This article contains additional information and tips for buying an exercise bike or indoor cycle that has not already been covered in the more extensive Exercise Bike Buyer's Guide.
Pay attention to the weight of the exercise bike itself as well as the user weight capacity.
The weight of the exercise bike will include the weight of the flywheel and the weight of the frame (and everything else). A heavier bike will often be more stable and sturdy than a lighter bike.
Also be sure that you do not exceed the user weight capacity of the bike. It is better to choose a bike with a user weight limit that is much higher than your weight (or the weight of anyone else that will use the bike) than it is to purchase a bike with a weight limit that is too low.
When shopping or reviewing exercise bikes online, you will have the option to select Residential (in-home use), Light Commercial or Commercial grade exercise bikes.
The Residential exercise bike models are designed for in-home use and are much more affordable that the commercial grade models. This category will usually be the best option for most individuals who are looking for an exercise bike or indoor cycle for use at home although some individuals prefer the extra durability and features of the commercial grade models.
The Light Commercial grade exercise bikes are specifically designed for workout rooms in physical therapy clinics, small businesses, apartment complexes, fire or police departments, park districts, apartment complexes, etc.
Commercial grade exercise bikes are designed for the heavier and more demanding use of the fitness club environment or fitness cycling classes.
Commercial and Light Commercial exercise bikes are built to handle multiple users, constant adjustment changes, higher weight usage, and long hours of use each day.
If you are considering a commercial grade exercise bike for home use keep in mind that you may not get all of the same features on the commercial model that you will get on the residential model. For example, many of the commercial models do not have the additional electronic features on the in-home models, such as speakers and iPod/Mp3 jacks and/or the ability to upload or download workout routines and workout stats.
Noise Levels and Chain vs Belt
Most quality exercise bikes are going to be fairly quite. The cheaper models will be noisier than the better models, the magnetic resistance models will usually be quieter than the friction and air resistance models and the belt driven models will be quieter than the chain drive models.
There is a personal preference when it comes to the choice between a Chain Drive or a Belt Dive indoor cycle. Some riders believe that the chain drive bikes are more like real (outdoor) bikes and others prefer the quieter, lower maintenance belt driven cycles.
Diversity in your In-home Fitness Equipment
You most likely do not need to have every piece of fitness equipment found in your local fitness club in your in-home workout room but it can be beneficial to have a variety for your overall fitness goals and for the goals of those who share your workout equipment (your spouse, kids, etc.)
So if you already have an elliptical trainer or treadmill you may still enjoy or benefit from a good indoor cycle workout or if you already have an indoor cycle, you may also benefit from a recumbent bike workout.
How Much Should I Pay for and Exercise Bike or Indoor Cycle
Most exercise bikes fall in the $300-$1000 range. Many mid-range bikes fall within the $400-$600 range. Upright Exercise Bikes are usually the most affordable while Indoor Cycles and Recumbent Exercise bikes are generally a little more expensive.
You can find budget buys for under $300 but exercise bikes at that level will probably not work well or last long and you will mostly likely get what you pay for.
You can also find plenty of exercise bikes, especially commercial grade and specialty bikes for over $1,000. Many high end bikes can be found in the $1,000-$2,000 range. Commercial grade bikes can easily exceed $2,000.
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