Deciding on the right at-home exercise bike can seem daunting. "For anyone reasonably serious about using the bike for more than a coat rack will want a bike that is durable, easy to use, easy to maintain, quiet, and in some cases capable of providing feedback about your workout (such as watts, RPM, and estimated distance)," says Booth.

Here’s the full run-down of what we recommend considering when shopping for the best exercise bike (for you):

Type of use: "Ultimately, it depends on how you intend to use it," says Booth. "If the intent is just to get a little cardio a few times a week, a fairly simple bike will do the trick."

"However, if you want to maximize the cardiovascular and strength benefits of riding a stationary bike, or plan to use it as a supplement to outdoor riding, then it is important to get a bike with geometry similar to a road bike."

Resistance: The resistance mechanism is the heart of any indoor exercise bike and is guaranteed to make you simultaneously love and hate your new cycle. It’s also what dictates how quiet and smooth the ride is. Many mid-tier to premium bikes nowadays use magnetic resistance. It’s more expensive but also makes for an ultra-smooth, whisper-quiet ride. High-end bike makers like Peloton can also use this type of resistance to integrate into their online classes seamlessly. Entry-level and budget exercise bikes, on the other hand, often use traditional air resistance or mechanical flywheels with friction for resistance.

Connectivity: Exercise bikes have come a long way in the last decade. Modern bikes feature WiFi connectivity that allows for incredible integration with online courses. Built-in Bluetooth is another nice-to-have feature that will enable you to, for example, pair wireless headphones or mobile fitness apps with your bike. Connectivity isn't a must, but it is close to it, especially if you're not going the air bike route. No cardio modality lends itself to online-led workouts better than stationary bike work.

Pedal and footwear compatibility: Most entry-level bikes and some mid-tier models feature a flat pedal or a pedal with a simple toe cage—either is compatible with almost any shoe or sneaker you care to wear. But, higher-end exercise bikes (like Peloton) require special Delta or SPD-compatible cycling cleats. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website to see if this is something to consider.

Tablet or screen mount: This may or may not be a must-have for you. It’s all a matter of personal preference. If you like to watch movies, YouTube, Netflix, etc. while working out, you may want a bike with a built-in spot to stash your device. A tablet or screen mount also makes it easier to watch instructor-led classes too.

Budget: There’s no getting around the fact that exercise bikes aren’t cheap. While the most obvious factor for many consumers will be price, "In most cases, you get what you pay for," Booth told Men's Health. Your options range from $300, barebones cycles with few features to high-end, uber-connected models from the likes of Peloton's Bike+ that cost upwards of $2,500.

But you don’t have to spend a small fortune to land a decent model. The best budget to mid-range models are priced between $800-$2000. While that’s not chump change, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re planning to integrate trainer-led classes or resistance-driven sessions into your regular routine. While there are a few decent sub-$1,000 bikes out there, don’t expect them to last beyond five years or so.

Warranty: Because exercise bikes are such a big investment, budget and warranty go hand-in-hand. Many of the bike models we recommend offer a solid warranty of between one and seven years on parts, plus at least a one-year warranty on labor. This is totally reasonable, especially if you're spending north of $1,500 on a new machine. You should expect that your bike's frame and resistance mechanism should both be warrantied for the life of the unit.