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An exercise bike is a fitness device intended for people who wish to practice regular physical activity at home. It is suitable for any type of user, regardless of age or level of practice.
The exercise bike restores the sensations of indoor cycling. There are various models of bicycles: the classic exercise bike, the reclining bike, and the indoor bike. All of them have been designed for a specific use.
First of all, it is important to establish your training program according to your needs, capabilities, and objectives.
3 types of exercise bikes for 3 different uses:
Gentle muscle strengthening, rehabilitation or fitness
You want to buy an exercise bike
for gentle muscle strengthening, rehabilitation or just getting in shape. In this case, a comfortable device is needed that should offer the user a proper posture with the straightest possible back.
Intensity and resistance
For cardiovascular training, with sessions longer than 30 minutes, the user needs to be able to change position regularly. So, to combine comfort and resistance, the reclining bike is the right device that offers correct posture and pedaling power.
Objective: performance
In the case of physical preparation or intensive exercise, it is the pedaling power that is important. The position of the user on an indoor cycling bike is calculated to release maximum pedaling power.
The classic exercise bike
For those who, on the contrary, have little time for sport, know that a 45-minute session will allow them to keep in shape and lose a few superfluous kilos.
Important points when buying an exercise bike
When you buy an exercise bike, you should consider the following:
The braking system
Choose, first, the type of braking or rather resistance. Resistance is very important as it allows you to simulate slopes and therefore intensify your training. The braking system plays an important role in pedaling comfort.
There are 4 types of braking: braking with skids, magnetic braking, aeromagnetic braking and the electromagnetic braking.
The braking system with skids is composed of 2 rubber skids that come to encircle the flywheel. This system is mainly used to reproduce the sensations perceived with racing bikes.
The magnetic brake is equipped with 2 magnets that approach the flywheel to stop it. It provides a smooth and jolt-free pedaling experience. This braking system is silent.
The aeromagnetic braking is similar to magnetic braking but, in addition, it is equipped with an air column blowing on the magnet ramp which allows a fluidity of pedaling as well as a long life of the device.
The electromagnetic braking acts to automatically brake the wheel using a coil controlled by the console and through which a more or less intense current circulates which produces a more or less intense magnetic field that brakes the flywheel. It is fully automated and customized. Especially appreciated for its precision, this braking system is silent and wear-free because there is no friction.
The new models of exercise bikes increasingly offer automatic adjustment using a motor that depends on the speed of rotation. This results in precise braking and makes it easier to schedule workouts that are suited to the user’s needs.
The wheel of inertia
Another essential point for your choice is the weight of the wheel. The inertia system measures the weight of the steering wheel. The heavier the wheel, the more comfortable and regular the pedaling.
- A 4 to 5 kg wheel is ideal for the elderly, for occasional training, and cardiovascular exercise.
- A wheel weighing between 6 and 8 kg is suitable for beginners.
- A wheel weighing between 9 and 14 kg is recommended for regular use, for users with specific objectives.
- A wheel of 15-20 kg or more will be needed by the more advanced levels for intensive and/or professional training.
Bicycle access
Accessibility refers to the ease of getting on and off the bike. For people with reduced mobility, they must choose an exercise bike with the shortest possible distance from the ground to the bar. This concerns the elderly, people who are considerably overweight, pregnant women, sick people, people with joint problems, etc. Also, the more open the frame is, the easier it will be to get on the exercise bike.
The stability of the bicycle
The stability of the bike is an essential element not only for intensive training but also for the comfort of the user. The heavier the device, the greater its stability. Likewise, the greater the wheelbase (width of the exercise bike’s feet), the greater the stability. On certain models of exercise bikes, there are adjustment mechanisms for uneven floors or level compensators (adjustable wheels) to stabilize the device.
The Console
The console is the on-board mini-computer located on the exercise bike. It provides more or less complete information about the training in progress. The more programs your bike offers, the more you will enjoy the different exercises, varying the objectives to achieve better results.
Here are 3 important elements to keep in mind:
- The heart sensors,
- The programs,
- Ergonomics.
Conclusion for the correct choice of your bike
Choosing an exercise bike is not done lightly.
Whatever your choice, it is necessary to drink before, during, and after physical exertion. Good hydration is necessary for your body and helps to burn the superfluous fat, eliminate toxins, avoid tendinitis, and optimize your sports performance. During training, sip water so that its absorption by the stomach is not slowed down.
To avoid monotony, vary your training, explore the programs offered by your cardio training machine, create your own exercises, change your pace. Don’t hesitate to prepare a plan for each week and write down the time, calories burned, sensations and progress observed.
