Maybe you miss your stadium cycling, but you are not sure you feel comfortable getting back into a crowded studio? Or perhaps you love cycling so much and you want a way to pedal indoors when the weather is uncomfortable. Regardless of your motivation, investing in a stationary exercise bike is an excellent way to get fit at home. However, there are many bikes to choose from, and there are several things to consider when buying an indoor exercise bike. The different indoor bikes include spin-style indoor cycles, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, dual-action, and bike trainers. Continue reading to discover how to pick the best exercise bike for your home.
- Cost. Like other significant investments, you must have a general idea of how much you are willing to spend on an indoor bike. Also, consider what features you will get with your budget. Home exercise bikes have a wide range of prices, from the Sunny Fitness bike for about $350 to the luxury Peloton bike for $2,495. However, cheap does not mean bad. It only means you will get a more basic piece of equipment. A high-end bike provides more options to set up its different features. You can move the handlebars or seats. But do not assume that getting a highly-priced bike will give you all the features you want. For instance, Peloton’s handlebars only move up and down. The best thing about buying a high-end bike is that some of them offer financing plans.
- Warranties. Your indoor exercise bike should come with a good warranty or a well-written guarantee from the manufacturer. The warrant should state that the manufacturer is willing to repair or replace your bike if it breaks down within a specific timeframe. A good warranty is divided by frame, electronics, and labor. An ideal warranty should be between one and five years, with that on frame being the longest. Since each brand differs, ensure you always look at the warranty to see what it covers and for how long. You can also check to see whether the brand offers an extended protection program. These programs allow you to pay extra, so you can get complimentary repairs and replacements once the warranty time elapses.
- Connected Features. Part of the cost of your bike comes from whether it is connected or not. Smart bikes like the Peloton and Bowflex cost more upfront and may require a monthly subscription to access the guided classes. Some smart bikes come with a year-long subscription to their workout program as part of the initial cost. Connected bikes give you more motivation because they track and record your progress. If you are a beginner, you can go for the non-connected bike. Alternatively, if you need motivation, you can buy some headphones and get pedaling on your non-connected bike. However, you can purchase a connected bike if you are a visual learner.
- Adjustments. Stationary bikes are not one-size-fits-all items. So, look for a bike with adjustable features. Go for a bike that you can move the seat and handlebars up, down, fore, and aft to reach your accurate fit. The bike’s position depends on the type you get and the instructions that come with the piece. Upright and indoor cycling bikes should be set so that your spine is upright when you sit, your knees are slightly bent when you extend your feet, and your forearms are at a 90-degrees angle when holding the handlebars. If you have a recumbent bike, adjust your seat to slightly bend in the knee when you extend your leg. Also, consider the height and weight limit. Most manufacturers design their bikes for people between 4’ 11” and 6’ 5” and a weight limit between 250 to 350 pounds.
- Clip-in Pedals. If you have already spent a lot of money to buy your exercise bike, you may not want to spend more than you have to. However, there is one accessory to consider; cycling shoes. This specialized footwear comes with a cleat that clips into the pedal. Depending on your bike, the pedals may already be compatible with SPD or LOOK Delta cleats. The bike may also need another kind of shoes, or you may wish to swap out the pedals.
Home exercise bikes are an excellent way to lose weight without leaving your home. However, getting the wrong bike can see you wasting your time and money. We compared these two bikes to help you figure out which one offers the experience you want in a connected bike.