Ergometers and Speedbikes are both bikes that stay in your living room – and yet they are two distinct pieces of fitness equipment. One is a measuring instrument, the other a road bike without a road. Below, you will learn how to recognize the difference in the spec sheet, the pros and cons of each design, and which bike suits your workout best.
The difference in one sentence
An ergometer controls the resistance in watts – you specify a target power output, and the machine maintains it. A Speedbike features a heavy flywheel and a resistance knob; you decide yourself how hard you pedal.
Everything else follows from this: riding position, saddle, handlebars, flywheel weight, and whether you can structure your training with exact numbers.
Ergometer or Speedbike – differences at a glance
The most important values in direct comparison:
| Feature | Ergometer H25 | Speedbike S17 |
| Resistance | 5 – 350 watts, controlled | Flywheel weight + controller |
| Flywheel weight | 18 kg | 28 kg |
| Riding position | upright | forward-leaning |
| Saddle type | Comfort | Sport |
| Pedal distance (Q-factor) | 21 cm | 22 cm |
| Fixed gear | no | yes |
| Setup dimensions | 114,5 x 57 x 137,5 cm | 126 x 50 x 100 cm |
| Max. user weight | 120 kg | 150 kg |
What "watts" in the spec sheet means
A true ergometer maintains a preset power output constantly – if you pedal slower, the machine increases the resistance. This makes a workout repeatable and comparable: "20 minutes at 120 watts" means the exact same next month as it does today.
That's precisely why our ergometers specify a load range in watts: 10–350 watts on the H21 Pro, 5–350 watts on the H25, 5–200 watts on the H24. Speedbikes do not have this value – instead, the flywheel weight is listed.
Advantages of an ergometer
- Predictable workouts. Watt targets, heart-rate-controlled programs, and adjustable heart rate limits allow for precise interval training and load management.
- Upright, back-friendly riding position. No pressure on wrists and neck.
- Comfort saddle and low step-through. The H21 Pro features a 45 cm step-through height – essential for beginners, older users, and rehabilitation.
- No fixed gear. You can stop pedaling at any time without the pedals continuing to turn.
- Comparable data. Progress can be proven with numbers, not just felt.
Disadvantages of an ergometer – an honest look
- Less sporty ride feel. Standing up on the pedals out of the saddle is not the strength of this design.
- Lower flywheel weight. 12–18 kg compared to up to 28 kg on a Speedbike – the motion feels less substantial.
- Taller frame height. Handlebars and console sit higher, making the machine appear larger in the room.
- No Indoor Cycling experience. If you are looking for a studio class atmosphere, you won't find it here.
Advantages of a Speedbike
- High flywheel weight. 28 kg on the S17, 20 kg on the S15 and S20 – the motion is smooth and fluid, similar to a road bike.
- Out-of-saddle pedaling possible. Frame and riding position are engineered for it.
- Compact build. The S17 measures 126 x 50 x 100 cm, making it lower profile than most ergometers.
- Higher user weight limit. S15, S17, and S20 support up to 150 kg.
- Compatible with workout apps. Kinomap and Zwift run on S18 Pro, S20, and other models.
Disadvantages of a Speedbike – an honest look
- No watt control. A training plan based on target power output cannot be executed with this.
- Fixed gear. The pedals continue to turn with the flywheel – stopping abruptly is not possible. Beginners need to get used to this, and it's good to know before stepping on.
- Sport saddle. Narrow and firm. Without getting used to it, the first few sessions can be uncomfortable.
- Forward-leaning posture. Not ideal for those with neck or wrist issues.
- Large Q-factor on some models. S15 and S20 feature 31 cm; the S17 comes closer to a natural stride with 22 cm.
A special case: Friction brake instead of magnetic
Not every Speedbike uses magnetic braking. The Indoor Cycle Dynamic S14 uses a friction brake system, while the Speedbike Tour S11 uses a felt brake. This is simple, affordable, and robust – but the brake pad is a wear item, and adjustment is less precise than with permanent magnets. Frequent and regular riders are better off with a magnetic brake system.
Our equipment at a glance
Ergometer Wi-Fi H21 Pro
10–350 watts, flywheel weight 18 kg, step-through height 45 cm, Q-factor 22 cm, heart-rate-controlled programs with adjustable target zones, Wi-Fi, Kinomap with automatic resistance control, SPD clipless pedals (Shimano compatible), up to 130 kg. → View the H21 Pro
Ergometer Studio Pro H25
5–350 watts, flywheel weight 18 kg, Q-factor 21 cm, comfort saddle, inseam 75–95 cm, up to 120 kg. → View the H25
Ergometer Ride H24
5–200 watts, flywheel weight 12 kg, comfort saddle, net weight 30 kg, up to 130 kg. The compact entry-level model for watt-controlled training. → View the H24
Ergometer Smart Fit H22
Flywheel weight 12 kg, permanent magnet, 118,5 x 54 x 139 cm, up to 120 kg. → View the H22
Speedbike Studio Pro S17
Flywheel weight 28 kg – the highest in our range –, Q-factor 22 cm, sport saddle, fixed gear, magnetic brake, 126 x 50 x 100 cm, up to 150 kg. → View the S17
Speedbike Multimedia Studio Pro S20
Flywheel weight 20 kg, 32 resistance levels, TFT touch display, Kinomap, Zwift and iConsolePro, tablet holder, up to 150 kg. → View the S20
Speedbike Power S18 Pro
Flywheel weight 18 kg, sport saddle, fixed gear, magnetic brake, inseam 76,5–90 cm, up to 130 kg. → View the S18 Pro
Speedbike Performance S15
Flywheel weight 20 kg, Q-factor 31 cm, sport saddle, fixed gear, up to 150 kg. → View the S15
Speedbike Big Screen S11S
Flywheel weight 18 kg, comfort saddle instead of sport saddle, magnetic brake, up to 120 kg. The most comfortable entry into Indoor Cycling. → View the S11S
Conclusion: Which one is right for you?
An ergometer is right for you if you train according to a structured plan, want to track your progress with precise numbers, are getting back into fitness after an injury, or prioritize an upright, comfortable riding position.
A Speedbike is right for you if you do Indoor Cycling, are looking for a road bike feel, want to train standing out of the saddle, and appreciate a smooth, heavy flywheel motion.
Undecided? The S11S combines the Speedbike design with a comfort saddle, while the H21 Pro combines the ergometer with a sport saddle and clipless pedals. Both models deliberately sit right in between.
You can find all bikes under Ergometers, Speedbike, and in the overview Bikes & Ergometers.
Your downloadable training plan
We have created a dedicated 8-week plan as a PDF for both bikes. Free of charge, no registration required – and tailored to the exact metrics your machine delivers.
- Ergometer Training Plan – watt-controlled and structured
- Speedbike Training Plan – Indoor Cycling with out-of-saddle riding
Overview of all plans: Training Plans
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ergometers and Speedbikes
What is the difference between an exercise bike and an ergometer?
An ergometer controls the resistance in watts and maintains the preset power output constantly. A simple exercise bike only offers resistance levels without a defined power output. Every ergometer is an exercise bike, but not every exercise bike is an ergometer.
What does fixed gear mean?
The pedals are directly connected to the flywheel and continue turning as long as it rotates. You cannot stop pedaling abruptly; instead, you must coast down the motion. Almost all Speedbikes feature a fixed gear.
How much flywheel weight does a Speedbike need?
From about 18 kg onwards, the motion is smooth. At 28 kg, our S17 is well above that mark, while the S15 and S20 sit at 20 kg. Low flywheel weight results in an uneven motion, especially at high pedaling cadences.
Can you train by watts on a Speedbike?
Not in terms of controlled target wattage. Some consoles estimate a watt value, but do not maintain it constantly. Anyone wanting to train by power output needs an ergometer with a specified load range.
Which bike is suitable for rehabilitation?
As a rule, an ergometer with a low step-through, comfort saddle, and upright posture – such as the H21 Pro with a 45 cm step-through height. Even gentler is a recumbent ergometer with a backrest. Consult your doctor or physical therapist regarding workout intensity beforehand.
