Exercise Bike Buying Guide: Top 6 Tips to keep in mind when buying a bike!

Exercise bikes have been around for years, which means, they are a longtime favorite when it comes to cardio. Thankfully with these handy machines, you don’t necessarily have to goto the gym and pump weights to achieve your fitness goals! Although there are many of brands and types of indoor cycling bike on the market today so choosing one can be rather challenging.

There is a great variety of them out there that this may make you feel overwhelmed when buying an exercise bike for the first time.

When I started researching exercise bikes, I was so overwhelmed at all the information that I had no idea what to look for in a bike, such as which features were important or what resistance level would be best for my needs.

To be completely honest, I was pretty ignorant about everything when it comes to exercise bikes because I didn’t really know what questions to ask, and thought that if all bikes are essentially the same in their purpose then any one will do!

Usually, the cheaper ones are only equipped with the basic features you would expect them to have, like variable workout resistance levels that can be configured and a couple of programming options. Mid-range ones are better constructed with less noise and offer users a more solid feel while working out.

As for high-end elliptical machines, they usually come with advanced features including: one or multiple computer screens, more accurate and detailed displays, preset workouts programs, space for user profiles, longer warranty period and various levels of resistance. - Some even come with TV screens built in! So you won't miss your favourite program.

We offer a range of Exercise Bikes, recumbent exercise bike and upright bike at the Home Fitness Store for for your home gym setup or if you fancy a larger range of exercise bikes for a bigger setup or a commercial environment see our larger range by clicking here  

 

SEE OUR RANGE OF EXERCISE BIKES

So Just How Fancy Do You Need Your Exercise Bike To Be?

Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle mass or increase your stamina and energy levels, it’s important to first think about how often you want to workout and how hard do you want to push yourself. Using an exercise bike can be a great way to burn calories effectively, but many people overestimate their abilities and go for the most expensive model thinking they will manage to keep up with their workout plans only to realize that they aren’t reaching their goals as easily as they had hoped.

Once you've been able to take into account your needs and wants, you will find it easier to decide what type of machine will best suit your individual needs. 

What Features are Important to You

 

No matter how much money you're willing to spend on an exercise bike or what brand stands out most in your mind, all exercise equipment is not the same. It's important to look at what features the equipment might be lacking in terms of durability or general comfort that might keep you away from it. You should always look out for a basic set of features that come with your Bike. For example, if you're a larger person and need a bike with extra padding and a heavy duty frame, then make sure the seat can be adjusted so that it meets your needs as well.

The more comfortable an exercise bike is for you to ride, the better you'll be able to complete your workouts. Ideally, this means wider pedals with some sort of strap that will ensure safety even when a person has sweaty feet. The built-in computer also needs to have basic stats related to your speed, time, and calorie expenditure through exercise. Add in heart-rate monitoring functionality for maximum workout results. 

Think about the following - Before purchasing and upright bike.

• Will the bike suit your height or be adjustable
• Will the bike to compact or portable enough for your situation
• Will the Exercise Bike have adequate workout programs
• Will the bike have enough monitory options like Heart Beat etc.
• Will the Exercise Bike be be comfortable to use.
• Is the Bike made or good quality materials. 
• Are extras like a TV screen important.
• Does it have basic features like a variable resistance machine

 

Optional Accessories to Keep you Motivated.

If there's more than one exercise bike you're eyeing, look for additional features that set them apart and keep you motivated. For example, bikes like our Tour SP Bike which comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity or our range of bikes which offer built-in fans which, in addition to providing air resistance, help users keep cool.

If your workout doesn't feel complete without listening to your favorite jams through a good set of speakers, bikes like our Fitness Tour 5.0 Exercise Bike

have built-in bluetooth speakers to allow you to listen to your music or watch films whilst working out.

Another feature to look out for in a spin bike is a place to store your water bottle (water, naturally). If you’re anything like me and find it difficult to catch your breath while working out without hankering for something with artificial flavor (aka “energy drink”), then having an easy access container of something refreshing nearby could be a lifesaver.

Similarly, some spin bikes come with magazine holders or cup-holders that make it much easier to work at your desired pace. A built-in fan can also be very beneficial – especially during those brutal summer days.

 

Be Sure to Check the Weight Limit of your Exercise Bike

When working out on a indoor cycling bike or exercise bike, it's important to keep your balance steady and to avoid any potential accidents so that you don't injure yourself. When purchasing a spin bike, one of the factors which will determine whether or not the bicycle is stable is its weight – or how heavy it is and also whether it has the correct weight capacity for you.

Generally speaking the heavier the bike, the steadier and safer it is. For extra-heavy bikes, transport wheels are a must otherwise you'll have trouble moving your machine from one location to another.

 

How Noisy is will your Exercise Bike be?

While this isn’t an issue for everyone, in a small apartment building with thin walls you'd have to be considerate of your neighbors. Based on the resistance, some bikes tend to make more noise than others. The bikes with fans tend to be noisier, as they feature air resistance – the harder you pedal, the stronger the breeze and thus louder the noise. Most exercise bikes don’t make an unbearable sound , but it can bother someone who is trying to listen to music or watch TV while working out . So if you want to avoid bothering your neighbours when riding at home, think about how well sound-proofed your small apartment home is beforehand.

 

Picking the Safest Machine for Your Family

If you are living in a household with children, it's crucial to pay attention to how your exercise bike has been constructed. Statistics show that thousands of children are injured each year from using exercise equipment. To avoid that, make sure that the bike's mechanics (like the chain and flywheel) have been carefully covered so that children won't be able to get their fingers or other body parts stuck in them.

 

The Benefits of using a Stationary Bike Summarised

Exercise bikes, which include upright bike, recumbent bikes, stationary bikes, indoor cycling bikes, and spin bikes, have gained popularity as an effective form of cardiovascular exercise. One of the main benefits of using exercise bikes is their low-impact nature, which makes them ideal for individuals with joint pain or injuries. Unlike other forms of exercise such as running or jumping, exercise bikes place less stress on the joints, which can help reduce the risk of injury.

Regular use of exercise bikes can also improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow. When the heart rate increases, the body needs more oxygen, and the heart works harder to pump blood to the muscles. This helps improve overall cardiovascular fitness and can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.

In addition to cardiovascular benefits, exercise bikes can also be an effective tool for weight loss. Depending on the intensity of the workout, exercise bikes can burn a significant amount of calories in a short amount of time, making them an efficient way to achieve weight loss goals. Moreover, exercise bikes can be used at home, which makes them a convenient option for people who don't have the time or inclination to go to a gym.

Riding an exercise bike can also help tone the muscles in the legs, hips, and glutes. Upright bikes and spin bikes are particularly effective at targeting the muscles in the legs, while recumbent bikes can help tone the glutes and hamstrings. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins, which promote feelings of well-being and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Overall, exercise bikes provide a safe, convenient, and effective way to improve fitness and health. They offer numerous benefits, including low-impact exercise, improved cardiovascular health, weight loss, improved muscle tone, and reduced stress levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, exercise bikes can be a great addition to your fitness routine.

Stationary Bikes vs Road Bikes: Which is Better?

Road cycling has always been a popular form of exercise, but with the rise of indoor cycling, more people are opting to work out at home on stationary bikes. Both types of cycling have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh your options when deciding which one is right for you.

Indoor cycling, also known as spinning, is a form of exercise that involves using a stationary bike designed for high-intensity workouts. These indoor cycling bikes usually have a heavier flywheel than traditional exercise bikes, which provides a more realistic outdoor cycling experience. They also typically have adjustable resistance levels, allowing riders to customize their workouts.

On the other hand, exercise bikes come in two main styles: upright and recumbent. Upright bikes are similar to traditional outdoor bicycles, with the rider sitting upright and the handlebars positioned higher than the seat. Recumbent bikes, on the other hand, have a lower seat and backrest, allowing riders to recline while pedaling.

While both types of exercise bikes offer a low-impact workout that can be adjusted to suit individual fitness levels, recumbent exercise bikes are often considered to be more comfortable, particularly for those with back problems. Upright bikes, on the other hand, offer a more intense workout as they require the rider to engage more core muscles to maintain balance.

When it comes to indoor cycling bikes, spin bikes are a popular option. These bikes are designed to mimic the feel of outdoor road bikes, with a heavy flywheel and a compact frame. They also typically feature drop handlebars and pedals with toe cages or clip-in shoes, allowing riders to adopt a more aerodynamic riding position.

Ultimately, whether you choose to cycle outdoors or indoors on an exercise bike will depend on your personal preferences and fitness goals. If you enjoy the challenge of tackling hills and the thrill of riding in a group, then road cycling may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer the convenience and flexibility of working out at home, then an indoor cycling bike or exercise bike may be the way to go.

Regardless of which option you choose, cycling is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, build leg muscles, and burn calories. So why not give it a try and see which type of cycling suits you best?

 

Conclusion 

When it comes to finding the right exercise bike for one’s needs, it’s not an endeavour for the faint of heart. In fact, it requires a bit of research on your part if you want to end up with the right model in hand. First and foremost, do consider how you plan to use your new ride because there are models on the market that may be too intense or simply unmatchable for some uses. Then again, spending some time checking out various makes and models is always prudent – as you just might find something that works without sacrificing form over budget.

 

At the Home Fitness Store we offer a large range of home gym and commercial fitness equipment for sale at competitive prices

SEE OUR RANGE OF EXERCISE BIKES