When it comes to fitness, exercise bikes have been proven reliable to deliver results. What’s in a bike? You may call an exercise bike, a stationary bike, an indoor bike or a studio cycle. You may call a bike by any other name but it’s still a bike. I’m sure Shakespeare will agree.
A more difficult question would be: to buy or not to buy? Faced with this question? Let this exercise bike buying guide help you choose an exercise bike to equip your fitness gym, work-out room or space. Use the following as a guide on how to buy an exercise bike best suited to your needs.
What type of exercise bike do you prefer?
Exercise bikes come in two types: the upright and the recumbent. Click here to learn more about the types of exercise bikes available.
The upright exercise bike is greatly similar to a real street bike, with seats and pedals like a typical bike. This allows you to move in same manner that you do in a traditional bike. You can stand on the pedal and ride away or in a racing position. On the other hand, recumbent exercise bikes have seats shaped like a bucket or like a chair. This design permits the rider to recline with legs outstretched in front. In addition, recumbent type comes with a cushioned back rest. Now which type you think suits your preference?
To guide you further about what exercise bike is best for you, answer the following questions:
- Are you a hard core cyclist? If yes, an upright exercise bike is recommended.
- Are you training for a cycling event? If yes, then an upright bike is also best for
you. - Do you prefer comfort and ease in your lower back? If yes, a recumbent bike is
suggested. - Do you need an intense work-out? If yes, an upright bike is perfect.
- Do you need a regular, comfortable ride? If yes, a recumbent bike is for you.
- Do you want an upper-body work out as well? If yes, then you need a
dual-action upright bike. This innovation has added movable handles for arm or upper-body work out.
Remember, however, that these are just baseline questions. Read on to fine-tune your exercise bike buying decision.
Exercise bike buying guide checklist
After choosing your preferred bike type, go over the checklist below to evaluate the quality of an exercise bike:
- Is the seat comfortable?
- Is the seat easily adjustable?
- Is the seat properly locked in place?
- Does the seat (recumbent bike) provide a solid back support?
- Does the frame feel sturdy?
- Are the handle bars easily adjustable?
- Does the bike produce less noise or is quiet?
- Does the bike have resistance? Direct tension? Fly wheels? Air? Magnetic?
- Does the bike provide work out options? Programmed work out?
- Does the bike offer feedback tools? Display panel? Pulse and/or Heart Rate Monitor? Calories and fat burned?
- Does the bike come with more than a 90-day warranty? Or better still a lifetime warranty?
- Is the bike reasonably priced? Within $500-1,000? If you intend to use the bike for long period of time better choose one within this price range.
To buy or not to buy is no longer a question. Get one and position it in front of your tv or anywhere you like and pedal away to fitness.