Exercise bikes come in different styles, providing different features. Designed primarily for creating weight-loss workouts, they can also help you train for sports. Depending on how much money you wish to spend, you can get a stationary bike with an electronic console that features multiple workout programs and provides personal data during and after your workout. Understanding the features of exercise bikes will help you choose the most appropriate one for you.
Upright
If you plan on riding an outdoor bicycle or wish to stand on the pedals while you exercise to work more muscles, you will want to buy an upright exercise bike. These bikes are configured similarly to road bicycles, and have you sit in an upright position while holding handlebars. Using the handlebars for balance, you can stand on the pedals while you work, as you would when you ride up a hill on a road bicycle. You will also be able to take your hands off the handlebars and use dumbbells during your workout if you want to burn more calories and improve upper body strength.
Recumbent
Recumbent exercise bikes let you recline during your workout, taking stress off your back and spine. On a recumbent bike, you'll hold onto to handles near the seat. Recumbents don't let you stand on the pedals while you work out, which puts more weight and pressure on your hips and knees. Regardless of whether you are in the market for an upright or recumbent, test any bike you plan on purchasing with a ride of several minutes, using different settings, to see if you will be able to continue using it for 30 minutes or more.
Programmability
Exercise bikes that include an electronic console let you create different workouts by changing the gear settings as you ride. For example, if you are new to exercise and want a moderately intense, steady workout that lets you continue for many minutes, the program will not vary from your initial settings. If you want to raise and lower your heart rate, the program will automatically change gear settings throughout your workout to simulate riding up and down hills and on flat terrain.
Data
The goal of many people who use exercise bikes is weight loss. Look to see if the exercise bike you are considering provides you with heart rate and calorie data. Some bikes ask you to enter your weight and age, while others require more specific information, such as desired target heart rate and calories you want to burn during your workout. During your workout, the console will show you your heart rate and estimated calories you will burn at your chosen pace. This will let you raise or lower your pace, depending on your goals. After you finish your workout, you can check the console to see your average heart rate during your workout and total calories burned.
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