

Ride feel and real-world experience

On the bike, the Sport CX rides like a capable budget indoor cycle, which makes sense given it shares its core with the Pro Trainer 500. The 11kg flywheel carries good momentum, so the pedal stroke is smooth and road-like, and the 16 levels of SMR magnetic resistance are quiet and span steady spinning to a hard climb. The belt drive keeps it hushed for a flat or shared home.

The fit is good for the price. The ergonomic padded saddle adjusts both ways, the non-slip multi-position handlebars adjust horizontally and vertically for a proper spin posture, and the toe-cage pedals with straps keep your feet planted, all within a 114kg user limit. A Quick Stop braking system lets you halt the flywheel quickly when you need to.

On the console, the Sport CX has a small but useful edge over its sibling: its 1-window LCD includes a Watts power readout alongside time, speed, distance, calories, pulse and RPM, which helps you gauge and pace your effort. A tablet holder sits in front to run iFIT from your own device. What it does not include, unlike the Pro Trainer 500, is a pair of dumbbells.

Assembly, size and setup

The Sport CX arrives boxed for home assembly, a typical indoor-cycle build of around 30 to 60 minutes with the supplied tools. At 50kg it is a solid, stable bike, so a hand helps with positioning, and it sits on front transport wheels once built. Its footprint is roughly 114 by 58cm. Check the pedals and bolts are fully tight after the first few rides.

Living with it: noise, footprint and storage

The belt drive and SMR magnetic resistance keep the Sport CX quiet, so it suits a flat or shared home, and it is mains powered. It wants a permanent spot like any indoor cycle, though its footprint is modest, and the Quick Stop brake is a handy safety touch. Upkeep is minimal beyond a wipe-down and a periodic bolt check.

The iFIT app and subscription

The Sport CX runs iFIT, the same platform as NordicTrack, from your own tablet or phone connected over Bluetooth and rested on the integrated shelf. A 30-day iFIT trial is included; after that a membership is sold separately, renews until cancelled and needs Wi-Fi. It unlocks more than 10,000 trainer-led workouts, scenic routes and SmartAdjust automatic resistance, with heart rate via the optional SmartBeat arm band or a Bluetooth chest strap, and data syncing to Strava, Garmin and Apple Health.

Is the iFIT subscription worth it?

As with the other tablet-based ProForm cycles, iFIT is optional. The bike works as a manual indoor cycle without it, and the Watts readout actually makes self-directed training easier here, letting you pace by power without any app. The 30-day trial lets you judge whether the classes and routes are worth the ongoing cost. For class-led spin training iFIT is excellent; for solo sessions, the Sport CX stands on its own better than most thanks to that Watts display.

How it compares

The comparison that matters most is with its own stablemate, the ProForm Pro Trainer 500: the same bike at the same £499, differing only in that the Sport CX has a Watts readout and a Quick Stop brake while the Pro Trainer 500 includes dumbbells. Beyond ProForm, the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint is the no-subscription alternative, and our top spin pick the JTX Studio Pro offers a heavier 16kg flywheel for more, also without a monthly fee.

Similar spec, different brand: you may want to consider the Reebok Z-Tech Sprint, a no-subscription connected spin bike, if you would rather avoid a monthly iFIT fee.

Who it is for

Buy the Sport CX if you want a capable, value iFIT indoor cycle and you would rather have a Watts readout and a brake than the bundled dumbbells, which is the only meaningful way it differs from the Pro Trainer 500. The Watts display also makes it the slightly better pick if you plan to ride without an iFIT subscription. If you would prefer the dumbbells, take the Pro Trainer 500; if you want no subscription at all, look at the Reebok Z-Tech.

Specifications

Bike type	Indoor cycle
Flywheel	11kg
Resistance	16 digital SMR levels
Drive	Belt
Console	1-window LCD with Watts readout
Apps	iFIT via your own device (30-day trial)
Heart rate	ActivePulse (arm band sold separately), Bluetooth receiver
Seat	Ergonomic padded, adjustable both ways
Handlebars	Multi-position, adjustable both ways
Pedals	Toe cages with adjustable straps
Extras	Quick Stop brake, water bottle holder, transport wheels
Power	Mains
Max user weight	114kg
Warranty	2 years on registration

Warranty and after-sales

ProForm covers the Sport CX with a 2-year frame, parts and labour guarantee, provided you register within 28 days of purchase. It is sold through Sweatband, so register on arrival and keep your proof of purchase. That is a solid term for an indoor cycle at this price.

FitRank breakdown

Performance 4.0

An 11kg flywheel and 16 quiet SMR levels give a smooth, road-like ride, with a Watts readout that helps you pace your effort.

Build quality 3.9

A sturdy, fully adjustable indoor cycle with a 114kg limit and a Quick Stop brake. Solid for the money.

Value 4.0

Good. At £499 with a real 11kg flywheel, iFIT and a Watts readout, it is sensible value, matched only by its own Pro Trainer 500 sibling.

Features 3.9

The full iFIT platform with SmartAdjust, plus a Watts readout and a brake, kept back only by running from your own tablet rather than a built-in screen.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ProForm Sport CX a good indoor cycle?

For the money, yes. It has a decent 11kg flywheel, 16 quiet SMR levels, a belt drive, a Watts readout and the full iFIT platform via your own tablet, for £499. The main trade-off is the lack of a built-in screen.

Does the Sport CX need an iFIT subscription?

No. It works as a manual indoor cycle without one, and its Watts readout makes self-directed training easier than on most. iFIT unlocks classes, routes and SmartAdjust, with a 30-day trial included.

What is the difference between the Sport CX and the Pro Trainer 500?

Very little. Both are 11kg, 16-level iFIT cycles at £499 with a 114kg limit. The Sport CX has a Watts readout and a Quick Stop brake; the Pro Trainer 500 includes dumbbells. Pick by preference or price.

Does the Sport CX show power in Watts?

Yes. Its 1-window LCD includes a Watts power readout, which the Pro Trainer 500 does not have, useful for pacing your effort.

What is the maximum user weight?

114kg.

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