The Basics: Exercise Bikes

Exercise bikes are alternately referred to as stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or studio cycles. Whichever label you prefer, exercise bikes continue to be among the most popular home fitness equipment. In most cases, they're easy to use and offer an effective workout; exercise bikes are proven to be effective at burning calories, raising the heart rate and developing aerobic capacity while limiting the impact on knees and leg joints.

The real beauty of an exercise bike is the fact that you can use it almost anywhere. Whether you're in front of the TV, listening to music, reading a book or watching over the kids, an exercise bike allows you to squeeze in an effective home workout. Of course, since exercise bikes are so popular, there are a lot of them to choose from, which can make selecting the right model for you a difficult task.

There are several different designs of exercise bikes, including the upright bike, the recumbent bike and the spinner. The upright exercise bike perhaps best mirrors the style and ride of a traditional road bike; you sit on a small seat, back unsupported with the pedals positioned directly below you. A recumbent exercise cycle features a larger, upright lounge chair-style seat that provides support to the lower back, with the pedals situated in front of you rather than below; as a result, the seated position is similar to the one that you use to drive a car. The third notable type of exercise cycle is the spinner, which is popular in health club spinning classes but is less widely used as home fitness equipment. There are also several exercise bike models that offer simultaneous upper-body workouts.

How to Shop

It is important to shop wisely for any home exercise equipment, in order to insure that it is something you will use on a regular basis; as such, you should avoid trendy or cute equipment. Aside from cost, the most important feature to consider when selecting an exercise bike is comfort; if it isn't comfortable, you are very unlikely to stick to a regular exercise schedule. The seat of the exercise cycle should be comfortable and easily adjustable, and it lock securely in place; in the case of recumbent exercise cycles, it should also provide solid back support. Similarly, the frame should feel sturdy and the handlebars should be easily adjustable. The only way to ensure that an exercise cycle is comfortable is to try it out. If you intend to share the exercise cycle with other household members, have them try the bike out as well; what is comfortable for you may not be comfortable for others.

The level of noise that a piece of home exercise equipment makes during operation is something that a lot of new buyers tend to overlook during the shopping process. Even a small repetitive sound can drive you crazy over a period of time and provide you with another reason not to exercise. A noisy exercise bike can also upset other household members and even neighbors if you live in an apartment or condo. Models with variable magnetic resistance usually provide quieter operation.

Unless you are thoroughly familiar with an exercise bike after using it repeatedly either at a health club, fitness center or friend's house, you generally shouldn't buy from a catalog, a television ad or online; always plan on putting an exercise bike to the test before you buy. Go to a retail store and get on the display model. Don't be embarrassed to bring your water bottle and towel and give their exercise bikes a real workout; this is an important investment, regardless of the price. If a bike is not right for you, you don't want to find that out after you've set the bike up at home. Using an exercise bike for a sustained test ride of 10 minutes or more should be enough to tell you if it is comfortable and sturdy enough for your specific needs.

While there are exercise bike bargains to be had at discount merchants and some larger sporting goods stores, the knowledge and commitment you get from specialty fitness retailers can often be worth the potentially greater cost.

Once you've decided on the exercise bike that's right for you, compare prices online to those of brick-and-mortar stores. It is also important to factor in the cost of delivery or shipping charges when purchasing an exercise bike. Higher-quality models tend to be heavy, so the delivery or shipping costs can add a sizeable chunk to the final cost of any exercise bike purchase. Most exercise bikes don't require installation, although if you're not at all tech-savvy it may be advisable to inquire about the cost of installation and set-up as well.

You'll also want to factor in the cost of extras and maintenance of an exercise bike. For example, you may need a rubber mat to protect your flooring and make it easier to clean up after a strenuous workout. Once your equipment has been up and running for a while, you'll likely also need to consider purchasing lubricants and cleaners to prolong the life of your exercise bike and keep your exercise sessions running smoothly.