What To Look For
Fancy, eye-catching features aside, there are three key elements you should expect from any stationary exercise bike, at any price point. An exercise bike should adjust to fit your body, have a stable, solid frame, and a quiet, smooth resistance mechanism. No matter how good a bargain a given model may be, if it doesn't fit these three perquisites you're unlikely to use it consistently.
Common Pitfalls
Always try an exercise bike out in person before purchasing it. Even if you're thinking of purchasing online, find an exercise equipment retailer in your area and try the bike out before purchasing. This is the only way you can be sure it fits your body and that the drive mechanism feels comfortable and smooth to you. If more than one person is going to use the bike regularly, all of you should test-ride it to make sure everyone will be pleased with it. Failing to do so is one of the most common pitfalls in purchasing a piece of exercise equipment. Another common pitfall is purchasing the exercise bike and not using it.
Where To Buy
Start by shopping direct from the manufacturer whenever possible. Some exercise equipment manufacturers throw in free shipping when you purchase online, which negates small discounts that other online retailers may offer. Keep in mind that pricing equipment high, then selling it at a steep markdown, is a common practice in the fitness equipment industry.
Cost
According to the Exercise Equipment Expert, a good mid-level exercise bike costs between $300 and $500. According to Galt Technology, anything over $1,000 should approximate what you'll find in a gym. The Ignite 745 Exercise Bike, the Trainer Secrets best-in-class pick for the $400 to $600 price range, is a good example of a mid-range exercise bike.
Comparison Shopping
Exercise bikes come in two basic configurations: upright, which most closely mimics the motion of riding a real bike, and recumbent, which lets you sit back in a wider, flatter seat with back support. Choosing between the two depends largely on your personal preference, but consider a recumbent bike if you have stability problems or cannot tolerate having your weight concentrated on an upright bike seat.
Insider Tips
If you want the quietest, smoothest ride possible, opt for magnetic resistance. If you don't mind noise and want the simplest mechanism you can get, or have a severely limited budget, opt for either a direct-tension model or an air-resistance bike, both of which occupy the very bottom of the price range. A well-built direct-tension or air-resistance bike will last for years. If you're willing to tolerate the extra noise, an air-resistance bike's fan also acts as a built-in cooling system.
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