It’s also worth noting that the trainers are British spin instructors from the boutique Boom Cycle studio in London, which may be more palatable to those who find Peloton's earnest instructors and affirmations a bit cheesy. However, Apex would be more suited to class cyclists and spin fanatics than to those looking for indoor performance training. There are no options for simulated outdoor rides (yet), nor is there much scope for free-riding. The classes on the Apex platform are courtesy of top London spin studio Boom Cycle and are nothing short of exceptional. The instructors are experienced, edgy and fun. We love how they don’t take themselves too seriously and aren’t as corny as those you’ll find on, for example, Peloton. The production feels high quality, and it can be very immersive if you’re casting on an Apple TV. It doesn’t quite have the same effect on a 9-inch iPad or tiny iPhone, though, unfortunately. For example, while spin bikes that use electromagnetic resistance are closer to the ones you'll see in the gym, they're also more expensive than exercise bikes that rely on friction and cable resistance. Technogym’s live exercise bike is the piece of kit you need if you want boutique gym-standard quality at home. It’s probably too big an outlay for most casual riders, but over the years it may work out slightly cheaper than Peloton when monthly costs are taken into account. The Technogym is no different to the high-end tech you find in gyms and health clubs and you can tell it’s built to commercial standards. It pedals smoothly and silently, feels very sturdy, and has a 22” HD touchscreen. Each 30 minute spin session will likely burn between 200 and 300 calories, so if you spin for one hour per day that will be 400 to 600 calories you have burned that you might otherwise have done. However, if you then decide to eat 3 chocolate biscuits as a reward then you have just added on around 300 calories. If you then eat a chocolate bar in the afternoon because you feel good about your spin session you have completely negated your workout.

The SX200 is driven by a 22kg flywheel which is very smooth and quiet in operation and this cycle uses a belt to drive it. Weighing in at just under 50kg and with a maximum user weight of 130kg, the IC2 will be usable by most people. It is an ideal piece of kit for home and commercial gyms and it comes with a warranty that suits both situations. This bike measures up at 120cm (l) x 53cm (w) x 110cm (h) and sports a 15kg perimeter weighted flywheel. It has bluetooth and an ANT+ console which means it can be connected to other devices and of course heart rate monitors.The seat is exceptionally comfortable with soft padding but offers a firm enough ride to enable you to push yourself to the max. The handlebars have multiple grip positions and are ergonomically designed – in reality this means you can adopt seated or standing positions that are either upright or leaning and easily find a comfortable grip. Despite its relatively low price compared with other smart bikes currently on the market, the Apex Bike still boasts a pretty impressive design and build. Right from the get-go, it’s clear this lump of metal is made from some quality materials, feeling sturdy and looking nice and sleek at the same time. minutes is the sweet spot for those working out at home," Murrin says. "If you commit to doing that every other day, you’ll find that consistency is far more valuable than intensity."

For example, some have cadence sensors that record your speed measured in RPM, or revolutions per minute, and the ability to connect your phone or tablet to the bike via an app for your smartphone. To connect you can either use Bluetooth or WI-FI and there’s a pair of USB-A outputs at the front of the bike coupled with a water bottle holder and wireless charging cradle for your phone, which is a nice touch. Apex Smart Bike performance During the class, a leaderboard on the side of the screen (which you can hide should you so wish) shows how you rank compared with other people who have taken the class. This is based on Apex points, earned throughout the class depending on your effort. It’s another way to motivate yourself if you happen to be competitive, like me.

Aaron Rahn

Most of the models I tested came with dual-sided pedals that had cleats (for “clipping in”) on one side and an adjustable toe cage for running shoes on the other. Trainer Alana Murrin says cleats are “much safer and more effective” than wearing trainers. How much do I have to spend on an exercise bike? As I mentioned before, most spin bikes come pre-assembled to some degree. Usually, the chain, crankset, and flywheel will be already installed on the frame. That means you must focus on installing the seat, handlebars, display console, base stand, and pedals.

Resistance Levels– The resistance levels found on a spin bike allow you to control the intensity of the ride. These need to be handy to adjust as you will often look to make adjustments mid-ride. They can be mechanically or manually controlled and there can be anything upwards of 8 levels of resistance. It is worth noting that a bike that has 24 levels of resistance may not provide a tougher ride than a bike with 8 levels of resistance but just means it has more variations between its hardest and easiest setting. Many spin bikes tend to have a dial with no set levels of intensity – this is perfectly normal. With dual sided pedals, users can choose between SPD cycling shoes or standard trainers and this level or versatility is great to have. Every touch point on this bike feels robust and comfortable, with 4 levels of adjustment at your disposal to find the most comfortable riding position. Spinning, like most forms of exercise will help you burn calories but that in itself will not necessarily be enough to help you lose weight. If you are looking to burn fat then you should look to be in a calorie deficit – in other words you need to be eating less calories than your body is burning as energy.More expensive bikes have a veritable arsenal of built-in technology that can help take your workout to the next level. As well as resistance, which can be adjusted automatically during a spin class or cycle session, the S22i can also change the incline of the bike – a motor in the base moves your cycling position to mimic up to 20% incline and can even manage 10% decline. Despite the motor making a nasty noise the effect is impressive, especially when taking a virtual ride. Riding using just the digital display feels decidedly old fashioned – think exercise bike in a tired local authority gym – but it’s pretty accurate. To enjoy anything more interactive you’ll need to connect to the Schwinn app (which essentially just saves the data from the bike, rather than offer any classes or targets), Zwift, Explore the World or Peloton.