How To Choose an Exercise Bike
Exercise bikes are bicycle simulators that will help you stay fit, even when it’s bad weather outside. They are also great for intensive training. For exercise bikes, a stable construction, a simple clamping mechanism, the possibility of setting several resistance modes and, last but not least, quiet operation are all desirable. So you can train in the living room.
How to choose an exercise bike? Step by step
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When choosing an exercise bike, it first important to decide whether you want a regular exercise machine or rollers
Choose your preferred method of resistance
Do you want a whole to train on or just the frame with a front wheel?
Some exercise bikes have special functions, it is advisable to research these in advance
How to choose an exercise bike?
According to resistance
There are many types of exercise bikes on the market today, and the easiest way to distinguish them is to divide them by their resistance technology.
Magnetic disks
The cheapest and most basic type commonly used for entry models for beginners.
Electromagnetic brake
Modern version of magnetic trainers, equipped with various tweaks and adjustable resistance. Probably the most widely used type of exercise bike.
Oil and silicon simulators
The best exercise bikes use these technologies because they do not heat up under increased loads and their efficiency does not decrease.
Depending on how the wheel is mounted
Attaching the whole thing
Just insert the whole bike into these trainers and you are ready to ride.
Mounting instead of the rear wheel
Some trainers require the rear wheel to be attached and the frame to be mounted on the trainer to secure the bicycle. You may need to buy a cartridge.
Possibility of riding while standing
Do you want to train riding standing?
If you want to train standing upright, the right choice is a bike with trainers/ side supports, which allow you to stand upright, thanks to the patented attachment, which allows tilting to the sides.
According to SMART functions
Noone wants a stupid machine!
Modern machines must have modern functions. Whether it's route simulation, smooth changes of resistance, riding with your friends over the Internet or a projection of travelling past nature on a television, you will find that we offer everything.
Frequently asked questions when choosing an exercise bike
How do exercise bikes differ?
They all simulate cycling, but there are exercise bikes that are built only for home training, weight loss or fitness. Their prices start at a few thousand crowns, but they can only withstand small amounts of strain/ load.
Conversely, the bikes that are used for professional training mimic real cycling much more accurately. Compared to home exercise bikes, they are more robust and can withstand a greater load. It will also allow much more sensitive adjustment. They are more expensive than home exercise bikes.
Who is the exercise bike suitable for?
Trainers are devices in which it is necessary to insert your own bike. The rear wheel rubs against the load wheel, creating resistance similar to riding uphill or riding in windy weather. You don't have a set pose on the trainers, because you use your bike. They are therefore especially suitable for users who are used to their own bike and do not want to change seats. There are many types of exercise bikes, which differ mainly according to the resistance technique.
They are also useful for cycling fans who want to increase or maintain their physical condition, burn excess fat/ lose weight and for whom standard/ stationary exercise bikes are not enough. Exercise bikes are also commonly used by professional athletes for their intensive training.
Types of exercise bikes and their characteristics
Exercise bikes with magnetic a brake
- Durable with a long service life
- Simple construction
- Very affordable
- The noisiest type of cycling simulator
- Limited resistance adjustment options
The cheapest type of exercise bike. Compared to others, it is very noisy with limited setting options and often no smart or SMART functions. Especially suitable if you are looking for a compromise between an professional standard cycling machine and an entry level exercise bike.
Exercise bikes with electrical resistance
- Lots of setting options
- It is one of the best on the market
- Mobile control
- Less durable construction
It uses an electromagnetic disk to regulate resistance and thus has several different preset degrees of resistance. Exercise bikes with SMART functions or mobile control options common.
Liquid resistance exercise bikes
- The most modern bike machines on the market
- The best real riding simulation
- Lots of SMART features
- Cheaper or poor quality models tend to overheat
The most modern type of exercise bike, which uses oil or silicone as a resistance. They usually have the best features, and every year better and better technologies are developed that take the, already real, driving experience to the next level, for example, the possibility of simulating a real route via projection on a television.
Rollers
- Very popular with some professional cyclists
- Durable and cheap
- Simple principle of operation
- Difficult to use
- Only for experienced cyclists
They have similar advantages as exercise bikes, because you also ride them on your bike. However, the rollers are more suitable for more experienced cyclists. They are ideal for training the right technique, because riding them requires increased balance and can even lead to falls for beginners.
Tip: Another device that simulates cycling are exercise bikes. Our guide will help you choose them.
