Exercise bike - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
We know it can be difficult to find time to go to the gym. But you don't have to when there's a stationary bike in your living room. These stationary bikes can help you reach your fitness goals, all while saving money and hassle.
With all the bikes on the market, you should consider the type of bike. There are the more traditional upright bikes, spin bikes that mimic road bikes, and recumbent bikes that recumbent. There's also the bike's weight limit, adjustability, ease of use, resistance, and preset programs to consider. Our reviews cover all of the above, along with the price range.
We've put together a collection of the best exercise bikes on the market. If you're not ready to buy, we encourage you to take a look at our guide that goes over the most important factors to consider.
Types of Exercise Bikes
Let's take a look at the most common types of exercise bikes and their main features.
- Upright Exercise Bikes
Upright exercise bikes are the standard type of stationary bike that most users are familiar with.
Users sit upright, not crouched like on a road bike.
Resistance is created by magnets or electromagnetic induction, so the pedaling feel is slightly different from a regular bike.
Exercise bikes are typically the most affordable type of exercise bike, with some entry-level models costing less than 10,000 Rupees.
- Spinning Bikes
Also known as "indoor cycling bikes," spin bikes give you the closest experience to riding a regular road bike.
Spin bikes have lower handlebars, which means you have to lean forward while using them. This also makes it easier to get out of the saddle for a more intense workout.
The heavy flywheel keeps spinning on its own inertia when you stop pedaling, so it feels more like a regular bike.
- Recumbent Exercise Bikes
The seats on recumbent exercise bikes are reclined and have backs, making them much more comfortable, particularly for long workouts or those suffering from lower back pain.
Since your upper body is supported, your legs work harder on a recumbent bike.
A recumbent exercise bike may come with the same type of enclosed flywheel as an upright bike or a weighted flywheel like a spinning bike.
Due to their size and extra parts, recumbent exercise bikes generally cost more than upright exercise bikes and spin bikes.
Considerations for Selecting an Exercise Bike
- Screen
Most stationary bikes have an LCD screen that shows certain measurements, such as your heart rate, speed, distance traveled, and how long you've been pedaling.
Look for a bike with a clear, easy-to-use display, as you don't want to be struggling to understand it while you're working up a sweat.
- Heart Rate Monitor
Even the most basic exercise bikes tend to come with a heart rate monitor. It's important to monitor your heart rate during exercise because you'll only benefit if you push yourself hard enough to get it up.
People with more detailed exercise plans can learn their optimal heart rate to reach their specific goals. In this case, an accurate monitor is vital to make sure the heart rate stays in the desired range.
- Endurance
Look at how many resistance levels the bike you are considering has. About 20 levels is average for a gym-quality exercise bike, but entry-level models can have fewer.
Typically, the high resistance on a 20-level resistance bike is the same as a 10-level bike, but you have fewer levels in between. This means that it is more difficult to adjust the resistance to your current fitness levels and goals.
- Programs
High-end stationary bikes often come with preset programs to help improve your workout. These programs automatically change the resistance of your bike. A program can start with a low resistance, then increase to a medium resistance before returning to a lower resistance, and so on.
Programs are great if you're not sure how to build your exercise regimen or find it hard to push yourself without encouragement. An exercise bike with a wide range of programs will suit people with a variety of fitness levels.
- Height Adjustment
Stationary bikes have adjustable seats, so they're suitable for adults of most heights.
That said, exercise bikes do have a recommended height range often between 5&39;3" and so an average model can leave out a good group of people.
It is not advisable to use a stationary bike if you are too tall or short, as extending your knees above or below when cycling can be uncomfortable and even lead to injury.
- Weight Limit
All exercise bikes have a maximum weight limit, so make sure you don't exceed it.
In most cases, the weight limit is between 100 Kg and 140 Kg, but this varies. Heavier users may find that some recumbent models have higher weight limits.
Exercise Bike Tips
It may sound basic, but a bottle holder on an exercise bike can be a real lifesaver. Otherwise, you'll have to stop your workout and dismount your stationary bike every time you want to quench your thirst.
If you're short on space, a folding exercise bike is ideal. You can fold it and store it when not in use.
Many people find it easier to stay motivated when listening to music or watching TV while cycling. Some stationary bikes even have speakers and an audio input, so you can listen to music from your phone or MP3 player.
Keep children away from exercise bikes that don't have a safety lock. Curious fingers could get caught in various moving parts.
Make sure you stay hydrated when exercising on your stationary bike. This will help prevent muscle cramps and dehydration.
Always check that your bike is stable before riding it. During a serious workout, some bikes can wobble or topple over if not properly positioned.
When you ride your stationary bike, check to see if you are putting too much pressure on your hands by gripping the handlebars. If so, adjust your body so your weight is on your legs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exercise Bikes
Que. What type of bike is best if I am recovering from an injury?
Ans. You should always consult your doctor before restarting your exercise routine after an injury. However, recumbent bikes require riders to use fewer muscle groups, and they're more comfortable sitting down, which is why many people find them to be the smoothest type of exercise bike to use when recovering from injury.
Que. Can I use a separate heart rate monitor when I use my exercise bike?
Ans. If getting an accurate heart rate reading during your workout is vital to you, and the exercise bike you've chosen has a poor quality heart rate monitor or no heart rate monitor at all, don't worry. You can use a heart rate monitor of your choice to get a better reading. The only drawback is that you will have to look at the heart rate monitor display as it will not appear on the LCD screen of your stationary bike.
Que. Can cycling be my only form of exercise?
Ans. Cycling is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, which is important for health. However, most experts recommend that you do some form of strength training in addition to cardiovascular exercise to keep your body in peak condition. This doesn't mean you have to start pumping iron at the gym if you don't want to. Bodyweight forms of exercise, such as yoga and Pilates, count as strength training.
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