Before you purchase an exercise bike you must do your homework. You could save yourself $100′s and heaps of time by understanding what to look for prior to you begin. This guide aims to give you that knowledge to make your buying choice simpler.

There are two primary types of resistance found in all kinds of stationary bikes, belt tension and magnetic resistance.

i) Belt Tension

Belt tension or manually-adjustable bikes have basically been phased out by the magnetic resistance models. However, I’m still including them here simply because you might run across a “great deal” on a bike that provides belt tension – that’s why you are being offered a lower price.

Belt tension resistance is far inferior to magnetic resistance because it relies on friction to make it more challenging to pedal. As a result, the motion isn’t smooth and also the more tension you use, the louder the bike becomes. If the stationary bike is merely an every now and then workout choice for you, the belt tension “deal” may be a great way to save some cash and still have some added selection to your workout options.

ii) Magnetic Resistance

As the title infers, the resistance on these bikes is increased electronically by growing opposing magnetic forces. You are able to find magnetic resistance choices on the most costly bikes, also as some of the more inexpensive bikes. If faced with the choice, magnetic resistance bikes are the much better choice because they’re quiet and versatile and could be extremely affordable.

iii) Adjustability

Adjustability on a stationary bike is especially important since, in a seated position, a tall individual will hit their knees on the handlebars if the bike doesn’t adjust correctly along with a short person might not have the ability to reach the pedals at full extension. If a bike is being purchased for family use and there are height discrepancies, you will require to pay very close attention to the adjustability options on your bike.

Seat Adjustments

Ideally, you will have the ability to move your seat up and down and forward and backward. Most spin bikes offer both choices, which is one of the numerous reasons these bikes tend to be more expensive than others. Most upright bikes only provide the height adjustment and most recumbent bikes only provide adjustments forward and backward.

Since this is the case, it’s essential that you know what height of user is suitable for the specific bike.

Handlebar Adjustments

Most bikes offer adjustable consoles or handlebars. The height of the handlebars is important for the all essential knee clearance, also as for comfort in posture. If the handlebars don’t adjust high sufficient, you’ll discover your lower back is aching after a very short workout. Conversely, if the bars are too high, you will probably discover that your upper back and shoulders begin to cramp up.

“The bottom line to adjustability is, the much more the much better.”

Particularly if your bike will have multiple users, it’s important to have a variety of adjustability options. After all, it does no great to have a well equipped house gym if your equipment doesn’t “fit you” correctly and you never want to use it.

iv) Console Features

This is where a great deal of extra money is frequently spent on a stationary bike. On 1 end of the spectrum there are basic models, which offer minimum adjustability choices and minimum resistance choices and have no bells and whistles.

On the other end of the spectrum, you will find bikes that have LCD screens that provide virtual bike races and off road trails, pre-programmed workout features, heart rate monitors, fans, book stands and the list goes on.

Here is what you should consider when you’re pondering the wisdom of the built-in air freshener console choice – what is it going to take for you to get motivated and for you to get a quality workout?

If you hate being uncomfortable or sweaty you may want to opt for the console with the fan and the air freshener. If you get bored effortlessly and require some extra motivation, look for a bike that has a wide selection of pre-programmed workouts. In the event you know that you’ll use your bike with or without the bells and whistles and you’re capable of pushing yourself without utilizing a virtual racing choice or a virtual trainer, save yourself some money and go with the basic package.

Console options are all about finding ways to maintain you motivated to use the equipment on a regular basis; nevertheless, within the end a bike is a bike is a bike no matter what you put on the console.

v) Weight Capacity

The weight capacity consideration when buying a stationary bike is not as important as when you’re purchasing an elliptical trainer or a treadmill. The user’s weight on a treadmill or elliptical increases wear on the equipment’s motor and frame; whereas, the user’s weight on a stationary bike increases tension on the frame with out directly impacting the motor. However, any piece of exercise equipment that identifies a maximum weight capacity does so for the safety of the user and should be heeded. Most exercise bikes have a weight capacity in the 300 pound range and some much more costly models are even higher than that.

vi) Warranty

One region the stationary bikes don’t truly differ too much from other home fitness equipment is the warranty. Regardless of what type of equipment your planning to buy, if the warranty is weak, chances are pretty great it’s because the equipment is weak. A short warranty generally indicates that the manufacturer doesn’t wish to go out of company paying for repairs on poorly constructed equipment. So, before you make a purchase, make sure you check out the warranty. No matter how costly the equipment may be sold for, if it only comes with a 90-day warranty you need to be wary of the quality of product you are truly getting.