How To Choose a Stationary Bicycle

Those who want to exercise but cannot run due to joint pain, and at the same time do not have the opportunity or do not want to ride a road bike. With an exercise bike you work out in the comfort of your home, be with your children or watch a TV at the same time. However, exercise bikes are also suitable for active cyclists who want to train even in bad weather or during the winter.

Yes! Almost all doctors recommend cycling and exercise bikes. It relieves joint pain, strengthens heart activity, increases lung capacity and has a beneficial effect on blood pressure. By riding an exercise bike, you will become fitter and strengthen muscles (especially in the legs and buttocks).

The load capacity of the exercise bike should be 20% higher than the weight of its heaviest user. The weight that acts on the exercise bike increases with the force you apply to the exercise bike.

Centers with pedals set in a square

System similar to classic bicycles. It is of better quality and will last longer than the bowl center.

Bowl center

Cheaper, but wears out quickly even in normal home use. This design can be identified by the bent rod passing through the center of the exercise bike, on which the pedals are mounted. Usually encountered in cheaper and lower quality exercise bikes.

Flywheel with freewheel

The pedals are firmly connected to the flywheel, similar to a children's bicycle. Suitable for those who also go spinning. Flywheels which freewheel are called spinning wheels.

Flywheel without freewheel

The pedals are not firmly connected to the flywheel, so when you stop pedaling, the flywheel continues to rotate. This system taken from ordinary road bikes, is suitable for true cycling fans.

How important is a saddle?

It is important for the saddle’s height to be adjustable. Gel saddles are very popular as they are comfortable, delay fatigue and contribute to a pleasant riding experience. The ergonomic shape ensures more comfortable and effective training.

Manual regulation

Done by a rotary or sliding regulator. Is often found in cheaper models.

Electronically controlled regulation

A system found in more expensive spinning machines. You can see all your progress on the display. It allows both manual mode, when you manually press the button to change the resistance, and automatic mode which automatically adjusts the resistance according to the track profile, or according to the heart rate (you need a chest strap for this). This electronic system is therefore more comfortable to use and provides more information during training.

Disc brake

The most commonly used braking system. The resistance is created by pushing plates with a layer of felt on the flywheel. This system works for an unlimited resistance. However, it is noisier and over time it is necessary to replace the felt.

Magnetic brake

Quieter than the disc brake and practically wear-free. The braking effect is created by moving the magnet closer to the flywheel.

Electromagnetic brake

The resistance is created by a coil with an electromagnet, which creates a magnetic field. Choose this braking system if you want the quietest breaking system. The advantage is also the possibility of setting a very high load.

Plastic pedals

They reduce the overall price of the bike, but they are less durable and more likely to break. They are found in exercise bikes up to CZK 10,000.

Metal pedals

They can withstand higher loads, but are more expensive. Exercise bikes with metal pedals are usually over CZK 10,000.

Just like treadmills, some exercise bikes come with a display with several functions, such as driving speed, distance traveled or training length. Some models are equipped with a heart rate monitor built into the handlebars. Measuring your heart rate during exercise is especially important during fat burning training. If you plan to clean the exercise bike after exercise, we recommend choosing a model equipped with transport wheels, which will make moving the machine very easy. You can prevent possible injuries using the pedal straps.

Handlebar adjustment

The handlebars can be adjusted in height and length as standard. This will better suit your figure and riding style and make your training more efficient and comfortable.

Heart rate monitor

Using your heart rate data, you will achieve more effective exercise, whether your goal is to burn fat or become fitter. For the most accurate data, use a chest strap, which is connected wirelessly to the computer on the exercise bike via Bluetooth. Ear and touch sensors are also used for measurements, but these provide less accurate data.

Ergometry

Ergometers offer the possibility to change the resistance using a built-in computer according to the selected program. This simulates, for example, the alternation of riding on the flat and riding uphill.

Connecting to a computer

After connecting your exercise bike to a computer, you can save your workouts, view various graphs and use other functions.

Transport wheels

With their help, you can easily transport the exercise bike to the desired location.