If you are looking at buying an exercise bike, this exercise bike buying guide may be just what you have been looking for.
Exercise bikes have become very popular in the home fitness market, and exercise bikes do give you a great workout and promote a healthy lifestyle, providing you use the exercise bike of course.
If worked on properly, you will be giving the legs, lungs, and heart a great workout, while limiting the impact on your knees and leg joints.
Exercise Bike Buying Guide
Because you are spending quite a bit of money on your bike, and it will be a long-term investment, you need to make sure that you are buying the best stationary bike that you can.
Here is an exercise bike buying guide for you and what to consider when purchasing an exercise bike.
First of all, there are three different types of exercise bikes available:
- Upright exercise bikes
- Recumbent exercise bikes
- Dual action exercise bikes
Whichever bike type you choose, make sure that you can vary your workouts with adjustable resistance options.
The exercise bike also needs to have a wide range of seat heights which can be adjusted easily. Also, make sure the bike comes with a guarantee of good service and free repair.
Upright Bikes
Upright exercise bikes are similar to traditional bicycles. These bikes have small saddles where you sit with your back unsupported and pedal. Upright bikes occupy very little space. They give you a good cardiovascular and lower body workout. You can also stand up and pedal with an upright bike.
They are not normally the most comfortable choice.
Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes have a more relaxed style of seating.
The sitting-like or bucket seat can lean back for a more comfortable ride. This seating arrangement is good for people with back problems, as the back is well supported while working out. T
he pedals are located toward the front of the bike, making the sitting position similar to that which is adopted while driving.
These bikes work your hamstrings and glutes. They also promote efficient blood flow throughout the body. Some recumbent bikes have a recline feature that allows you to adjust the angle of your back accordingly.
They are ideal for people who are overweight. Unless you have limited space, recumbent bikes are the smart choice.
Dual Action Bikes:
Dual action elliptical bikes
Dual action bikes are ideal for those looking to tone both the upper and lower their body.
Exercise bikes use friction-based mechanisms, electromagnetic or air resistance. The type of resistance you can choose depends on your budget. Motion with the resistance of friction-based, such as a clamp or a brand of tissue brakes are cheap but offer only limited programming. Motion with air resistance uses a fan to produce resistance. The fan also has a cooling effect. These bikes last longer because they are free from friction which causes wear. Air resistance bikes are very rare. However, the Schwinn Airdyne is the most popular model of this type.
Bikes that use electromagnetic resistance are smoother. These models are usually more expensive but provide quieter operation. You can benefit from their pre-set programs and heart rate monitor as well. Try to select a bike with automatic resistance settings, as it will be safer use.
Do Exercise Bikes Require Power To Operate?
Most of the bikes are self-driven and do not require power to operate. You can use an exercise bike for about six hours a day. These models last longer if only one or two people use the same machine.
How Much Space Do These Bikes Need?
Exercise bikes are usually small and occupy minimal space. You can opt for fold-away bikes that can be stored in racks when not in use.
Want To Test Your Training?
Most exercise bikes provide information on speed, distance traveled and the length of your workout.
Most will show the total calories burned, program mode, or the level of resistance? Some advanced models allow all this information along with your pulse and heart rate. Pre-programmed workouts and information storage are offered by sophisticated exercise bikes only.
Trusting that this exercise bike buying guide has helped you. Please feel free to comment below on anything you may need to add.
Many years ago I had a exercise bike that unfortunately became a stand for the clothes. I cannot seem to find the motivation to exercise at home using all this equipment. Maybe I am not approaching the matter with the right mindset. I see that these bikes have been upgraded greatly from when I remember checking the last time. Your article made me have seconds thoughts if I should give them a second chance. Thank you for sharing.
If you use your bike as a clothes stand, then I suggest finding some other exercise form that you enjoy doing to keep fit. There are many ways of exercising that don’t have to be boring for you.
Good day RecumbentBiker
Thank you for an informative article. I’d like to share my recent experience after injuring my left knee on a tennis court. I was lucky in that i did not break my leg when I fell, however, the knee strained “forwards” and injured some of the ligaments. My doctor advised me to reconsider tennis as I am no youngster anymore, and I started working out in our local gym.
I started off by trying a rowing machine- big disaster. The strain on my knee was far too much and for days thereafter I couldn’t walk. On my return I tried a bike which I have never used before. I was wary not to stress the knee too much and used a low resistance setting. That worked well and I gradually increased the resistance over the ensuing 3 weeks. My knee held and I now remain fit by spending time on bikes.
I definitely recommend bike riding for those readers that are looking for options to remain fit after a knee injury.
Thanks for the comment Arie and sorry to hear about your knee. I also find riding a recumbent bike does definitely help to strengthen the knees. I am a dance teacher by trade, and without my regular ‘rides’ I really feel the strain on my knees.
Hey Recruitmentbiker,
I think you have given a decent guide to help those people who want to buy exercise bikes. Exercise bikes are popular with the people who prefer to workout in their home.
Exercise bikes do not require power to operate is one of its USP, plus it does not require much space which is another feature which may make it the best buy.
Can you pl make it clear if treadmill and exercise bikes are same and can exercise bike burn belly fat?
Regards
Treadmills are totally different and are aimed at runners and walkers. Both of them can burn belly fat if used regularly in conjunction with a healthy eating plan.
I am a lover of exercise bikes. Half an hour on a stationary bicycle helps up your daily calorie burn which helps me have an easier task watching my weight which means I do not have to leave my house and start running to burn calories. I can do it right in the comfort of my home and it’s great. I love the upright exercise bikes more.
Hi I have read the whole review of exercise bike product.
I have seen many exercise bikes in different Gyms. But most of them are not comfortable for long time exercise.
My friend is managing a gym and I think I can refer him your article. Can you suggest which one is best for everyone and long term exercise? Thanks for sharing this great review.
If I had a choice, I would definitely go for a recumbent model.
Exercise bikes are an excellent addition to a personalized home gym. They carry many benefits providing you with a physical work out from the convenience of your home losing weight and keeping you fit while occupying very little space in your home and living area.
They are pretty much available in outdoor gyms as well. Cycling is one of my favorite exercises.
I have used all three kinds of bikes. My personal favorite is the recumbent bike. It is really comfortable. I can lie back, paddle and read a book as long as I want. The one I frequently have used in my apartment gym even had a coffee holder.
I really am looking for buying one in the near future. This guide educated me now. It has described various aspects to choose one versus the other.
I am always unsure of assembling them. I am bad in joining parts even with directions.
Yes if you do order one, make sure that you have a strong male on hand to help you assemble the exercise bike.