Tons of brands have developed their own bikes giving users a wide variety of options. And with the varied availability of choices, you may have wondered, what to look for in exercise bike before buying?
There are different types of exercise bikes such as upright, indoor cycling, and recumbent exercise bike. All of these offer the benefits of exercise like reducing the risks of diseases, weight management, strengthening bones and muscles, and improving physical and mental health. But each type has distinct advantages that suit your workout needs. Thus, determining which one works for you is the first step to getting the most out of your next workout sessions.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Exercise Bike
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Use or Purpose
Foremost, you have to evaluate your fitness goals. How often are you going to use your exercise bike? Do you have the time and dedication to stick to your workout plan? Do you need a basic exercise bike or one with advanced features?
You need to set realistic goals and how exactly you will use your exercise machine. Doing this will not only save you from making expensive purchases but also will help narrow down your choices. Setting workout goal also makes it easier for you to find the right exercise bike that complements your workout goals.
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Features
Your choice of equipment regardless if it is an upright exercise bike or other types you are interested in buying should have a range of features that you are looking for.
For example, you may need an exercise bike with a built-in screen so you can stream exercise videos or movies. Or you are specifically looking for a stationary bike with a pulse monitor so you can track your pulse while working out.
A good exercise should have a comfortable and adjustable seat. A hard seat can cause pain and numbness at the bottom of the spinal column down to the legs and toes. It should also have various resistance levels so you can choose the perfect setting when you are doing aerobic exercise or if you are riding up a hill.
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Weight Limit
What to look for in exercise bike before buying is not limited to features and comfort but also includes the equipment’s stability. Like everyone else, you do not want to end up getting injured while doing your workout routine.
When you shop for your new exercise bike, it should be able to hold your weight or more. If buying from a physical store, test the bike if it wobbles when you ride. A stable bike should stand firm on the ground even when you pedal (sitting and standing positions). The heavier the bike, the more stable and robust it is. Meanwhile, if you prefer to shop online, a good way to check the bike’s stability is by reviewing its maximum weight capacity.
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Safety
Exercise bikes are designed as equipment to improve health and wellness. As more people rely on exercise bikes to stay in shape without going to the gym, they should also be designed to ensure safety including children. Accidents caused by exercise equipment have reported thousands of emergency room visits every year.
And with the increasing need to be more physically fit and healthy, exercise bike-related accidents are becoming a safety concern. With that said, it is recommended to look for an exercise bike that has a covered flywheel and chain. Moving parts must be covered to ensure safety. While most users place their exercise equipment in the basement or in a separate protected room, it does not guarantee safety. Instead, go for a model or brand that features these safe mechanics.
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Ease of Use
Riding a stationary bike is easy but understanding its settings and configuration can be stressful, particularly if you are not into modern technology. If the exercise bike is easy to use, there will be less time and effort needed to be able to take advantage of the equipment.
In turn, this will give you more time to focus on your workout goals while at the same time giving you fulfilment and satisfaction. No matter how advanced the features of exercise bikes are, these become devalued if the equipment settings are hard to understand.
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Compatibility
While others do not put so much emphasis on this feature, those who want to use headphones while biking or sync their folding exercise bike with their fitness tracker. Are you looking for a Bluetooth-enabled bike or one with Wi-Fi capability so you can stream straight to your bike screen?
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Price
Exercise bikes come in different brands, models, and types. This means bikes also have a wide range of prices depending on the specifications and features. The price can range from a few hundred dollars to more than $2,000.
A basic exercise bike is cheaper as opposed to an exercise bike that has advanced features. The type of resistance it uses, material, compatibility, connectivity, and capability features can impact the price of the bike. Getting the cheaper bike means you only need the basics of this equipment. Depending on how much you would like to invest, you can get cheap or high-end exercise bikes.
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Warranty
Take a look at the manufacturer’s warranty before buying the bike that you are interested in. Double check what are the inclusions in the warranty and for how long it covers. It would be good to have warranty premiums where you can pay extra for discounted repairs or replacement should the warranty expires.
Conclusion
Whether you want the basic or more sophisticated features, there is always that perfect exercise bike for everyone.
All you need to do is consider these suggestions on what to look for in an exercise bike before buying. But then again, these are just recommendations. At the end of the day, your preferences should be the ultimate basis of your choice.