Exercise Bike Buying Guide
Exercise (or stationary) bikes give you a great cardio and lower body workout.
What Type Of Exercise Bike Is Right For You?
Do you prefer an upright cycle or if you have a bad back or are more elderly you may prefer the back support of a recumbent cycle. Each bike has a maximum user weight so check this-particularly if there is going to be more than one user. Are you looking for an upright, a recumbent or a class spinning bike?
Check if the seat and handlebars can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally-this allows for different size users to use the same machine. How comfortable is the saddle/seat? Better quality models have better cushioning and more comfort for you.
Try-Out The Bike
Test it the way you’ll use it. Set the exercise bike up for your body. Adjust the seat height so that, when your leg is fully extended at the bottom of each rotation, the knee of your extended leg remains slightly bent. The pedalling motion should feel smooth… better quality bikes have heavier flywheels which give a truer, more consistent and smoother action.
Resistance
Virtually all exercise bikes create resistance with some type of magnetic brake. Your choice comes down to the types of magnetic resistance (standard or electro-magnetic) and the quality and features of the equipment.
Standard magnetic resistance is created by moving a powerful magnet towards or away from the moving flywheel. As the magnet moves towards the flywheel, the current generated between them increases—creating resistance. On standard magnetic exercise bikes, you normally turn a dial to move the magnet towards the flywheel and create resistance.
Electro-magnetic resistance is typically used in higher-end exercise bikes. This system has an electromagnet positioned close to the flywheel, and current is passed through it to create a resistant force. The more current, the higher the resistance. This type of bike offers a much more refined range of adjustment and incorporates programs to follow to enhance your workout. You will normally need to plug in these cycles with the power pack provided and therefore you will need to site it near a power supply.
Workout Programmes
Most better quality cycles are equipped with a range of pre-set programmes, essentially a series of varying resistances designed to simulate differing uphill gradients. Programmes let you choose the level of intensity for your workout—and also vary your workouts so your exercise program is never a dull routine.
Warranties
Exercise bikes carry varying warranties — from 90-days to lifetime coverage on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labour may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year, and the frame for a lifetime. In general, keep in mind that a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine. Most of our machines carry 2 years parts and labour manufacturer’s warranties.
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