Stationery bikes, also referred to as exercise bicycles, are used to give you a cycling workout indoors. Stationery bikes work the glutes, legs and hips while also giving you a cardiovascular workout. Before you determine the type of stationery bike to buy for home use, you need to determine how much you are able to spend. According to Consumer Reports, prices of stationery bikes range from $200 to $2,000 as of 2010. In most cases, the higher-priced models have a sturdier frame and more workout features.
Step 1
Choose the type of stationery bicycle you want to purchase. Upright and recumbent models are the main types of exercise bikes. Upright bikes are built to model traditional bicycles while recumbent bikes have a chair or bucket seat. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, dual actions exercise bikes are another type of bike available for purchase. These bikes have movable handlebars to provide an upper body workout.
Step 2
Measure the size of the stationery bike. If you don't have a large space, you should look at the measurements to see how much room you need once it is assembled. Upright bikes take up less room than recumbent bicycles. Sit on the bike before you buy to make sure the seat and handlebars can be adjusted for you to ride comfortably.
Step 3
Review the feedback mechanisms provided by the stationery bike. The electronic displays on stationery bikes can give you information such as calories burned, time, distance and speed. Other feedback features often included on stationery bicycles are heart rate monitoring and training programs.
Step 4
Find out the type of resistance mechanism used. The most desired type, according to Dick's Sporting Goods, is magnetic frictionless resistance since this allows for more variance in your workout. Other types of resistance mechanisms include direct tension, flywheel and air provided through a fan.
Member Comments