What to Look For
When choosing a stationary bike for home exercise use indoor, cyclists should consider many aspects of the equipment design. FitMoves.org, an online fitness informational resource, suggest looking for ease of resistance altering, ease of adjustments if multiple users expected, water bottle cage attachments and wheels allow moving equipment for cleaning. SpinBikeReviews.com, an online stationary bike review site, suggests purchasing a stationary bike if unable to make regular local indoor biking classes or desiring at-home exercise in addition to regular classes. Many gyms, YMCAs and other fitness institutions offer indoor biking classes for various levels of riders in many areas of the U.S.
Common Pitfalls
Many inexperienced indoor bike riders expect stationary bike riding and exercise intensity to mimic riding a bicycle; however, most indoor cycling exercise programs more closely mimic the conditions experienced while racing a bicycle competitively. Classes, especially advanced courses, raise intensity levels quite high during course time. Stationary bikes can alter resistance levels to simulate hill climbing and even mountain climbing. Stationary bikes feature rugged frames designed for intense workouts.
Where to Buy
Many local bicycle shops, fitness outfitters and online retailers sell stationary bicycles from a variety of manufacturers. Stationary bicycles often weigh significant amounts; as such, shipping costs often offset online savings. Many physical retailers of stationary bikes display several models to allow consumer equipment testing. Many online sites offer unbiased opinions and reviews of various stationary equipment. Many indoor cyclists prefer to use cycling shoes and special attachment pedals to lock feet securely to the pedals during intense workouts. Local bicycle shops typically stock a variety of cycling shoes and pedals compatible with stationary bikes.
Cost
Entry-level stationary bikes often retail under $500. Entry-level shoes and pedals may cost another $120. Quality stationary bikes with few significant upgrades beyond frame material cost $500 to $1000. Quality shoes and pedals may run $150 to $200. Nice machines with easier adjustments and computer-assisted workouts typically carry prices from $1,000 to $4,000. Shoes and pedals to match stationary bikes of this quality often cost $250 to $400. Indoor cyclists with disposable incomes, racers and fitness experts may want machines equal to those found in many fitness institutions; such machines often cost over $5,000. High quality shoes and pedals for serious use will run $500 to $700.
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