Which exercise bike you choose to buy, as usual, depends largely on how much you're prepared to spend. Out of all home fitness equipment bikes have the widest price range, and that also means the widest difference in quality and reliability.
But before you put your hand in your pocket, ask yourself if an exercise bike is the best way to achieve your goal.
An exercise bike will suit you if:-
- You're currently very overweight
- You're recovering from an illness or injury
- You live in a flat or apartment
- You want to improve your cardio-vascular fitness
- Your budget is under £250
Advantages:
Very easy to use.
Can start an exercise programme even if very overweight.
Puts very little stress on your joints.
Tones legs and bums.
Takes up very little space.
Excellent for rehabilitation.
Easy to store away when not in use.
Most models are quiet in use.
Good for cardio-vascular training (although not as good as a treadmill).
Can be the least expensive type of fitness equipment.
|
Disadvantages:
Limited benefits compared to treadmills and cross trainers.
Some can find cycling daily a bit dull.
Upper body doesn't get a work out.
|
|
Which Exercise Bike Is Best For Me?
There are three types of exercise bike currently on the market.
1. Upright bike - your basic bike, takes up the least amount of room and is generally less expensive as there's less complex machinery involved.
2. Recumbent bike - many consider a recumbent to be more comfortable as you can lean back in the seat and the horizontal position may be suitable for those recovering from injury or are over-weight. A recumbent bike is quite a easy way to do some light exercise at lower levels of resistance, it's also easy on your back.
3. Spinning bikes - also known as racers are designed for high intensity work-outs and tend to cost more, although there are now more affordable spinners coming onto the market. These machines can be great for increasing fitness whilst burning fat.
Like treadmills most bikes have pre-set programmes that will alter the resistance on the pedals to replicate cycling up a hill. Other programmes have a target speed or power level for you to maintain over a set period. Pre-sets take out the hassle of pressing buttons to change settings plus can also add variation to your training.
Best exercise bikes in our view are:-
Top of the range - Life Fitness Lifecycles - prices start at around £600.
Mid-priced models - Kettler exercise bikes - prices range from £300 to over £900.
Budget bikes - York exercise bikes - prices range from £175 to £400.
For more help see our buyers guide to help you decide which exercise bike is best for you at our bike review site.
Are cheap exercise bikes any good?
|
