In an era in which people are more health and wellness-oriented, exercise indoor bikes can be just as great an introduction into the world of low-impact cardiovascular workouts as they are a way to maintain fitness for seasoned gym goers. These are a convenient addition for anyone focused on adding more physical activity to their regimen.
However, not everyone engaged in getting some physical activity has the same needs and goals, as not every exercise bike on the market is created equal. If you don’t know where to start, the following guidelines will keep you up to date with all the information needed to make an informed choice.
Types
Feel the burn and watch your fitness levels soar with premium exercise bicycles. Before shopping, it’s important to understand the different types available. If you close your eyes and imagine what a bike looks like, a recumbent bike will probably not align exactly with the visual in your head.
The exercise bikes are distinctive in that they position the user closer to the ground, with the pedals out in front of the body rather than directly below. Because the pedals are out in front, this is widely regarded to have the most low-impact design. Recumbent bike chairs have a back, which puts the rider in an almost reclined position when compared to other bikes created for exercise.
The back of the seat also provides back support, making it an excellent solution for anyone who would otherwise endure pain while riding. It is ideal for people who may be recovering from injury, are older, or have a disability. The term “upright bike” is frequently used interchangeably or incorrectly to refer to any exercise bicycle that positions you upright.
However, a real upright bike differs slightly from an indoor cycling one. The upright type requires you to sit up straight with the pedals virtually directly beneath you, comparable to a standard road cycle. However, the handles are typically significantly closer to your body, allowing you to remain upright during the ride, as opposed to the forward lean you receive on an indoor cycling bike.
This closeness between the seat and handlebars results in a smaller footprint. If you’ve gone to a Cross Fit gym, you’ve probably seen an air bike before. While the indoor type has a flywheel, an air bike is distinguished by its fan, which serves as the front “wheel” and provides resistance.
The quicker you pedal, the more resistance you generate. Unfortunately, this fan is noisy, so it is not the best option for those looking for a peaceful workout. A significant benefit of air bikes, however, is that the majority of these feature movable grips engage your upper body. This operates similarly to the arms on an elliptical machine in that you may use your arms to assist your legs in making the effort.
Those who have to deal with limited space but still want to feel the perks should consider the foldable options. They are not always built out of the sturdiest material but come in many different variations. Similar to the indoor cycling bike, the handles are in front of you and the pedals are located below your feet. However, if you are looking for a model that will allow you to have an intense cardio workout, this may not be the bike for you.
Features to Look for

The features on your bike can make or break your cycling experience. For novices, there are some baseline considerations. Choose exercise bicycles that allow for minor, diverse height adjustments over those that limit you to certain, pre-determined increments.
The range of these changes also matters, particularly for those who are extremely tall or short, or who have mobility issues. Seat height settings that are more than an inch apart may not be enough to accommodate all preferences. Even if you decide to buy the exercise bike online, try it out in person first.
Whether or not your bike is connected and has a video screen, a good display will indicate a combination of your heart rate, calories burnt, speed, revolutions per minute (RPM, or “cadence,” in riding jargon), and time and distance information. It is also crucial that the display represents the bike’s resistance level.
Some screens don’t, so the sole indicator of resistance is the position of the bike’s manual knob. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to reproduce workouts and track your improvement over time. Also, look for a bike that doesn’t create a lot of extra noise during operation, which can be distracting.
The extra features such as water bottle holders, dumbbells, dumbbell holders, and a heart rate monitor will make your workout even better. For those who want to use the bike while reading or watching something, there are models with a reading shelf to hold a book, tablet, or smartphone.