Nearly every exercise bike features some type of settings which, in various ways, change your workout experience. Some bikes are more advanced when it comes to such settings -- an element typically reflected in the purchase price. Higher-end bikes commonly offer setting options for a range of factors, such as resistance, workout programs, entertainment and comfort.
Consoles
Nearly all newer exercise bikes feature consoles that have a computer inside of them. The console provides an interface for you to dial up various settings by pushing buttons. More advanced exercise bike models commonly feature touch-screen monitors that allow you to navigate through various menus. A touchscreen simplifies the process of choosing settings by cutting down the amount of buttons needed on a console. Other add-on features are also commonly found on consoles, such as cooling fans. Their settings are usually manipulated manually or through a touchscreen.
Resistance
The resistance settings on an exercise bike are arguably the most important to your workout. Older and more traditional exercise bikes might have an adjustable lever near the wheel for changing the resistance, while modern exercise bikes typically enable you to control the resistance electronically through the console. Simple up and down arrows or plus and minus signs act as buttons that increase or decrease the resistance level. If your exercise bike has preprogrammed workouts, the resistance changes automatically.
Time
Nearly every exercise bike has a timing mechanism that measures the duration of your workout. Certain consoles calculate your pace, typically reflected as minutes per mile. If you're performing a preprogrammed workout, the computer can calculate your time for a workout's various segments. Some workout programs encourage you to finish segments within a certain time allotment, and will count down instead of up to encourage you to reach a predetermined pedaling distance.
Heart Rate
Exercise bikes often come with heart rate sensors on their handlebars. The console features a readout of the heart rate data that the sensor receives. Many exercise bikes that have heart rate sensors allow you to set a target heart rate on the console that you then strive to achieve during your workout.
Entertainment
Newer, high-end exercise bikes come with many add-on features, such as MP3 docking stations and speakers for music. Many settings, such as volume and playlist options, are manipulated through a touchscreen. Some console computers can connect to the Internet and allow you to watch TV or access advanced workout programs online that mimic real-life biking trails and paths.
Comfort
The seat of most exercise bikes is adjustable. Setting options are usually limited to higher or lower, but on some bikes, such as recumbent exercise bikes, backrests might also be adjustable. Set your seat so that you can fully extend your legs on the down stroke without having to lean left or right while pedaling.
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