$24.68

These bikes work ok if you don't need much pedal resistance.

For instance, if you are only using the bike to loosen up your joints. When you turn the resistance up, the pedal exerciser tends to be very jerky. This is not good for your joints. The jerkiness comes from using friction for pedal resistance.

There are a number of companies that sell this type of bike. Many are junk. They often break after a short time and tend to be noisy. If you can't afford a better bike, we recommend this one.

Pros:

• Very low cost.
• Wide Platform.

Cons:

• Flimsy frame.
• Not much resistance.
• Tends to be jerky when you start out.

$39.98

The larger tubing makes this is more stable than the other tube frame bikes. However, there is not much pedal resistance. When you turn the resistance up at all, the pedal motion tends to be very jerky.

The good thing about this bike is that you can buy it anywhere. We would recommend purchasing this bike at your local Wal-Mart® store. If you find that it's not what you were looking for, just return it and purchase a better bike.

Pros:

• Low cost.
• Wide Platform.
• More stable frame than other tube frame bikes.
• Includes a digital timer.

Cons:

• Not much pedal resistance.
• Tends to be jerky when you start out.
• The resistance mechanism wears out quickly.
• Get's noisy as it wears out.

$59.99

Better than the tube frame bikes. It also has a built-in display. Many complain that the resistance is not enough. The resistance can be jerky if set too high. It also changes after a time and needs to be readjusted. This is because it uses friction as resistance.

Pros:

• Better resistance than tube frame bikes.
• Built-in display shows distance, time, calories & reps.

Cons:

• The narrow platform makes it easy to wobble when you pedal it.
• Resistance changes with time.
• Tends to be jerky at the higher resistances.

 $74.99

Similar to the $50 Sunny Mini Cycle, but has nicer pedals and slightly smoother pedal motion.

Pros:

• Better resistance than tube frame bikes.
• Built-in display shows distance, time, calories & reps.
• Comes with a 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty.

Cons:

• The narrow platform makes easy to wobble when you pedal it.
• Resistance changes with time.
• Tends to be jerky at the higher resistances.

$99.00

About the same pedal resistance range as the Sunny Mini Cycle.

However the platform of the Brookstone bike is wider which makes it more stable. It's pretty pricey for a friction bike though. You can get a magnetic bike for about the same price. If you can afford it, spend the extra money for the magnetic resistance. It's worth it.

Pros:

• Adjustable resistance.
• Built-in computer with LCD shows scan, distance, time, calories.
• Wide platform makes it stable.

Cons:

• Resistance changes with time.
• Tends to be jerky at the higher resistances.

$111.99

Same as the Brookstone bike (see above), but different coloring.

Pros:

• Adjustable resistance.
• Built-in computer with LCD shows scan, distance, time, calories.
• Wide platform makes it stable.

Cons:

• Resistance changes with time.
• Tends to be jerky at the higher resistances.

  $94.99

The Motorized Mini Bike provides low-impact exercises to increase strength and flexibility as well as promote blood circulation. Adjustable speeds. Relatively quiet DC motor drive system.
 

Pros:

• Increases range of motion for lower and upper body joints
• Adjustable speeds overload protection for safety
• DC motor drive system
• No assembly required

Cons:

• Not very good for decent exercise or losing weight.
• Noisey.

$143.48

The magnetic resistance makes the pedal motion of this bike much smoother than the friction bikes. The downside of this bike is that it has very narrow base. This makes it wobble when you peddle.

Pros:

• Smooth, quiet adjustable Magnetic Resistance.
• Includes a fully automatic 4-function digital display.
• Some vendors offer a 1 Year Warranty.

Cons:

• The base is narrow. It wobbles and moves when you peddle it. This makes the mike useless at the higher resistances.
• Slides on wood floors.

$149

Similar to the Magneciser but considerably better. Its wider base makes it very stable when you pedal it. It also has a much wider resistance range than all of the other pedal exercisers. The pedals have adjustable Velcro straps. Like the Magneciser, it has very smooth quiet pedal motion. A unique feature of the MagneTrainer is that it's expandable. If you get bored with using the bike alone, you can spice up your routine using its various options.

Pros:

• Smooth, quiet adjustable Magnetic Resistance.
• Has the widest resistance range available.
• Includes a fully automatic 4-function digital display.
• Has a very wide base. It stays still when you pedal it.
• Has adjustable Velcro straps on the pedals.
• Comes with a Velcro tether to keep it from sliding on slippery floors.
• Includes an options connector. This enables you to connect an optional pc interface into the MagneTrainer.
• Comes with a 1 Year Warranty.

Cons

• None.

$209

Pros:

• Same bike as the MagneTrainer.
• Can play hundreds of off-the-shelf PC games with this bike.
• Includes fitness logging software (Windows platforms only). This automatically logs your exercise statistics (time, speed, distance, calories) so they can be viewed at a later time.
• Comes with a 1 Year Warranty.

Cons

• If you don't play games, save your money and buy the MagneTrainer.

$1099.00

The Cadillac of pedal exercisers. A small, handy arm/leg trainer which is easy to use and operates very smoothly.

Pros:

• Industrial quality.
• Electronic readouts of pedal r/min, total pedal revolutions and time.
• Comes with a 1-Year Warranty.

Cons:

• Expensive.