Get A Head Start On Getting Your Exercise Bike

Exercise Bike Buying Guide

As you begin the search for the right equipment for your needs, this exercise bike buying guide may help you sort out some of the features and benefits. There are two general factors you should consider first: the type of bike and the price that fits your budget.

As you shop, you will find there are two general classes of exercise bikes: recumbent bikes and upright bikes. Take some time to look at these different styles. Try them out to see which is most comfortable for you. After you have narrowed your choice to one of these two designs, compare features and construction to get to a price that is comfortable for you.

Beyond the general categories of type and price, there are a few more factors you should know about when choosing an exercise bike. One of the most important is resistance. After all, the amount of resistance to your pedaling efforts is the key to getting benefit from exercise time. This factor, and how it is handled by the bike, should probably be at the top of the list in any exercise bike buying guide.

Among the different types of resistance you'll find in exercise bikes are:

1) Direct Tension - manual adjustment of resistance 2) Air -pedaling against the air resistance of a fan blade 3) Magnetic Resistance - this is the most sophisticated type of resistance. It uses magnetic currents to create and track the resistance, and generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels. Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.

Workout options may also be a critical factor in getting the correct exercise bike for your needs. Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated bikes may also track total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode. You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as such new features as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.

Information provided in an exercise bike buying guide should also include warranty information. Exercise bikes come with warranties that range from 90 days for the entire unit to lifetime on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general keep in mind that a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine. It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. If you are new to exercising and not sure you'll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a cheaper model. Keep these points in mind and you're on your way to choosing the best exercise bike for you.