POINTS TO CONSIDER
Exercise bikes provide a low impact cardio workout which will help to tone and strengthen hips, legs, thighs and glutes. They are also usually the most cost effective cardio products and have proven to be the easiest to use.
There are two main styles of exercise bike:
- traditional upright style
- recumbent style
Upright bikes replicate the traditional cycling action of a normal bike while recumbent bikes place the body in a semi reclining position which offers extra lower back support. Recumbent bikes are often recommended for older users or users with knee or hip problems.
Saddle or Seat
Different styles of bike will have different seats:
- A standard upright bike will have a seat similar to a normal bike but bigger and softer. Comfort is the key here.
- Spin bikes are designed to replicate the style of a racing road bike therefore the saddles are smaller and more streamlined. Cushioning is not as important on these bikes as the user will have their weight further forward over the handlebars.
- Recumbent bikes have much larger seats with back supports therefore comfort, support and adjustability are the important considerations.
Pedals and Cranks
This area of the bike takes a lot of strain. Higher spec models have what is known as a 3-piece crank which means the pedal arms are separate components fixed to a central axle. This provides a stronger assembly and is also more practical to service and repair later on. Lower spec bikes have a 1-piece crank that is more susceptible to flexing and breaking after high use.
When considering the pedals, look for good size pedals that provide solid foot support and adjustable straps that lock the foot in place. Some spin bike models will have facility for cycling cleats to be worn that clip into the pedal and lock the riders’ foot into the pedal.
Flywheel and Drive System
Bikes usually have a belt system which runs from the pedal crank to the flywheel. The flywheel is the heavy wheel which provides the momentum feeling similar to when riding a normal bike. As a general rule, the heavier the flywheel the better as this provides a smoother momentum feeling when it is spinning.
Resistance
As a higher resistance level is applied to the flywheel, the pedal crank becomes harder to turn thereby replicating the feeling of riding up a hill.
- Manual magnetic systems use opposing magnets which are positioned either side of the flywheel. When a manual resistance control knob is turning by the user, the magnets are pulled closer to the flywheel increasing the resistance.
- Electromagnetic systems use electromagnetic brakes to control how freely the flywheel can spin. These are the most accurate and sophisticated but are also the most expensive.
- Most spin bike models use direct resistance which is a brake pad pressed directly onto the flywheel. The size and composition of the pad will determine how smooth the resistance is.
Console, Displays and Programs
Console, displays and programs come down to user preference.
What feedback is your customer looking for from the console?
And do they require the variation of multiple programs?