An exercise bike is a great way to get a good workout indoors, whether it’s an intense anaerobic spin session or a long endurance ride. They take up less space than a treadmill, are typically more affordable, and although demand has spiked while people are under lockdown, they’re much easier to find.
Exercise bikes are still a big investment though, and your choice can make the difference between a machine that gives you a great daily workout, and something that just gathers dust.
How to buy an exercise bike
Choosing the right exercise bike is a big decision, so what should you look for when making your choice? Olivia Neely, personal trainer at Starks Fitness (currently sharing home workout videos at starksfitnessgym on Instagram), gives the following advice.
Olivia Neely (Starks Fitness personal trainer):
We’re several weeks into lockdown, and no doubt lifestyle adaptions are well underway. A strong positive is that it seems health and well-being has remained a primary focus for most. With that, home-workout equipment is widely sought after so we’re having to be strategic about our purchases. It’s worth considering equipment that can be used longer term. And of course, one that will match all your training desires; cardiovascular, endurance or strength. So how about an indoor exercise bike to help reach those goals, come rain or shine.
Here are a few tips to ensure you’re buying the right kit for your needs.
What type of bike?
The most obvious but important consideration. There are many types, all focusing on different cycling methods. An upright bike, a recumbent bike, a spin bike, the list goes on…
Think about your previous cycling experiences. Do you usually take a leisurely cycle along the river road? Or are you an avid mountain biker? Try and match your previous experience to your current goals.
Design
We all want a bike that’s aesthetically pleasing, but more first, how much space do you have for it? For most, the bike will remain in your living room or bedroom so make sure it fits! Also note, there more advanced equipment (with a higher price tag) will no doubt offer a neater design requiring less space.
Features
Features will vary depending on the bike you choose, but here are a few things to look out for:
- Emergency brake feature – a must
- Adjustable saddle and handlebar
- Resistance feature – the better the resistance variations, the more versatile the bike
- Interactive or self-motivating – if your budget can stretch, it’s useful to have a bike that offer pre-programmed options to keep you motivated. Look out for enhancements such as Bluetooth connection so you can track your progress.
Price
With such a diversity of options, it’s important to be realistic with your budget. Consider brand new models vs second hand, as you can often find a ‘nearly new’ model for a fraction of the price.
The best exercise bike deals in the US
YOSUDA Indoor Cycling Bike | $334.99 at Walmart
This robust exercise bike features a 35lb flywheel with a belt rather than a chain for a smoother ride. The cushioned seat and be adjusted up and down, forward and back, and anti-skid pedals ensure your feet stay safely in place.View Deal
Spirit Fitness Exercise Bike | $999.99 at ABT Electronics
This premium exercise bike is great for road cyclists who want to keep their training going indoors without the hassle of a turbo trainer. The handlebars and seat are fully adjustable, it features a smooth belt rather than a chain (far less noisy) and resistance is controlled via a rotary knob that doubles as an emergency stop.
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The best exercise bike deals in the UK
BH Fitness MYCRON B200 | £599 £399 at Fitness Superstore
This upright exercise bike features a super-tough frame, XXL gel saddle for comfort during tough workouts, and 24 intensity levels. Both the handlebars and seat are adjustable, and there are 12 preset programs to ensure you have plenty of variety. There’s even Bluetooth connectivity so you can hook it up to your favorite workout apps.
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Schwinn 570R Recumbent | £899 £599 at Fitness Superstore
If you’re looking for a recumbent exercise bike for indoor workouts, the Schwinn 570R is a great option. It offers 25 resistance options, and its adjustable seat and backrest will help keep you comfortable, with good posture throughout your ride. There are stats aplenty thanks to dual LCD displays, and Bluetooth connectivity lets you sync to your preferred app.
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Impetus IR 6500am | £1,499.99 £989 at Fitness Superstore
This superb recumbent exercise bike offers 16 levels of resistance, 10 preset training programs, and a smooth air magnetic resistance system. There are also heart rate sensors built into the handlebars, with optional support for a chest strap if you have one. There’s £500 off the list price, too.
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Matrix ES Indoor Spin Bike | £1,399 at John Lewis
The Matrix ES is built to handle serious sprint sessions, and unlike cheaper models, both its handlebars and saddle can be adjusted. The 20kg flywheel gives you a smooth ride, and the micro-adjustable knob makes it easy to alter the resistance (or slam on teh emergency stop).View Deal
Wattbike Icon | £2,499 at Wattbike
The newly released Wattbike Icon is the company’s first indoor exercise bike specifically designed for home use. It offers comprehensive training plans, Bluetooth compatibility, and fully adjustable seat and handlebars. It’s available for shipping in two weeks if you place your order now.
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The best exercise bike deals in Australia
Proform 90 Exercise Bike | AU$399 at Rebel
Take your fitness to a new level and push yourself to reach your potential with the Proform 90 exercise bike. This machine of a bike has eight levels of manual resistance so you can workout your way up an imaginary mountain. With an adjustable frame, you can custom fit this bike to suit your height so you’re comfortable while you’re smashing your goals. You can grab the ProForm 90 exercise bike through Rebel’s online store and save AU$50!
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Nordictrack GX 4.4 Pro Exercise Bike | AU$999 at Rebel
If you’ve got more dough to splash around and want an exercise bike that will give you the extra motivation you need – look no further than the Nordictrack GX 4.4 Pro exercise bike. With 28 pre-set workouts to keep you on track to reach your fitness goals, you’ll be rockin’ that summer bod in no time! This exercise bike also has 22 levels of resistance, a 9kg inertia-enhanced flywheel and has a large user weight limit of 135kg. Grab yours today through Rebel sport and start looking your best self.
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