How to Choose the Right Indoor Exercise Bikes For a Unique Workout

Indoor exercise bikes come in many different types and sizes. While they all provide exceptional workouts, the combinations of features and focuses make them ideal for different people. We’re here to help you choose the best bike for your unique workout. Here are the top 4 factors to consider when you are planning to invest in one!

1) Size

One of the first factors to consider when choosing a good indoor exercise bike is its size. Space inside a house or apartment is often at a premium and depending on where you have space to exercise you may find that smaller bikes are a better fit for your cycling needs.

Smaller and larger exercise bikes have different pros and cons, so since neither is better than the other it’s important to measure your expected exercise space beforehand. That way, you can find a bike that fits your workout space rather than adjusting your space after you’ve already spent your money.

Indoor exercise bikes on the smaller size might also be great for training in a mobile home.

However, larger bikes typically have larger monitors or more advanced programs, as well as more adjustable pieces such as seats, pedals, and resting angles. If you’re training for intense biking competitions or want to emulate events like the Tour de France, larger bikes will have the capability of more easily simulating the varied conditions experienced by bikers during those events.

Larger exercise bikes can often be more expensive and require more maintenance, as well as sometimes needing to be attached to power outlets.

2) Shape and Type

Exercise bikes come in many different types, so it’s vital to think about what you want to accomplish before making a purchase.

• Upright Exercise Bikes- These exercise bikes are ideal for mimicking the movement and position of a road bike that is taken outside. The seat and pedals are located in similar positions as they are on regular bikes, and they force the rider to remain upright to be effective. This type of bike is great for strength and endurance training and for fixing one’s form.
• Recumbent Bikes- These bikes are much more relaxed, offering a seat that’s more like a chair than a typical triangular bike seat. The seat is basically horizontal relative to the pedals, allowing you to lean back and pump away with your legs. This is great for training the legs exclusively, or for burning calories with a minimum of efforts.
• Indoor Simulative Bikes- These are molded to look like real bikes and are framed so that you sit in them just like you would a regular bike. They often include monitors and programs which depict outdoor trails or conditions.
• Folding Exercise Bikes- These are lightweight and portable, capable of being folded and carried from room to room. These are excellent choices if you don’t have a lot of space in your home and must store your exercise bike between uses.

3) Features

Next, you’ll want to think about what kinds of features you’d like for your indoor exercise bike. These can range from comfortable additions to key functions.

• Seat Type – Some bikes come with comfortable or ergonomic seats, while others have chairs that are direct models of those found on typical bicycles.
• Handlebar Style – Some handlebars are made in angled configurations, while others are only straight across. This can affect wrist comfort during long rides.
• Calorie or Distance Calculators – Some bikes have monitors which measure your progress and caloric effort so that you can watch the numbers rise or fall. This may be an important motivator for some exercisers.
• Maximum Weight/Height – Check to make sure your ideal bike can take someone of your weight and height.
• Warranty – Exercise bikes can be expensive. Make sure your bike has a good warranty for peace of mind, as it might allow you to replace your bike if something goes wrong.

4) Noise Programs

Certain indoor exercise bikes are noisier than others. This can be an essential factor to keep in mind depending on where exactly you are working out.

However, if you do plan on working out around others frequently, it might be worthwhile to find an exercise bike that is quiet, or which has features that soften the sounds it emits.

Finally, check out which programs come with any indoors exercise bike you’re considering. These training programs can be ideal for both motivating you to work out or for setting goals to cross. Some programs have rising difficulty levels designed to stimulate and challenge you even as you become healthier and more adept at biking.

Some bikes have very fancy monitors that showcase outdoor environments or trails so you can feel like you’re getting an outdoor biking experience from the comfort and temperature-controlled environment of your home.

Other bikes may have programs which offer different types of riding or cycling, inviting you to keep your muscles loose and your body guessing during the workout. In this article, we’ll guide you towards finding the perfect indoor exercise bike for your individual exercise routine, ensuring that your experience is as effective as possible.

Conclusion

There are many different types of indoor exercise bikes, but the best model for you might be totally different than the ideal bike for someone else. Hopefully, our guide has given you the tools you need to pick out the perfect bike for your upcoming workout. If you are into elliptical instead, check out our article on elliptical vs exercise bike to see which might be more suitable for you. Good luck, and have fun burning those calories away!