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About Exercise Bike Electronic Consoles

All Upright and Recumbent Exercise Bikes, with magnetic resistance will have an electronic console. It is required to set the resistance levels on these kinds of exercise bikes. The electronic console will be optional on Indoor Cycles.

In addition to the resistance level settings, most exercise bike consoles will have speed in mph or kph, calculated distance, workout time, calories and/or fat burned. Most (but not all) models will also have heart rate readings, internal workout program modes and workout selections.

Select an exercise bike with an easy to use and easy to read electronic console. There are quite a few different electronic consoles available on today's exercise bikes. Most are designed pretty well and are easy to use and easy to read however I have seen a few consoles that were frustrating and difficult to use.

Keep in mind that there is sometimes a learning curve and that once you learn a few of the basics, the operations become much easier.

The electronic console displays are generally LCD or LED. Some LCD consoles are not backlit and can be difficult to see in poor lighting conditions.

Batteries vs AC Power Source

Another consideration related to the electronic console but also related to the operation of the magnetic resistance bikes themselves is the power source. Some models run on batteries only or they have optional AC adapters.

You may be able to get away with a battery powered exercise bike for light use but in the long run you'll be better off with an AC adapter.

Some higher end exercise bikes (ex: Precor) are self powered via a built in generator system. This is an excellent option but it usually only comes on more expensive, higher end models.

> Training / Workout Programs Apps and Motivational Features

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