HOW TO BUY AN EXERCISE BIKE

By Rick Morris 

The popularity of stationary bikes, as a form of cardiovascular exercise, is second only to treadmills. There are many reasons for this popularity. The motion is natural and familiar to most people. Intensity can be set from very easy to highly intense. You can easily read or watch television while exercising on the bikes. Basic low-end models can also be purchased for a relatively low price. Prices of stationary bikes range from around $200 for basic low-end models up to over $3000 for high-end models with all of the bells and whistles. Here are some tips on features and specifications that will hopefully make your shopping experience easier and more successful. 

Resistance mechanisms

Most stationary bikes use one of three methods of supplying resistance: magnetic, air or flywheels. Flywheel bikes are usually the least expensive type. Magnetic bikes are usually the most expensive. Flywheels use a heavy wheel inside the bike. A heavy weight strap is tightened around the flywheel to provide resistance. An adjustment knob on the control console controls the resistance. Air resistance bikes use large fan blades extended from the wheel. As you pedal, and the wheel spins, the fan blades generate the resistance. Magnetic resistance is used on most of the higher quality bikes. This type of bike uses magnetic resistance and must be connected to an electrical outlet. Magnetic types of bikes are usually the most smooth and quiet during operation.

Styles

Stationary bikes are currently available in three styles: Upright, semi-recumbent and recumbent. Upright bikes are the most similar to traditional bicycles. Your posture and leg position when riding are very similar to riding a standard bike outdoors. Upright bikes are currently the most popular type of stationary bicycle. If you are using the bike to supplement traditional bicycle training, you will want to use an upright bike, since it most closely mimics traditional biking.

Semi-recumbent bikes have a saddle that is more like a chair. The pedals are in front of you rather that below you. This type of bike is more comfortable for most people. The chair-like saddle also provides more support for the lower back. Semi-recumbent bikes are becoming more and more popular. Recumbent bikes are similar to semi-recumbent. When seated in a recumbent bike, you are very close to the floor with your feet at chest level. The high foot position keep the blood pressure lower than when exercising with an upright bike.

Control console

Look for control consoles that have a readout of, at a minimum, your speed, distance and elapsed time. Some the higher end bikes will have additional features such as heart rate and calories expended. Some bikes will even have entertaining features such as pacers, which will help keep you on your goal pace and races you can set up in which you compete against computer generated competitors.

Dual action

Dual action bikes have handles that move independently. Using this feature increase the total calories burned slightly and provides a small amount of upper body exercise.

Size and fit

Most bikes are adjustable only at the seat post. Some will also allow you to adjust the tilt of the saddle and the handle bar height. Make sure that the adjustments are sufficient to accommodate your particular height and leg length.

Heart rate monitor and control

There are a number of methods used for monitoring heart rate, including chest straps, ear clips, finger clips and hand contact monitors. The most accurate are the chest strap monitors. Heart rate monitors will give you constant feedback concerning your heart rate.

Road Test

Give each bike you are looking at a thorough test ride. During your test, watch for each of the following:

•  Noise - does the bike run quietly?
• Smoothness - does the bike operate smoothly at all resistance levels?
• Stability - does the bike feel stable, even when you are pedaling vigorously?
• Size - does the seat and handlebar adjust to meet your individual height and leg length?
• Comfort - is the seat and body position comfortable?
• Controls - are the controls laid out in an easy to operate manner?
• Heart rate monitor - does the treadmill have the heart rate controls that you want?
• Features - does the bike have the bells & whistles that will keep you interested and entertained?