Exercise bikes are a common piece of exercise equipment that can be found in homes, fitness clubs, rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Exercise bikes are designed to improve cardiovascular health and include various types such as recumbent, upright and combination. Each bike includes several features that govern speed and resistance. While there is no set maximum speed capability for exercise bikes, your personal maximum is dependent on the resistance type, type of bike, tension and fly wheels.
Recumbent Exercise Bikes
Recumbent bikes are characterized by a seat that allows you to sit in a reclined position with the pedals in front of you. These bikes feature comfort and are ideal for someone with back pain or recovering from surgery, but these characteristics also contribute to recumbent bikes having a slower, less intense maximum speed. Most recumbent bikes use magnetic resistance for consistent, quiet operation to control speed and intensity. The Nautilus NR 2000, for example, features a V-force magnetic resistance and V-force drive system that allow unlimited speed potential.
Upright Exercise Bikes
Upright bikes resemble a traditional mountain or road bike and are often preferred by hardcore cyclists for an indoor workout. As a result, these bikes are designed for unlimited maximum speeds based on the rider's ability. Similar to recumbent bikes, upright bikes use magnetic resistance to influence maximum speed potential. The resistance can be adjusted with a push of a button on the controls, and the maximum speed increases as the resistance decreases. For example, the Nordictrack SL 705 features one-step pushbutton resistance.
Combination Bikes
Combination bikes allow a total body workout by forcing the arms and legs to move at the same time. These bikes feature a fly wheel and air resistance instead of magnetic resistance. This type of resistance is created as you pedal against the air flow from the fan and will limit the maximum speed. As the speed increases, the fly-wheel resistance also increases.
References
- Trainer Secrets: Exercise Bike Buyer's Guide
- Men's Total Fitness: Exercise Bike Buyer's Guide
- Dick's Sporting Goods: Exercise Bike Buyer's Guide
- Exercise Equipment Expert: Nordictrack SL 705 Exercise Bike Review
- Exercise Equipment Expert: Nautilus NR 2000 Exercise Bike Review
- Exercise Equipment Expert: Schwinn Airdyne Exercise Bike Review
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