The centre console gets an upgrade too and takes on a much more elegant look with added bluetooth functionality. This allows connectivity to the iConsole app which brings with it a plethora of new features. This worked well for us although some people have had connection issues with the app with other bike models – the IC400 PRO worked well for us when connected to the app though. You can burn more than 600 calories an hour with a stationary bike workout depending on the intensity of your workout and body weight, according to Healthline. That makes indoor cycling and spin classes one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. Should you use cleats on an exercise bike?

We really can’t say enough good things about the IC2 so if you have the budget and intend to use your bike a lot then this is a great option to go for. Spin bikes are one of the most effective cardio tools we can use and for us cardio is something that is generally better achieved outside of the gym. Whether that is running, cycling, walking etc. is up to you, but we prefer to use the gym for strength training which you should look to incorporate alongside your cardio training. If you have a home setup for strength training then you could even lose the gym membership altogether thus saving you money in the process. Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth for tablet/smartphone and heart rate monitors | Display: N/A | Weight: 44kg | Size: L100 x W50 x H112cm Pitching itself just a notch above JLL's most budget-friendly JF150 bike, the IC300 Pro more than makes up for its uncreative nomenclature with a hefty 20kg flywheel, adjustable magnetic resistance, and support for users weighing up to 130kg. It's an excellent choice for anyone in search of a sturdy at-home ride that'll actually save you money when compared to a year's gym membership. Unlike similarly affordable models, the IC300 Pro's design mirrors that of a road bike allowing you to practice your form (and ditch any garish neon garb) while peddling away in cool, dry surroundings. The LCD screen is basic, but it shows all your key stats, and there are eight training programs, plus the option to set your own workouts. The fan does generate significant noise, but this may or may not bother you.The next step is adjusting the seat fore/aft position for the distance from the seat to the handlebars. To do this, you need to look at the relationship between the knee and the pedal when the pedals are level. In that position, you want the front of your kneecap to be aligned directly above the center of the pedal.

Peloton's newer Bike+ introduces a new ‘Auto-Follow’ resistance system that scales based on your target metrics, adjusting itself based on what your instructor is telling you to do. Compared to manually having to increase or decrease the resistance, this is an absolute godsend for fans of convenience. Having said that, if a session sees the resistance change to something that's too hard or too difficult, you can still manually dial things up or down as you see fit. Phew.

Ben Stott

Connectivity– Although spin bikes are usually a little less sophisticated than standard exercise bikes you can still get some with excellent connectivity with various apps and wearable tech such as heart rate monitors. If app connectivity is important to you then this is well worth looking in to before buying. Although the display is simplistic you can use a tablet or mobile device and sync up to popular apps such as Peloton, Aaptiv or other cycling apps to allow you to access spin studio classes and to ride in locations across the globe – all very motivational stuff. The flywheel is 15kg which is less than some of the other models we tested but it did perform well for us. It is not quite as smooth as the JLL models but it is not noticeably jerky either. In fact, we had some very enjoyable rides on the SB500 and the level of challenge afforded by the magnetic resistance was impressive. This bike has a two way chain driven system which may explain why the ride is not quite so smooth as the belt driven systems we tested but it should also mean longevity will not be an issue with this model. The pedals seem well made and have foot straps to keep your feet in place and the pedalling action was smooth with nothing out of the ordinary. We have compiled the best spin bikes available in the UK and after spending a month or so testing each of them we can confidently bring you our full verdict on which is the best spin bike for you. We have selected a complete range of indoor studio type cycles for you to choose from and there should be something to suit all budgets and fitness levels.