Indoor Stationary bikes haven't been around that long — they were created in the late 1980s in California. But they've become quite popular in their short life. The bikes have improved substantially during the first decade of the 21st century, and prices have generally drifted downward as well. As a result, you can get a decent stationary bike for less than $200 as of 2012, quite a bargain for a machine that can help keep you in shape for years.
Description
The bikes differ from regular exercise bikes in a number of ways. The classes usually are paced by background music. Sometimes, you will stand on the pedals and go all-out, as you might in a real bike race. Other times you will sit and slow the pace. The bikes are characterized by a large flywheel in front, which supplies varying resistance levels. There are five basic positions, ranging from standing on the pedals and "running" to the controlled sitting and standing positions for simulated jumps. The best stationary bikes offer you a range of resistance settings, workout programs and adjustable positions for the seat to ensure comfortable and injury-free exercise.
Benefits
You can derive a very rugged workout from the bike with less impact on your body that a treadmill. Cardio workouts for your heart, interval training for serious training, indoor exercise when the weather is lousy — this bike offers all of these benefits and more. The best for you depends upon how you plan to use it. If you want it as a casual workout tool to use several days per week, an inexpensive but well built bike should suffice. If you are training for a triathlon, you will likely want a club-quality machine.
Best Values
Some websites sell new and used indoor bikes, and some will make recommendations. For example, in March of 2011 one site listed the Confidence Fitness Space Saving Exercise Bike at about $150, the Stamina CPS 1305 Indoor Upright at about $150, and the Schwinn Active 10 Series at about $200 as top bargain buys.
High End
The Star Trac, which can be found online for about $1,600, can be adjusted to be a match for your road bike. One nice feature is an ergonomic seat with a flexible base and double-density padding to keep you comfortable during long workouts. The Motus M-FUSION, available for about $1,000, has a flywheel in back. It is regarded as a very durable bike with a weight capacity of 300 lb. Another high-end bike, recommended by Galt Buying Guides, is the Schwinn IC Elite Indoor Cycling Bike, which is available for about $1,100.
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