Indoor cycling simulates road bike riding and racing. Many health clubs and gyms offer stationary cycling classes. Workouts can be very intense, but you can ride your stationary bike at your own pace if you prefer. A stationary bike gives you a great cardio workout, but your joints get less pounding than when you jog outdoors or on a treadmill. There are excellent stationary bikes you can purchase for home use at a variety of price ranges.
The Workout
Indoor cycling workouts include both seated and standing positions. You can sit on a stationary bike and pedal or stand on the pedals and simulate running. There are seated and standing positions for climbing hills and alternating seated and standing positions to take over jumps. If you take indoor cycling classes, you'll find out if you like indoor cycling enough to buy a bike to use at home. If you're learning at home, you can buy videos from stationary bike companies such as Star Trac that will teach you the basics of stationary cycling.
Low Cost
A number of relatively inexpensive stationary bikes are recommended by independent reviewers. Galt Buyers Guide likes The Schwinn TC Elite Indoor Cycling Bike, which sells for about $499 as of February 2011. Galt describes the bike as bio-mechanically efficient, with a two-way adjustable seat that moves both vertically and horizontally as well as adjustable handlebars. Low-cost bikes, like the Proform 290 SPX, the Stamina CPS 9190 and the Sunny Health B904, sell for less than $300.
Mid-Level
The Multisports 600 bike costs around $1,000 as of February 2011. It boasts a 45-lb. flywheel and a drive belt described as "ultra smooth." The seat and handlebars can be adjusted to fit anyone up to 275 lb. The bike offers intense hill-climbing programs that will appeal to anyone looking for a vigorous cardio workout.
Luxury
If you are looking for a luxury home stationary bike, the Star Trac NXT, at about $1,575 as of February 2011, may be your best bet. Recommended by Galt, the bike utilizes the latest in indoor cycling technology. With an aluminum frame that will never rust, the NXT can be fully adjusted for an ideal fit. It has a substantial 43-lb. flywheel.
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