Stryde Bike Review (2024): Unlocked for Your Streaming Pleasure

Investing in one of the best exercise bikes with streaming capabilities can elevate your cardio routine, providing you with easy access to virtual studio classes and entertainment apps that can inspire and motivate. Unlike other bikes with screens, the Stryde Bike’s 21.5-inch HD touchscreen comes unlocked, meaning you can use it to access almost any fitness app or streaming service you want. On NordicTrack and ProForm bikes , for example, you can only access iFIT programming. On the Stryde, you can hop between Peloton, iFIT, or Echelon Fit, not to mention apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

Constructed with welded powder-coated steel, this bike provides 100 micro-levels of resistance, so seasoned cyclists and casual cruisers can find the stability and intensity they need. Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit professionals, and cardio enthusiasts put miles on this bike, and while it’s not for every budget, we think athletes of all fitness levels will appreciate its sturdy build, large range of resistance, and unlocked screen capabilities.

Main Takeaways

• The 21.5-inch HD touchscreen tablet is unlocked, meaning you can fill it with the fitness and entertainment apps of your choice.
• The welded powder-coated steel construction can support riders up to 350 pounds — 53 pounds more than the Peloton Bike.
• The tablet comes pre-loaded with a web browser, the Stryde app, and Netflix. Users can add more apps to their tablet, though downloading them can be a pain.
• The seat has four-way adjustability and the pedals support sneakers and SPD clips. The handlebars, however, can only be adjusted up and down. 

Stryde Bike Highlights

• Price: $1,895
• Resistance: 100 magnetic micro-adjustable levels
• Display: 21.5” HD touchscreen tablet
• Dimensions: 46” H x 49.6” L x 24” W
• Weight Capacity: 350lbs
• Bike Weight: 135lbs
• Flywheel: 30.5lbs
• Warranty: 5 years frame, 12 months touchscreen, parts, and labor

Unlike Peloton, NordicTrack, and Echelon spin bikes that require subscriptions to the brand’s app to take advantage of their touchscreens, the Stryde Bike’s 21.5-inch HD touchscreen tablet is unlocked so you can access content from the apps of your choosing. For those who would rather not be locked into a subscription, the $1,895 Stryde Bike can be a viable alternative to the Peloton Bike ($1,445) or NordicTrack S22i ($1,999). 

[Related: The 8 Best Exercise Bikes with Screens]

That said, the optional Stryde app is available for $29 a month (after a 14-day trial subscription) and can host up to four user profiles, which may benefit cardio-loving households. Unlike Peloton or iFIT, Stryde doesn’t create their own programming. Rather, they partner with independent cycling studios and instructors to create exclusive content. The app currently contains more than 500 cycling classes, plus some offerings for core, stretching, and strength. 

Forged from welded and powder-coated steel, this 135-pound indoor cycling bike is built to last. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, didn’t notice any shake during their ride. “This is a heavy-duty and impressively sturdy bike,” they said.

Should you run into issues, Stryde offers a 30-day return window, as well as a warranty that protects the frame for 5 years and the touchscreen, parts, and labor for 12 months. Our tester found this unimpressive: “For a bike that’s nearly $2,000, this warranty should be a lot better.” 

Still, the Stryde bike checks off a lot of boxes. It has self-leveling legs, four-way seat adjustments, two water bottle holders, hand weight holders in the rear, and 100 levels of micro-adjustable resistance that can cater to beginners and cycling enthusiasts alike. 

Pros

• You can download apps directly to the bike’s touchscreen tablet, from Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu to Peloton, SoulCycle, and iFIT.
• Unlike other bikes with screens, you’re not locked into a subscription. 
• It has 100 micro-adjustable levels of resistance — the same as the Peloton Bike — that can provide a cycling experience suited to both beginners and enthusiasts.
• The hybrid pedals allow users to either clip in with SPD cleats or slip their sneakers into the toe cages. 

Cons

• The 5-year frame warranty is disappointing when compared to the 10-year warranties we’ve seen on comparable NordicTrack and ProForm bikes.
• There are no live classes available in the Stryde app.
• While this screen is unlocked, downloading apps onto the tablet can be a pain in the keister.
• There isn’t a way to track your heart rate zones either with pulse sensors or an included heart rate monitor.

Training With the Stryde Bike

“Cycling brings an impressive collection of health benefits to the table: cardiovascular health, endurance, stamina, muscular endurance are all improved with cycling, to name a few,” says BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. The benefits of cycling can include boosted cardiovascular health, weight management, and even improved mental health (1) 

Our team of testers — from former college athletes to road warrior cyclists — have built, sprinted, and experimented with the features on more than 30 of the most popular exercise bikes on the market. We got in several workouts on the Stryde Bike and scored 12 different categories — including technology, workout experience, and durability — on a scale from 1 (boo) to 5 (love it) to help give you an honest and all-encompassing review.

Display

The 21.5-inch touchscreen has an Android interface. It pairs 16GB of internal storage and 2GB RAM with a quad-core MediaTek MT8167A processor. All that power grants users the ability to search for and download a vast array of apps, the content of which streams in vivid 1080p Full HD. We do wish the screen had the ability to flip or swivel — since it’s locked in place, it can be a bit more difficult to take off-bike classes. 

Stryde App

The Stryde app comes preloaded onto the tablet, and users can test it out with a free 14-day trial (followed by a $29 monthly subscription). The app provides over 500 on-demand spin classes, with a handful of stretching, core, and strength classes peppered in as well. Stryde doesn’t produce this content in the same manner as Peloton or iFIT — rather, they’ve teamed up with popular studios and independent instructors to provide the app’s content. 

Our tester was somewhat unimpressed with the app’s content, preferring the dynamism and immersion of Peloton and iFIT’s classes and scenic rides. They hope Stryde introduces a live component in the future, as live classes can serve as an excellent source of motivation for many riders. Ultimately, they scored the Stryde app a 2.5 out of 5.

Of course, you’re not locked into a Stryde app monthly membership. It’s there if you want it, but you can also opt for another app you find more motivating. 

[Related: Peloton vs. NordicTrack — How Do These Fitness Companies Compare?]

Freedom to Stream

A big selling point for our team is the ability to use the touchscreen how you see fit. The Stryde Bike doesn’t lock you into using and paying for their fitness subscription, thus allowing users the freedom to bounce between entertainment streamers like Netflix and fitness apps like SoulCycle and iFIT. Users can even hop on Peloton’s leaderboard with this bike. This technology scored a 4 out of 5.

However, Stryde doesn’t have access to Google Play or the App Store. Instead, users will have to download APK (Android Package Kit) files of the apps they want to use. Stryde recommends doing this by going to apkmirror.com on the bike’s browser and then searching for the apps you want. You can also reach out to Stryde’s customer support if you have questions about whether or not you’ll be able to use the app you’re interested in cruising with.

Even without a subscription, users can use the Stryde app’s Free Ride feature to track their cadence, resistance, and output. Riders can then see their training metrics off to the side while streaming content. To save and store your training history, however, you will need a subscription to the Stryde app. 

Resistance

Most exercise bikes have between 8 to 32 levels of resistance, but the Stryde Bike offers 100 levels of manual micro-adjustable magnetic resistance — the same as the Peloton Bike — for those looking to oscillate between leisurely rides and high-intensity training. 

This resistance range allows for a greater diversity in the kind of training you want to do, making the Stryde Bike suitable for both beginners and seasoned riders looking to spike their heart rate. Our tester rated the bike’s resistance a 4 out of 5.

Durability and Stability

Our tester wasn’t concerned about this bike’s durability, citing its high-end welded and powder-coated steel construction. “I took this stationary bike on a test ride and didn’t notice any shaking, even when I got out of the saddle for some climbs,” our tester said. “However, it’s not as durable as, say, the $3,000 Keiser M3i — but for almost half the price, it’s solid.” Durability scored a 3.5 out of 5.

We also like its impressive 350-pound weight capacity — comparable to the NordicTrack S22i and 53 pounds more than the Peloton Bike — and that it has levelers on the bottom of each leg to provide additional stability. 

Adjustability

You can adjust the Stryde Bike’s cushioned seat up, down, backwards, and forwards, ensuring that most riders should be able to find a comfortable position for their ride. However, the handlebar’s lack of forward and back adjustability brought our score for the category down to a 3.5 out of 5.

We do, however, love that the Stryde’s pedals are compatible with both SPD clips and, thanks to its adjustable toe cages, regular sneakers or cross-training shoes. Contrast that with the Peloton Bike, which forces users to purchase Look Delta cleats to clip into the pedals. We think most athletes would appreciate getting in a cardio workout at home without having to invest in more gear.

Comfort

Home gym exercise bikes, especially for newbies, can be tough on butts, backs, and forearms. Our tester scored the Stryde’s comfort a 3.5 out of 5. The handlebars offer overhand, extended, and hook grips, and, according to our tester, are covered in a “dense foam.” Still, they said, “The seat is comfortable but it’s nothing special, and leaning on your hands for extended periods on these handlebars can become uncomfortable.”  

Handlebar comfort can be just as important as seat comfort. My riding companion once lost feeling in her fingers after we did a bike camping trip due to the weight she was placing on her hands during our ride, so it’s important to utilize the different holds on this bike to find what’s most comfortable for you while you’re in the saddle.

Conveniences

There are two horizontal water bottle holders at the front of the bike, and two weight holders at the back — however, you’ll need to supply your own dumbbells. Additionally, you’ll find built-in transport wheels to ease the burden of moving this bike from room to room.

We do wish this bike provided a way to track your heart rate, either with pulse sensors or an included heart rate monitor. Our tester scored these conveniences a 4 out of 5. 

What to Consider Before Buying the Stryde Bike

“There are two key groups of people I see benefitting from indoor exercise bikes the most: People who need a low-impact way to do cardio exercise, and athletes training for an event who need a way to perform structured interval training,” notes BarBend’s expert reviewer Amanda Capritto, CPT, CF-L1, CES, CSNC. If you fit into one of these camps, the Stryde Bike could be a good fit. Here are some key considerations of what to look for when buying an indoor cycle.

Tech Capabilities

“Bikes [with streaming capabilities] have become ultra-popular among people who love the fitness studio vibes that come from interactive workout sessions,” notes Capritto. But while we love the freedom provided by this unlocked screen, the effort of having to search for, download, and troubleshoot apps may be a headache for some. 

You won’t be able to just go to Android’s Google Play or Apple’s App Store and access the apps you want to use — instead, you’ll have to download APK files by going to apkmirror.com on the tablet’s browser. The tradeoff is more usability from your bike’s screen, but you’ll have to put in work to get everything downloaded and running. (It goes without saying that you will also need subscriptions to the apps you download.)

Personally, I wouldn’t mind having to do this because I feel confident asking for help on Reddit. However, I won’t share my Reddit username with you because I’ve commented on too many weird subreddits. For those who are less experienced at problem-solving software issues via online communities, this might be the wrong bike for you. 

Additionally, we think it’s worth noting that Peloton machines now come preloaded with Disney+, Netflix, and Max, though you’ll need both a Peloton All-Access subscription and subscriptions to the relevant apps to utilize them. 

Price

The $1,895 price of the Stryde Bike — which is often on sale for around $1,500 — is comparable to competitors like the NordicTrack S22i ($1,999) and the Peloton Bike ($1,445). However, those price tags aren’t taking into account the added subscription fees needed for NordicTrack’s iFIT programming ($39 a month) or Peloton’s All-Access membership ($44 a month). No subscription is necessary to access your display on the Stryde Bike, but you will still need to have an active subscription for any app you do want to use. 

[Related: The 8 Best Fitness Apps]

Footprint

This fitness bike measures 49.6 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 43.74 inches tall, which translates to roughly 8.25 square feet. This is about average for a studio cycle, although it is around 10 inches shorter in length than the Peloton Bike, which makes it a solid option for those tight on space.

When bringing workout equipment into your home you’ll want to “triple-measure your space to make sure it will fit,” notes Capritto. Additionally, we recommend having 2 feet of clearance on all sides of the bike to allow for an unobstructed workout experience.

Setup

“Building this bike in my living room was a breeze,” noted our tester, a certified personal trainer. “Basically, all I had to do was attach the screen and the legs.” We tend to recommend having at least two pairs of hands when setting up most exercise bikes, but our tester was fine putting this one together solo. “The tools I needed came with the bike and I was fine putting it together by myself,” they said.

Stryde Bike vs. The Competition

The market is awash with options for high-end spin bikes, so here’s a quick spec comparison chart so you can cross-reference what each option offers. The following home fitness bikes were selected due to their built-in touchscreens for streaming purposes and similar price points.

The Stryde Bike’s unlocked tablet is an enticing feature among bikes that lock users into using their own apps. While Peloton does come preloaded with Netflix, Disney+, Max, YouTube TV, and NBA.com, Stryde allows users the ability to download these apps and others — including the Peloton and iFIT apps. The Stryde Bike is truly a cardio machine for streaming enthusiasts.

It also stands out for its footprint, as it measures up to 11.4 inches shorter in length and up to 12 inches shorter in height than the bikes listed above. This makes it ideal for those who want a bike for small spaces that can provide more intensity than a folding exercise bike. 

[Related: The 6 Best Folding Bikes]

The Stryde Bike has the same 100 micro-levels of resistance as the Peloton. The NordicTrack S22i and the ProForm Studio Bike Pro have 24 and 22 levels, respectively. This allows for a more customized ride in which users can fine-tune their resistance to reach their desired training intensity. Additionally, the Stryde Bike’s 350-pound weight capacity supports 53 and 100 pounds more than the Peloton Bike and the Studio Bike Pro, respectively.

However, the price and warranty is where the Stryde Bike disappoints. At $1,895, this bike is $450 more than Peloton and $491 more than ProForm Studio Bike Pro. We also find its 5-year frame warranty — on par with the Peloton Bike — to be substandard when compared to the 10-year frame warranties offered by NordicTrack and ProForm.

Places to Buy the Stryde Bike

You can buy the Stryde Bike directly from the Stryde Bike website.

Warranty

Katana Fitness, Inc, Stryde’s parent company, offers a 5-year warranty on the frame, plus a 1-year warranty on the touchscreen, bike parts, and labor. For warranty assistance, contact the support team with proof of purchase and the serial number of your bike.

Company Information

Stryde Bike is based out of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Founder Pavlo Chikosh teamed up with a German industrial designer and a team of engineers to provide a sensor-laden bike with a large companion tablet. 

To reach Stryde Bike’s customer support, you can call email help@strydebike.com.

In Conclusion

The Stryde Bike unlocks a world of screen usability for cyclists who want to explore their options without being locked into one fitness subscription. Other bikes with screens tend to limit the apps you can access, but Stryde lets you stream classes from the likes of Peloton or SoulCycle before unwinding with Netflix, Max, or Hulu (or whichever app you prefer). Also, its 100 levels of micro-adjustable resistance can support everything from low-intensity endurance rides to high-intensity Tabata training. As such, we think it’s a viable Peloton alternative that can cater to both novice and experienced cyclists. 

Of course, not everyone needs that much streaming freedom. If you’re generally allergic to tech or only see yourself using one app, you may be better off with a Peloton or NordicTrack model, as they’re preloaded with their respective apps and much easier to get set up. Consider your needs, scan the specs, and give this review another read before making your decision. 

FAQs

References

1. Oja, P., Titze, S., Bauman, A., de Geus, B., Krenn, P., Reger-Nash, B., & Kohlberger, T. (2011). Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 21(4), 496–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01299.x

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