Exercise Bike Buying Guide

Making the Right Decision

Exercise bikes stand as one of the most popular in-home fitness equipment options. Whether you are an avid cyclist or someone just getting into fitness training, the exercise bike offers a number of great benefits. This buying guide is designed to outline key information that will help you narrow down your exercise bike search. Keep in mind, there is not one bike that will be the best option for everyone. Picking a well-built exercise bike is often easier than picking an exercise bike that is just right for you.

Machine Design

Recumbent vs. Upright

These are the three primary exercise bike configurations, recumbent, upright, and spinner. Each different design yields a different overall workout experience. Recumbent exercise bikes are designed with a low seated position and the user operates the pedals from that position. Normally, recumbent machines have an adjustable seat and a large back support attached to the seat. These exercise bikes are great for individuals who have trouble sitting high up on a bike seat. The recumbent design still allows for a great cycling workout without the bicycle inspired seat position.

Upright exercise bikes are the most common of the exercise bike family. The seat position is high and the handle bar location is similar to a bicycle. These exercise bikes provide a workout similar to that of a bicycle. Upright bikes are a great way to start out at home with a fitness plan. The machines are affordable and offer a great workout experience. A variation on the upright design is the Spinner design. These bikes closely resemble a racing bicycle frame, but they have a flywheel in place of the front wheel and stationary supports in place of the rear wheel. These bikes are primarily used for avid cyclists looking to get a very realistic workout simulation of their riding.

Feature Sets of Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes come with a variety of different feature sets. It is important to look at features that will actually apply to desired workouts. Many manufacturers will tag on features that really don’t enhance the workout experience at all. Sometimes they will double the resistance levels or preset workouts to enhance the "on-paper" features of the bike when in reality there is little variation between the programs and resistance levels leaving users with fewer options than they thought. Expect to find at least 15 preset workout programs, adjustable seat, heart rate monitor, and back lit display on any decent recumbent or upright exercise bikes. Additional features can really benefit a workout experience, just be sure to closely examine whether or not they are necessary as you will probably pay more for them.

Manufacturer

Customer Service/Warranty

The bottom line is, at some point your exercise bike will require maintenance or service. It is very important to feel as though you can count on your manufacturer to back up their machine with quality service standards. First class customer service should stem from the sales representative all the way back to the technicians that may enter your home to repair your equipment. This can make or break an exercise bike buying experience.

Exercise bikes represent the more affordable side of the home fitness equipment industry, therefore, the included warranties are great, but not as robust as what one would expect on a treadmill or elliptical. This is primarily because exercise bikes have less moving parts, break down less, and are less expensive. Expect a 2-4 month parts and in-home labor warranty with any exercise bike under $600. If you pay more than this, expect at least 6 months or more in parts and labor.

Price

Getting the Most for your Money

As with any piece of fitness equipment, prices vary. Exercise bikes are more affordable overall because they are smaller machines and are fairly simple mechanically. You can get a very nice exercise bike for well under $700. Units more expensive than this tend to have large feature sets and accommodate 24/7 gym club level abuse. For the average home user an investment of $300-$600 will afford you a perfectly reliable, feature-rich, exercise bike. Remember, buy what makes sense. Don’t just pay for features. Look first at the build quality of the machine and overall comfort. If these factors check out, consider the presence of key features and determine how much extra you are really paying for additional features.

Fitness Goals

What is Right for You?

Your goals are by far the most important consideration when purchasing any piece of home fitness equipment. Before you set out to even look at equipment, think about what you want out of your new piece of home fitness equipment. What areas of your body do you want to improve and what type of exercises do you enjoy. Use the answers to these questions to determine what type of machine to buy. Once you select an exercise bike configuration that you like, consider your space limitations and usage level. Always try to select a machine that fits your needs and goals the best. Follow these steps and you will be very satisfied with your purchase!

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