Exercise Bike Buying Guide

By / April 6th, 2022 / There are currently 0 comments

Exercise bikes are the perfect alternative form of cardio training to running or using a cross trainer. They provide a great workout that’s suitable to people of all experience levels – perfect for both beginners, and experienced athletes. But the amount of different exercise bikes that are available on the market can make it confusing to know which one is perfect for you, as we all have different needs with our cardio equipment and have different goals in our training.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at the different types of exercise bike available on the market, the benefits that exercise bikes provide to your overall training plan, and some exercise bike considerations – so that you’re fully up to date on all the information needed to make an informed choice on your exercise bike.

What are the Benefits of Using an Exercise Bike?

Before deciding which exercise bike is right for you, it’s important to explore the benefits and purposes first so that you know if it aligns with your overall training plan.

An exercise bike is a great way to lose body fat while also strengthening your heart, lungs, and muscles. They place a lot less strain on your joints than some other types of cardio equipment, yet they still deliver an excellent cardiovascular workout. Read on to find out some of the exercise bike benefits in detail:

Improves Your Cardio Fitness

Cycling is a fantastic method to get your heart pumping. Cardiovascular or aerobics exercises, such as cycling, strengthen your heart, lungs, and muscles while also increasing blood flow and oxygen distribution throughout your body. As a result, these activities can benefit your overall health in a variety of ways including:

  • Improved focus and memory
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Better sleep
  • Better mood
  • Lower stress levels
  • More energy

Great Way to Lose Some Extra Pounds

An exercise bike workout can burn more than 600 calories an hour, depending on the intensity of your exercise and your body weight.  If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, cycling is an excellent way to achieve your goals. Combine your regular exercise bike workouts with a healthy diet, and you’ll be on your way to reaching your target weight in no time at all. For more information on which pieces of gym equipment are best for losing weight, check out one of our other blogs here.

Low Impact Workouts

Joint pain can be a common issue for many people, especially those who are relatively inactive. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that places minimal strain on your joints, making it an ideal choice for those with joint problems or other health conditions. In fact, research has shown that exercise bike training can even be beneficial to those with arthritis, as it helps to maintain and improve joint mobility.

Suitable for All Fitness Levels

Whether you’re just starting out on your fitness journey or you’re a seasoned athlete, an exercise bike is the perfect piece of equipment for you. They come in a variety of types and intensities, so you can find one that matches your current fitness level and gradually increase the intensity as you get fitter. This makes them an excellent choice for those who want to start their journey to better health without overwhelming themselves with a strenuous exercise routine.

Strengthen Your Leg Muscles

Cycling is a great way to tone and strengthen your leg muscles. As you cycle, you use all the major muscle groups in your legs, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. This can help to improve your overall strength, and has great transferable benefits that can aid in your other fitness activities.

What Types of Exercise Bike are Available?

Now that we’ve gone over some of the many benefits that exercise bike training can offer, we’ll explore the main different types of exercise bike.

There are three main types of exercise bike: upright, recumbent, and spin/studio bikes. Let’s take a look at each one in more detail:

Upright Exercise Bikes

An upright exercise bike is the most common type on the market. They resemble a traditional bicycle, with a small saddle and two pedals. Upright bikes are a great choice for those who are looking for a cardio workout, as they provide an excellent aerobic exercise. They also come in a variety of intensities, so you can find one that matches your current fitness level.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

A recumbent bike is designed with comfort in mind. It features a large saddle and backrest, making it perfect for those who want a more relaxed cycling experience. Recumbent bikes are great for those who want to focus on their lower body muscles, as they place more emphasis on the quadriceps and hamstring muscles than upright bikes do. They’re also ideal for people with joint pain, as they put less strain on the joints than other types of exercise bikes.

Rather than being directly underneath the user, the pedals are placed out in front, making recumbent bikes more suited to individuals with reduced mobility or who have lower back issues because of this body position.

Recumbent bikes are excellent for building leg strength since the back and upper body are supported, so the legs have to work harder without the aid of trunk and upper body movement. Because there are less muscle groups to operate, recumbent bikes are perfect for individuals with injuries.

Spin/Studio Bikes

Spin bikes are a type of upright bike that are popular in fitness studios. They feature a heavier flywheel, which gives the bike a more realistic cycling experience – making them perfect for those who want to mimic the feeling of riding a real bike. Spin bikes come in both upright and recumbent varieties, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Exercise Bike Considerations

Exercise bikes vary from brand to brand and model to model, so it’s important to know what kind of things to look out for – to make the most of your workouts.

Resistance Levels

One of the most important factors to look at when purchasing an exercise bike is the amount of resistance that it offers. This will determine how challenging the workout will be. Most bikes come with a variety of levels, so you can find one that matches your current fitness level.

However, if you plan on using your bike for intense interval training, it’s important to make sure that the bike has a wide range of resistance levels to choose from.

Console

Another important factor to consider is the console. This is the part of the bike where you track your progress and monitor your stats. The console should be easy to use and should offer all the information you need to track your progress. It should also have a timer so you can keep track of your workout duration. Depending on the exercise bike, it’ll have different levels of technology in the console – so it’s worth researching the different kinds of applications that are available.

Machine Weight Limit

The machine weight limit is another important consideration. This will determine how heavy of a person the bike can support. If you’re overweight, it’s important to make sure that the bike has a high machine weight limit so that it can support your weight – reducing the risk of injury.

Brand and Model

Before you buy an exercise bike, it’s worth doing some research into the brand of machine you’re buying. Different brands have different advantages and are recognised for providing specific features; certain brands provide more durability than others, while other brands are better suited to cater to high-intensity workouts. It’s also crucial to consider which model you’ll purchase. In comparison to older versions, newer models will usually include improved technology, enhanced safety mechanisms, and more advanced feedback consoles.

Frame Durability

Finally, you’ll want to consider the frame durability of the bike before making your purchase. The frame should be made from durable materials that will withstand regular use. If you plan on using your bike frequently, it’s worth investing in a model with a more durable frame.

Buying the Right Exercise Bike for Your Needs

Understanding the different factors that you need to consider is very important, as everyone has different training goals and capabilities – but what good is knowing all of this information if you don’t know the best exercise bikes on the market?

We’ve compiled the perfect exercise bike list, that we stock here at UK Gym Equipment:

Technogym Excite+ 700i Upright Bike

The Technogym Excite+700i Upright Bike is designed to provide a comfortable riding experience with an easily adjustable seat and ergonomic handlebars. The bike has 25 resistance levels, making it ideal for any cardio user. The distance between pedals is shortened, and the three possible handlebar positions add to the “actual road” experience.

Specification

  • Length: 1185mm / 46.7in 
  • Width 600mm / 23.6in
  • Height: 1140mm / 44.8in
  • Product Weight: 61kg / 134lb
  • Self Powered: No
  • Max User Weight: 180kg / 400lb
  • Pre-set Programs: 23
  • Console Type: LED
  • Heart Rate Sensors: Yes, built in hand sensors and polar chest strap compatible

Life Fitness 95C Inspire Upright Bike

The Life Fitness 95C Elevation Series Inspire Upright Bike is a mid-range, full commercial grade product from the highly popular Elevation Series. This machine is filled with extra functions, thanks to a completely new 7 inch touch screen display.

Specification

  • Length: 1110mm / 44.3in 
  • Width 540mm / 21.3in
  • Height: 1520mm / 59.8in
  • Product Weight: 80kg / 176lb
  • Self Powered: Yes
  • Max User Weight: 180kg / 400lb
  • Pre-set Programs: 8
  • Console Type: LCD Touch Screen
  • Heart Rate Sensors: Yes, built in hand sensors and polar chest strap compatible.

Matrix Fitness ICG IC7 Upright Bike

The Matrix Fitness ICG IC7 Upright Bike is a one-of-a-kind premium indoor cycle with award-winning design, a two-stage drivetrain, and an exciting digital experience. The WattRate Power Metre, Coach By Colour intensity guide for users and instructors, and precise 100-level magnetic resistance make the IC7 state of the art in terms of indoor cycling.

Specification

  • Length: 1320mm / 52in
  • Width: 520mm / 21in
  • Height: 1020mm / 40in
  • Product Weight: 54kg / 119lbs
  • Self Powered: Yes
  • Max User Weight: 150kg / 330lb
  • Console Type: Wattrate LCD 
  • Resistance Type: Magnetic

Precor RBK 835 Recumbent Bike

The Precor RBK 835 recumbent bike has a P31 LED display and a step-through design to appeal to a wide range of users – no matter your age. With one hand, the user can easily move the seat forward or backward on or off the bike. The air flex seat is ventilated for added comfort.

Specification

  • Length: 1700mm / 67in 
  • Width 580mm / 23in
  • Height: 1600mm / 63in
  • Product Weight: 210 lbs / 95 kg
  • Self Powered: Yes
  • Max User Weight: 350 lb / 159 kg
  • Pre-set Programs: 12
  • Console Type: LED 
  • Heart Rate Sensors: Yes, built in hand sensors and polar chest strap compatible.

Precor 846i Experience Line Upright Bike

The Precor 846i Experience Line upright bike is ergonomically built for comfort and posture, with 12 programs to accommodate various levels of fitness ability. Belt-driven system A double step-up drive enables users to enjoy a smooth, quiet exercise experience. Instead of a chain, a Poly-V belt reduces maintenance and offers a quiet ride. The 3-piece crank tightens positively eliminating the need for frequent adjustments. Any standard road or mountain bike pedal can be used with the 9/16” crank arm.

Specification

  • Length: 1370mm / 53.9in 
  • Width 620mm / 24.4in
  • Height: 1500mm /59.1in 
  • Product Weight: 67kg / 147lb
  • Self Powered: Yes
  • Max User Weight: 159kg / 350lb
  • Pre-set Programs: 12
  • Console Type: LED
  • Heart Rate Sensors: Yes, built in hand sensors and polar chest strap compatible

Sole Fitness B94 Upright Bike

The Sole Fitness B94 Upright Bike‘s easy-to-use functions and 9″ LCD screen provides effective cardio workouts that allow users to spend more time focusing on your goals. There are ten unique programs available, ranging from Hill to Heart Rate Control, the B94 will assist you in finding a workout. It’s ideal for people who are new to exercising but also for seasoned athletes because it allows you to create your own routines using a User Defined feature.

Specification

  • Length: 1230mm / 48.4in 
  • Width: 580mm / 22.8in
  • Height: 1520mm / 59.8in
  • Product Weight: 46kg / 101.4lbs
  • Flywheel weight: 9kg / 20lbs
  • Resistance: 1-20 Levels
  • Max User Weight: 136kg / 300lb
  • Standard Programs: Manual, 5 Programs, 2 User, 2 HRC
  • Console Type: 9″ LCD
  • Heart Rate Sensors: pulse grips and chest strap compatible

Consider Used or Refurbished Exercise Bikes

If you’re a commercial gym owner, or simply looking for an exercise bike for home use – it’s always worth considering buying a used or refurbished exercise bike. At UK Gym Equipment, all of our refurbished exercise bikes are fully reconditioned to look and operate like new – meaning that you get a fully functional cardio machine for a fraction of the price.

Our range of used exercise bikes are sourced from top brands like Cybex, Precor, and Technogym – so you can be sure that you’re getting a quality product. And, thanks to our fantastic selection of machines, we’re confident that we’ll have the perfect bike for your needs. If you need any more information about exercise bikes, please get in touch with a member of our friendly team today.

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