Exercise bike, recumbent bike, or indoor cycle: which bike do you need?
Your posture on the bike determines your choice more than the brand or console. There are four types:
- Upright bike for home (€ 595 to € 2,995). You sit upright just like on a city bike, with a wide saddle and electronically controlled resistance. For example, the Sole B94, featuring 20 levels and an included chest strap.
- Recumbent bike (€ 1,495 to € 3,495). You lean back in a seat with a backrest, which puts the least strain on your back. For example, the DKN RB Pro, which features a step-through frame.
- Indoor cycle (€ 1,395 to € 2,495). You lean forward just like on a racing bike, with a heavy flywheel for sprints and intervals. For example, the DKN Speedbike Pro X with a 21.5-inch touchscreen.
- Commercial exercise bike or semi-recumbent bike (€ 2,395 to € 6,995). Spirit bikes for practices, hotels, and corporate gyms, most suitable for users up to 200 kg. For example, the Spirit CR980 or the CU1000ENT with screen mirroring and HDMI.
Exercise bikes and indoor bikes compared
The DKN EMB-600, Speedbike Pro-2, and Spirit CU800ENT are set up in our showroom in Ranst, so you can test them side by side.
| Bike | Type | Flywheel | Resistance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DKN AM-3i | Exercise bike | 11 kg | Ergometer | € 595 |
| Spirit XBU55 | Exercise bike | 13.6 kg | 20 levels, magnetic | € 1,195 |
| DKN X-Motion II | Spinning bike | 23 kg | 10 to 500 W | € 1,395 |
| DKN Speedbike Pro-2 | Spinning bike | 8.5 kg aluminium | Stepless magnetic | € 1,495 |
| DKN EMB-600 | Exercise bike | 16 kg | EMS brake, up to 500 W | € 1,595 |
| Sole R92 | Recumbent bike | 9 kg | 20 levels, magnetic | € 1,695 |
| Sole SB900 | Spinning bike | 22 kg | Magnetic, quiet | € 1,695 |
| Spirit SBC800 | Spinning bike | 16.8 kg | Magnetic | € 2,295 |
| Spirit CU800+ | Exercise bike | 13.6 kg | 40 levels, induction | € 2,395 |
| Sole LCR | Recumbent bike | 14 kg | 40 levels | € 2,495 |
If you want to train your arms and legs together, take a look at our elliptical cross trainers as well.
What should you look out for?
Posture and step-through
A low step-through makes all the difference for seniors and after surgery. The DKN AM-3i and the DKN RB-5 feature a low step-through, much like the Spirit semi-recumbent bikes such as the CR900+. If people of various heights will be using the bike, choose a saddle that is adjustable in both height and depth, such as the one on the Sole B74. The seat of the Sole LCR offers 14 positions.
Flywheel and resistance
A heavier flywheel provides a smoother pedalling motion, particularly on a spin bike. Electromagnetic resistance adjusts automatically during programs and app routes. Belt drive, such as on the X-Motion II and the Speedbike Pro X, makes the bike quiet and smooth.
Training with watts
If you want to train based on power output or undergo rehabilitation, consider an ergometer. The RB-5 can be adjusted from 10 to 400 W, in increments of 5 W. The EMS brake on the EMB-600 reaches full resistance in less than 5 seconds, which is ideal for HIIT.
Maximum user weight
Allow for a margin of at least 20 kg above the weight of the heaviest user. The Sole B74 and R92 support up to 130 kg, the SB900 up to 135 kg, and the Spirit XBU55 up to 150 kg. The Upright Bike Pro supports up to 160 kg, the SBC800 up to 165 kg, and the EMB-600 up to 180 kg.
Power and console
Many Spirit bikes generate their own power, such as the XBR95, CU800+ and CR800+. These can be placed anywhere in the room, without a cable to a wall outlet. Models with a large touchscreen do require power. If you just want to pedal, you do not pay for a screen.
Showroom tip: cycle for ten minutes on each type you are considering, wearing your own sports shoes. An indoor cycle looks sporty, but anyone who prefers to cycle upright or with back support will get more out of an exercise bike or recumbent bike.
Which bike for whom?
- Home: choose based on posture and user weight, and only invest in a large screen if you really plan on following programs or apps. You can find more ideas at homegym.
- PT studio: a commercial-grade spinning bike, such as the belt-driven SBC800, for intervals with your clients. See also fitness equipment for personal trainers.
- Physiotherapy practice: a low step-through and precise wattage settings are more important there than a screen, such as the RB-5 or a Spirit semi-recumbent bike. Also check out fitness equipment for physiotherapists.
- Hotel and corporate gym: the bike runs for hours every day, used by people you do not know. Choose a commercial Spirit model, such as the CU980, which has been tested for over 10,000 hours. See fitness for hotels, corporate gym design, and renting and leasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an exercise bike and a spinning bike?
On an exercise bike, you sit upright on a wide saddle, whereas on a spinning bike, you lean forward and can stand up to sprint. A spinning bike is designed for intervals and cyclists, while an exercise bike is for cardio and the whole family.
Is a recumbent bike better for back problems?
Usually yes, because you sit leaning back with a backrest, which puts the least strain on your back. However, if you experience pain, consult your physiotherapist first.
Can I use Zwift on an exercise bike?
Yes, on models with Bluetooth, such as the Sole SB900, Spirit XBU55, Spirit CU800ENT, DKN Speedbike Pro-2, Speedbike Pro X, RB Pro and X-Motion II. The DKN Upright Bike Pro works with Kinomap.
How do I adjust the saddle height correctly?
Put the pedal in the lowest position: your leg is then almost straight, with a slight bend in the knee. If your knee is strongly bent, the saddle is too low and you put more strain on your knees.
What does the delivery and installation of an exercise bike cost?
Delivery is free in the Benelux region for orders from € 199, and you have a 30-day trial period. Installation by our in-house team costs between € 75 and approximately € 350 per device, depending on the size, including removal of the packaging. You can find more details under installation.
What warranty do you get on an exercise bike?
On DKN, Sole and Spirit bikes you get a 2-year warranty. You can read more about service and warranty on our warranty page.
Can I test the bikes first?
Yes, you can freely walk into our showroom in Ranst from Monday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. You can test all models there, or you can make an appointment.
Advice by Erik Martens, co-founder of Fitnessdepot. Prices updated on October 31, 2026.
































































