Exercise Bike Buying Guide for Smart Consumers
Posted: Saturday, January 22, 2011
by Kevin Urban
If you've decided to buy an exercise bike, this exercise bike buying guide is a must before you put down any money. Reviewing the tips in our guide below can help you determine which type is right for you and what you can expect from basic models to more expensive bikes with all the bells and whistles.
Exercise Bike Buying Guide - Lower End Models
The most basic exercise bike will have a tension belt or direct resistance. You simply turn a knob or pull a lever to make the tension tighter. These models will generally have stationary handlebars and not much else. They are fine if you simply want to get some cardiovascular exercise or if you're going to use your bike as part of a larger routine; they are great for warm ups and cool downs as well.
You can generally get a decent beginner's exercise bike with minimal upgrades for around $200. Check to make sure the tension setting works properly and see that the seat and handlebar heights are adjustable for comfort. You should also try it out to see if it is stable, which some cheaper models have problems with.
Exercise Bike Buying Guide - Moderately Priced Stationary Bikes
In the mid-level market, you can get some nice features that will improve your workout routine considerably. You can spend between $300 and $700 and get a bike with movable handlebars for an upper body workout. You'll also find that the seats are generally more comfortable.
Other features you can find on moderately priced exercise bikes include:
- LED console screen displaying calories burned, distance covered, time and other information
- A heart rate or pulse rate monitor should be standard on any bike over $250, since a good cardiovascular workout is the whole point.
- Either flywheel or magnetic tension resistance. The flywheel is popular in the mid-range market and gives a smoother ride than direct tension models. It also has the feel of riding a real bike.
If you're a serious fitness buff or are going to use your stationary bike to augment regular bike riding outdoors, you should try to invest in a top quality exercise bike with some extras. These bikes will run over $700 to start and will include:
- A console with LED display showing calories burned, distance covered, etc. as well as at least five pre-programmed workouts. Look for interval workouts that respond to your heart rate in the higher end models.
- Heart rate monitor built-in
- Magnetic resistance for a smooth glide and effortless increase in your workout.
About the Author:
Dave Casey writes for AllExerciseBikes.net, the exercise bike buying guide for smart consumers. The site offers reviews of the best exercise bikes and tips on making your exercise bike workouts fun.
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