Almost ThereCycling, Bikes, Parts, Accessories, Clothing and More…

Bicycle Cycling Bike

Exercise Bikes Buying Guide - Put Your Mettle to the Pedal!

Exercise bikes are one of the most popular home fitness machines on the market. These bikes give you an effective workout and promote a healthy lifestyle. You will have fun, enhance your fitness routine and burn calories with exercise bikes. They are also referred to as stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or studio cycles. They work your legs, lungs and heart while limiting the impact on your knees and leg joints. Exercise bikes are available in several different designs. Due to the cost involved, you will most likely purchase only one exercise bike for several years to come so read the following buying guide and make an informed decision.

What are the factors to keep in mind when buying an exercise bike?

Smart shopping is required when buying home fitness equipment because it is normally a long-term investment. Check whether the bike offers a comfortable seat and a well-balanced flywheel. Also make sure that you can vary your workouts with adjustable resistance options. The exercise bike should have a sturdy frame and a wide range of seat heights. Finally, check whether the bike comes with a good warranty and free repair services.

What are the different kinds of exercise bikes available?

There are three different types of stationary exercise bikes: upright bikes, recumbent bikes and dual action bikes.

Upright Bikes:

Upright exercise bikes are similar to traditional bicycles. These bikes have tiny saddles where you sit with your back unsupported and pedal. Upright bikes occupy very little space. They give you a good lower body and cardiovascular workout. You can even stand up and pedal with an upright bike.

Recumbent Bikes:

Recumbent bikes have a laid-back seating style. The chair-like or bucket seat allows you to lean back for a more comfortable ride. This seating arrangement is good for people with back problems, as it provides lower back support. The pedals are located toward the front of the bike, making the seated position similar to the one that you adopt while driving. These bikes work your hamstrings and gluteals. They also promote efficient blood flow throughout the body. Some recumbent bikes have a recline feature that allows you to adjust the angle of your seat accordingly. They are ideal for overweight persons. If you are not a bike enthusiast, recumbent bikes should be your choice.

Dual Action Bikes:

Dual action or elliptical bikes have movable bars as arm handles. You can increase the overall aerobic intensity of your workout by moving your arms and legs at the same time. Dual action bikes are ideal for those looking to tone both their upper and lower body.

What kind of resistance do you need?

Exercise bikes use friction-based, electro-magnetic or air-resistance mechanisms. The kind of resistance you can choose depends on your budget. Bikes with friction-based resistance, like a caliper or fabric brand brake, are low-priced, but they offer only limited programming. Bikes with air resistance use a fan to produce resistance. The fan also provides a cooling effect. These bikes last longer, as they are free from friction which causes wear and tear. Air resistance bikes are very rare. However, the Schwinn Airdyne is the most popular model of this kind.

Bikes that use electro-magnetic resistance are smoother. These models are usually more expensive, but they provide quieter operation. You can benefit from their pre-set programs and heart rate monitors as well. Try to select a bike with automatic resistance settings, as it will be safer to use.

Do bikes require power to operate?

Most bikes are self-driven and do not need mains power to operate. You can use an exercise bike for about six hours a day. These models last longest if only one or two persons use the same machine. If more than two people use the same bike, it is advisable to purchase a model that requires mains power to drive them.

How much space do these bikes occupy?

Exercise bikes are usually small and occupy minimal space. You can opt for fold-away bikes that can be stored in racks when not in use.

Do you want to monitor your workout?

Most exercise bikes provide information on speed, distance traveled and length of your workout. Do you want to know the total calories you burnt, the program mode or the resistance level? Some advanced models give you all this information along with your pulse and heart rate. Pre-programmed workouts and information storage are offered by sophisticated exercise bikes only.

About the Author

Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers shop online and make more
educated buying decisions on exercise bikes for online mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit http://www.bigshop.com.au.

Account limit of 2197 requests per hour exceeded.

Sunny SF-B1001 Indoor Cycling Bike $242 Bring the gym to your home with the fully adjustable Sunny SF-B1001 Indoor Cycling Bike.  Both the handle bars and resistance on this exercise bicycle can be adjusted for comfort and just the right degree of difficulty. The chain drive mechanism makes for smooth and quiet workouts. This exercise equipment is set on wheels, making it easy to move. Made of heavy duty steel and plastic. Maximum user weight is 220 pounds. 30 pound flywheel. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Sunny SF-B1002 Indoor Cycling Bike $439 Bring the gym to your home with the fully adjustable Sunny SF-B1002 Indoor Cycling Bike.  Both the handle bars and resistance on this exercise bicycle can be adjusted for comfort and just the right degree of difficulty. The chain drive mechanism makes for smooth and quiet workouts. This exercise equipment is set on wheels, making it easy to move. Made of heavy duty steel and plastic. Maximum user weight is 275 pounds. 49 pound flywheel. Metal bottle holder. Top press down brake. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Sunny SF-B1003 Indoor Cycling Bike $515 Bring the gym to your home with the fully adjustable Sunny SF-B1003 Indoor Cycling Bike.  Both the handle bars and resistance on this exercise bicycle can be adjusted for comfort and just the right degree of difficulty. The chain drive mechanism makes for smooth and quiet workouts. This exercise equipment is set on wheels, making it easy to move. Made of heavy duty steel and plastic. Maximum user weight is 275 pounds. 55 pound flywheel. Commercial SPD or clip pedals. Metal bottle holder. Top press down brake. This item ships directly from the manufacturer. Product usually arrives in 2-8 business days, depending on destination, including order processing and shipping. APO/FPO shipping unavailable

Racing Bicycle $65.33 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A racing bicycle, commonly known as a road bike, is a bicycle designed for road cycling according to the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The UCI rules were altered in 1934 to exclude recumbent bicycles. The most important things about a racing bicycle are its light weight and the aerodynamic efficiency and ergonomics of the riders position. To this effect racing bicycles may sacrifice comfort for speed. The drop handlebars are positioned lower than the saddle in order to put the rider in a more aerodynamic posture. The front and back wheels are close together so the bicycle has quick handling. The derailleur gear ratios are closelyspaced so that the rider can pedal at his or her optimum cadence. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: 2010/06/13 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.22 inches

Bicycle Repair Manual $21.63 Presents a comprehensive handbook for cycling enthusiasts on the care, maintenance, and repair of the bicycle, providing detailed close-up photographs and step-by-step instructions that demonstrate how to clean and maintain a bike`s mechanics, transmission, suspension, and brakes, in a thoroughly updated handbook that incorporates the latest bicycle designs and manufacturers.

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Pink $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Pink Color Mapping: Pink

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Purple $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Purple Color Mapping: Purple

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Orange $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Orange Color Mapping: Orange

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Baby Blue $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Blue Color Mapping: Blue

Men's Beach Cruiser Bicycle - 26 The General $220 This cruiser is a great full size bike for those who like to cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color Mapping: Multi-Color

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Black $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Black Color Mapping: Black

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Mint $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Green Color Mapping: Green

Men's Beach Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Red $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Red Color Mapping: Red

Men's Beach Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Tahiti - Black $205 This cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Black Color Mapping: Black

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Yellow $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Yellow Color Mapping: Yellow

Ladies Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Vanilla $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Beige Color Mapping: Beige

Men's Beach Cruiser Bicycle - 24 Pantera - Blue $179 This cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Blue Color Mapping: Blue

Men's Beach Cruiser Bicycle - 26 Pantera - Blue $184 This Classic Beach Cruiser is a great full size bike for those who cruise on the boardwalk or around town. This relaxed bicycle is great for recreation cycling. Type: Comfort & Cruisers Size: Medium Color: Blue Color Mapping: Blue

Bike Tree - cycle parking Japanese style