Things to consider before buying the Best Exercise Bikes Getting good cardio using a bicycle doesn't require you to get out of the house at all. Instead, you can go for a safer alternative, all thanks to exercise bikes. Of course, it isn’t as simple as buying the first unit you see on the market or ordering any unit with a 5-star rating. Join us on this journey as we dive into the realm of exercise bikes and uncover the key elements that will elevate your fitness routine.
Unveiling the Perfect Fit It's not just about pedaling; it's about finding the bike that suits you like a glove. Here's what you need to look for:
Frame Size: Each bike is unique and doesn’t offer the same feel when riding. Since bikes aren’t equally suited for various riders, it’s best to check out the geometry of the frame and determine if you’ll be able to adjust the height, handlebars, and other features to suit your preference. There are riders who are very particular about the Q-factor, which is the distance between pedals. There are also users who like riding more upright, so it's best to see if the handlebars are able to lift high enough. Taller riders want to see if the seat extends enough to meet their leg span. Shorter riders, on the other hand, need to verify the step-over height and minimum seat height. Be sure to check the bike website or manual for a spec sheet that lists all of these specifications.Adjustment Points: Most exercise bikes allow for two to four adjustment points in order to fit riders of different sizes. A bike with two adjustment points allows you to lower or raise both the handlebars and seat. A unit with three adjustment points allows you to raise and lower the seat as well as slide it forward and back, while the handlebar only raises and lowers. A bike with four adjustment points allows you to raise, lower, and slide back and forth both the handlebar and seat.Comfort: A good cycling experience won’t be possible without a comfortable saddle. We recommend taking a look at online reviews, blog posts, forums, YouTube reviews, and social media pages so that you can analyze the feedback for actual users.Pedal Options: Hybrid pedals are ideal for individuals who like riding in cycling shoes. These types of pedals feature SPD clips on one side and a flat pedal surface on the other. Hybrid pedals also work well with athletic shoes, allowing for different footwear options. Do note that lower-end bikes only feature a standard flat pedal that won’t accommodate cycling cleats.Content and Connection: In today’s day and age, touchscreens are all the rage, allowing you to train according to the manufacturer’s application. There are even studies that indicate that users are more likely to use their exercise bike if it features a display that shows frequently updated subscription content.Picking Your Ride: Types of Exercise Bikes The exercise bike arena is diverse, catering to various preferences and needs. Delve into different options and discover the ideal match:
Spin Bike: This is basically the traditional exercise bike with a racing-style saddle, front-mounted flywheel, adjustable resistance, and multi-position handlebars, making it ideal for weight loss and high-calorie burning. A spin bike is a very popular choice as it closely resembles a regular bike while offering a similar feel to riding outdoors. Spin bikes, however, require the rider to lift a leg up and over the bike, while the user must sit upright with their hips directly over the pedals. This might be hard for some, so do note that knee and hip flexion are a must.Upright Bike: This is almost similar to a spin bike but with the pedals and seat lower than the handlebars, allowing the user to ride in a more vertical position with an elevated torso. Doing so promotes proper breathing and a generally comfortable position. On top of that, upright bikes are easier to get on and off based on the pedals’ height. This is why we recommend these bikes for older riders who dislike being hunched over when riding. One downside to an upright bike is that, due to the body position, it might be hard to get the same level of intensity as compared to a spin bike.Recumbent Bike: These are a different breed of bikes with a dropped seat that sits back behind instead of over the pedals. Thanks to their reclined position, a recumbent bike is ideal for users with limited mobility as they are easy to get on or off. This is why we recommend this type of bike for seniors or individuals who prefer sitting lower on a wide saddle with a full backrest. Do note, however, that this type of bike won’t offer as much calorie burn due to its position, but it’s the perfect choice for individuals who prioritize comfort and stability.Air Bikes: With large fans attached to the front, the air is sucked into the fan, creating tension. Air bikes are also known for being highly effective when it comes to conditioning, as they provide the rider with unlimited resistance. There are many models that feature long, moveable handlebars that move in conjunction with the pedals, which provides you with a total body workout. Being used often in competitions such as CrossFit games, air bikes are used for shorter periods of time due to the extremely intense workouts they provide.Sizing Up Your Space While exercise bikes won't hog your living space, it's wise to measure twice and ride once:
Ceiling height: Be sure that you’ll have enough headroom when you stand on the bike’s pedals, as your body will be elevated to the height of the lower pedal.Strategic placement: Since you’ll move around a bit when riding an indoor bike, closet doors that can swing open accidentally can cause damage to your bike or even the closet itself. A window can also create a reflection on the screen of the bike, and if it opens inward, the glass panels can jut into the room, so it's best to keep your bike away from them. Blinds are also something you won’t want your bike to be anywhere near, as the hanging cord from a blind can be dangerous when riding.Seamless Streaming: Bikes with screens have content that is streamed, not downloaded. This is why it is important to see if the room you’ll be installing your bike in has a good internet signal. We suggest testing this using a tablet or iPad and streaming a video via Netflix or Youtube. If you can stream videos without buffering, then you’re in a good spot to set up your bike.Decoding Resistance Quiet workouts are the name of the game. Understand the resistance types and their impact on noise levels:
Magnetic Resistance: This operates more quietly than friction resistance. It uses magnets that oppose the rotation of the flywheel, which removes the need for any rubbing or friction. While there might be some motor noise whenever the magnets move further or closer to the flywheel, it only lasts a few seconds, making this type of resistance relatively silent.Friction Resistance: As we stated earlier, friction resistance might make a bit more noise due to the friction pad rubbing against the flywheel. While it can get noisier whenever the pad starts to wear out, it is still relatively quieter compared to a rower or a treadmill.Chain Drive: A chain drive connects the pedals to the crankset, so rotating the pedals makes the chain move the crankset, which turns the flywheel. This, however, is noisier due to the metal links, which can get louder over time due to wear and tear.Belt Drive: This is similar to a chain drive with a sole difference—the belt is made of hard rubber instead of steel, making it a quieter option. You also won’t have to lubricate it or do any maintenance.Finding Your Budget Sweet Spot Exercise bikes span a wide price range, influenced by features like touchscreens and monthly subscriptions:
Under $1,000: A lot of quality bikes are offered in this price range, however, they usually don’t come with touchscreens. Most, however, have device trays where you can place your tablet or phone, allowing you to stream your desired content.$1000-$1,500: These bikes have a little more technology built into them without requiring a monthly subscription fee. Many offer a large touchscreen where you can use fitness apps.$1,500 and above: Bikes that come in this price range offer high-end features such as a touchscreen and some additional equipment, allowing for a full-body workout. Some models even have an inclining feature to simulate real-world terrain.Touchscreen vs. Simple Computer Display While both types have their own benefits, it’s up to the user’s preference as to which kind of display proves to be the ideal choice:
Simple Bike Computer: This is basically the budget option, which allows you to exercise at your own pace. It will often display metrics such as speed, watts, and distance to monitor your progress. If you prefer some entertainment, you can easily point the bike toward your TV.Hybrid Console: This features a computer display that synchronizes with your tablet or other applications via Bluetooth. Being a bit more flexible, a hybrid console allows you to connect to a third-party fitness application and stream whatever content you want from your tablet or mobile device.Touchscreen with Subscription: Becoming increasingly popular, these units feature virtual trainer-led classes. You also get tips and guidance from an instructor, allowing you to virtually explore various locations. The attached touchscreen is where the bike’s main functionality is. You’ll need to pay a monthly fee to access its contents.
