Exercise Bikes Reviewed and Rated
Exercise bikes are the original piece of home exercise equipment. And despite the constant barrage of new, innovative (and often gimmicky) fitness machines, they continue to remain a consumer favorite.
Before we take a closer look at some specific models here are a few important features to look out for...
Comfortable Saddle
This can make or break the effectiveness of any bicycle. An uncomfortable saddle will reduce your investment into an expensive clothes horse. Recumbent bikes (see below) have gained tremendous popularity with fitness enthusiasts for this very reason. If you're in any doubt go for a recumbent bike.
Adjustable Resistance
All of these will allow you to adjust the intensity of your workout, but it's the system of resistance used that is important. Typically, with the better quality bikes you can adjust the resistance with a touch of a button. It's quick, smooth and effortless. Cheap stationary bikes employ a crude dial that adjusts the tension on strap attached to the wheel.
Quiet Operation
This doesn't seem too important until you use a really noisy bike. What seems like a minor disadvantage of cheaper bikes can soon turn into a major irritation.
Warranty and Servicing
If you want to determine the quality of any piece of exercise equipment look at the length of the warranty. Warranties on stationary bikes vary from 90 days up to 5 years. If you're after a low cost model then accept the warranty will be short. If that's a problem either pay to extend it or ideally go for a higher quality machine.
Price
Like all types of fitness equipment, exercise bikes vary in price greatly. Even for a cheap bike don't expect to pay anything less than $150. Unless you're a cycling enthusiast there's absolutely no need to spend more than $500 and $300 will buy you an excellent bike that meets all the criteria mentioned above.
So with those points in mind let's examine some specific models that meet our criteria...
Recumbent Models Reviewed
Recumbent bikes are so comfortable they make you feel guilty! If you suffer from low back pain or find saddles particularly sore, these are for you. This article reviews some of the best value for money recumbent bikes...
Upright Models Reviewed
When most people think of an exercise bike this is what springs to mind. There are literally thousands of upright bikes on the market. This article examines a few we feel offer excellent value for your money...
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