There are three basic types of exercise bike, depending on the attitude of the person sitting on them.

The most popular is the ab bikes. In practice, their attitude is almost vertical, bending slightly forward – just like on a standard bike. Training on these devices greatly affects the muscles in the thighs and buttocks. They also apply to people with heart problems and those concerned with improving cardiovascular efficiency.

However, it should be noted that if the vertebra is in trouble, it will not be a good choice – unfortunately, but this type of exercise puts a strain on the spine. Does this mean there is discomfort and a need to give up cycling training? In any case! Another option is the ellipticals, which can significantly reduce the spine – which is also useful for people of higher weight.

Using a ellipticals model, participants were placed in a semi-upright position. In this case, the thigh muscles work slightly less than the vertical bike (which doesn’t mean anything!). But you’ll feel your abdominal muscles working much faster.

It’s also worth mentioning about spinning bikes. In their case, the exerciser leans forward, like a bike used during a race. This is no accident, as this type of equipment is intended for professional cyclists, but they are not always conditioned (for example, because of heavy rain or snow roads).

Stationary bicycle brake system

The division of ellipticals, vertical and rotating training bikes is not the only possible classification. The braking mechanism used is also very important.

Home use crossfit air bike
proform cardio cross trainer MDK-502 elliptical

The simplest and cheapest are magnetic bikes, where the usual tape is responsible for resistance. The solution is simple to design and easy to fix (with a little technical skill alone). magnetic bicycles are cheap, lightweight and easy to carry.

Unfortunately, there are downsides – this type of bike requires more effort in sport, and the brake fluid is lower than more modern versions, such as magnetic bikes.

In the case of stationary bicycles equipped with magnetic brakes, the weight of the device is significantly higher. Sometimes, the difference is even ten kilograms. While moving it is obviously more cumbersome, and repairs require help from the field, it’s worth taking an interest in the variations on this sport bike. Why? For example, because the ride is quieter – this is especially useful if you’re not the only person in the apartment.

An interesting option is the electromagnetic bicycle. They are as silent as their magnetic counterparts. Although the most expensive, they allow you to program activities so that you can do more advanced exercises.

Parameters worth paying attention to

No matter what type of stationary bike you choose, you still need to choose from many models on the market. To make your decision easier, take note of some basic parameters so that you can narrow your selection down to the device that suits you.

First, pay attention to the size of the bike – finally you need to find a place for it. Be sure to check the allowable weight of the exercise personnel – to ensure that the equipment is not damaged by overload. By the way, you can also verify the height adjustment of the device, or more accurately, check the possibility of adjusting the saddle and steering wheel.

It is also worth a look at the resistance adjustment range of stationary bikes. The possibility of adjusting this parameter gives you great possibilities. First, as your own form improves, you can set higher resistance. You can also differentiate between your own workouts, sometimes deciding to do longer workouts, with lower loads, and sometimes shorter, but with higher resistance – thus avoiding routines during workouts.

However, there is an argument for a wide range of resistance regulation in stationary bikes. The thing is simple – you may not only be able to exercise it. Even if other family members are currently skeptical of physical activity, that could change in the future.

Spinning bicycle

The function of  bicycle

Stationary bikes usually have additional functions that affect the quality of training. Measurements of travel speed and distance can be considered standard, although they may be lost in the case of the cheapest model. More advanced models can also tell you how many calories you’re burning, and some have sensors that measure a practitioner’s heart rate.

An interesting fact is that Body Fat is implemented in some stationary bikes. Teenagers’ body fat can be measured using special sensors placed inside the handles.

The most advanced stationary exercise bikes also allow programmable carrying capacity. For example, you can set up increased resistance. In some cases, reduction in resistance can also be set if a specific heart rate is obtained.

How much do you need to spend on a good exercise bike?

If you only need a simple and short exercise bike, all you need to do is invest in the cheapest mechanical model. However, if you plan to exercise regularly, consider investing 600-1000 polish zloty. Thanks to this, you’ll get quieter devices and generally have a greater possibility to adjust resistance. In high-demand or high-volume physical activity situations, look for more expensive models – especially those that can set up advanced training programs.