How to choose your indoor bike

There are three types of indoor exercise bikes. Although in this article we will talk exclusively about the bikes indoor cycling and what to look for in an indoor cycling bike, it would not hurt to briefly mention the other two. The three types of indoor bikes are a spinning bike, a recumbent stationary bike and a upright stationary bike.

The bikes for indoor cycling is the latest addition to indoor cycles. It was developed in the 1980s and was initially known as the indoor cycling bike. Unlike the other two indoor bikes, the The spinning bike was designed to provide an authentic cycling experience similar to riding a bike outdoors.

What to look for in an indoor cycling bike

Flywheel weight

The flywheel is the raised wheel located at the front of an indoor bike. Similar to an outdoor bike, the flywheel is the wheel that moves when a rider pedals the bike.< span> When looking at indoor bikes, you have to know the weight of the flywheel. The weight of the flywheel dictates the movement of the bike, the greater the weight, the smoother the movement. Home spinning bikes generally have a flywheel weight of around 18 kilos, although to get started you don't need that much weight. Commercial indoor bikes have a flywheel of around 20 kilos.

The ideal is to know what use you are going to give your indoor bike before making a decision.

Structure

The frame, regardless of the type of bike, is extremely important. Look for an indoor bike with a strong stabilizer frame and wide legs for optimal balance. However, since most bikes have a solid frame, make sure the legs are wide enough for the bike to remain properly balanced.

Resistance system

Indoor bikes have two different types of drive system. One is a chain drive system and the other is a belt drive. If possible, always opt for a belt-driven indoor bike . A belt drive system is superior in many ways. First of all, it barely makes a sound. Also, it doesn't require as much maintenance as a chain drive. Lastly, the belts are simply easier to adjust.

Braking system

There are three different types of braking systems. You can find an indoor bike with cloth brake pads, leather brake pads, and magnetic brake. Cloth brake pads are typically found on entry-level home indoor bikes. Leather pads are mainly found on high-end bicycles for home and commercial use.

The magnetic braking system is a magnificent achievement. These braking systems are completely silent as there is no physical contact. They offer a much greater range of resistance. And, it requires absolutely no maintenance or replacement. The magnetic braking system should be your first choice.

Resistance modes

There are four types of resistance mechanisms found on an indoor bike. There is cable resistance, hand screw resistance, electronic resistance, magnetic resistance, and electromagnetic resistance.

The cable resistance mechanism is only found on lower end bikes and is not recommended primarily because it has a tendency to slip and is therefore quite unreliable. The resistance The manual screw is the type that involves a knob and works similarly to an analog system.

It's a simple system that will get the job done. Electronic magnetic brakes use a small hydraulic system to move a magnet and apply resistance to the flywheel. The systems Electromagnetics are still quite rare and are a fairly recent addition to the spin bike. It involves no moving parts as it uses an electromagnetic field to create resistance.

Adjustability

Nearly all types of indoor bikes offer adjustable seats as well as an adjustable handlebar. Different types of bikes offer varying degrees of adjustability. The ability to adjust it's particularly important if you're overweight or very tall, which would require some adjustment. But adjustability isn't usually a big deal, as most bikes offer the ability to adjust a seat both vertically and horizontally. The same goes for the bicycle handlebar.

Display screen

The most basic system would show the speed of the bike, the total distance traveled and the estimated calories burned during the workout. Some bikes offer a little more information. < /span>For example, it would display real-time information about the user's heart rate or provide the ability to set goals based on distance traveled, etc.

Bicycle pedals

Most indoor bike pedals have a strap for added stability. Some bikes, of the commercial variety, have a special type of strap for the SPD cleat on running shoes. specialized cycling. These are a little more secure than the strap.

Bottle holder

Indoor cycling can be just as strenuous as outdoor cycling and would induce as much perspiration as any other form of exercise. Therefore, staying well hydrated is extremely important. Most indoor bikes have a water bottle holder, and some of the higher-end models even offer a double holder. The important thing to keep in mind is the location of the bottle holder, many times it can be difficult to reach the bottle while cycling. This is something to keep in mind when looking for an indoor bike.

Transport wheels

Indoor bikes are generally quite difficult to transport, particularly indoor bikes, which have a heavy flywheel attached, making them almost impossible to transport. For That is why it is very important to have transport wheels on your bicycle, especially if you are going to buy it for your home, where space is usually limited.

Conclusion

There you go. Now you know what to look for in an indoor bike. Now you have the knowledge to buy the right indoor bike for you, but there are others too considerations to take into account.

If you need advice, send us an email to fyh@fyhfitness.com and we will help you choose the bike that best suits your needs.

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