As one of the most optimal and effective options for maintaining shape, along with strengthening the entire body as a whole, an exercise bike was and remains. With it, you can not only lose weight, increase muscle mass and stamina, but also rehabilitate yourself after injuries.
A home exercise bike is convenient because you can take care of yourself and your health at any time, even if there is heavy rain outside or a snowstorm is sweeping. With it, you don’t have to pay for a far-expensive subscription to the fitness room or jump on the stairs with a bicycle, and then ply in the foul-smelling stream of cars in search of “natural” sensations.
The market of sports equipment simply scares the inexperienced consumer with a huge assortment and variety of some additional “lotions” for inventory. So the question here is not where to buy an exercise bike, but how not to get confused and choose exactly what you need, without losing the purchase. This company requires a serious approach and balanced decisions, so we will try to dot all the i and somehow narrow the range of characteristics and models themselves.
So, we will figure out how to choose an exercise bike for the home, on what points it is worth paying special attention, we outline the main manufacturers in this segment and consider specific models of sports equipment. The opinions of experts in this field and reviews of ordinary users will be taken as a theoretical basis.
Criterias of choice
Before telling how to choose an exercise bike for the house, we will understand the main criteria that must be taken into account. Otherwise, you risk not only buying yourself an ineffective sports equipment, but even harming your health. So pay particular attention to the characteristics of exercise bikes described below.
Load
All sports equipment of this kind differ in three types of load: mechanical, magnetic and electromagnetic. The most affordable models have a mechanical component, where a special tension belt and bushings with gears are responsible for the efficiency. If you decide to choose an exercise bike of this type, then be prepared for high noise and nervous running. But the existing shortcomings, along with limited functionality, are more than compensated by more than democratic cost.
Magnetic Models
Magnetic home exercise bikes work on a completely different principle. Here, the main load on the legs lies on the shoulders of the magnet, for the acceleration and brake of which the flywheel is responsible. More expensive shells of this type can be equipped with some additional systems such as load monitoring, heart rate or calorie sensors.
Magnetic type models are the most popular in the segment of exercise bikes. You can choose your favorite model from hundreds represented in this market. In addition, the magnetic type of projectile is the best solution in terms of price and return.
Electromagnetic models
If you ask professional athletes which exercise bike is better, then a good half will probably point to electromagnetic models. As such, the mechanical component is completely absent here, and the whole process falls on computer shoulders.
Here the user can choose for himself the most accurate load on his body. All components of the simulator work absolutely silently and very smoothly. In most cases, the main source of power is a small generator. The presence of the latter allows not only to simplify the entire process, but also to save on batteries.
If you decide to choose this type of exercise bike, you should remember that all models have high price tags, so the practicality of the purchase is determined only by your incentive to lead a healthy lifestyle or lose weight. Otherwise, you will get an expensive and dusty toy.
Since these are the best exercise bikes for weight loss and quick rehabilitation after injuries, electromagnetic shells can often be seen not only in fitness clubs, but also in large medical institutions. The purchase of just this type of simulator also contributes to the durability and versatility of the models.
Landing method
Regardless of the type and positioning of the exercise bike - for women or for men, mechanical or magnetic - the shells are also divided according to the method of landing - horizontal and vertical. The latter view is the most popular and with its slope with supports it imitates a regular bicycle.
In the bike shop you can also find rarer horizontal models. Here the pedals are located opposite the seat, that is, the entire training takes place in a reclining position. Horizontal simulators are more effective for working with the muscles of the buttocks, and also suitable for those who are contraindicated in a high load on the spine.
There are also hybrid shells that can transform into the desired plane. But we will not consider them. Because they are very expensive (sometimes it’s easier to buy two separate simulators), they have large dimensions, and as such, their practicality is a big question.
User weight
If you set yourself the task of choosing an exercise bike for home use, be sure to take into account the weight of all users who will work on it. A good half of the models of the budget and mid-price segment are designed for restrictions of 100-130 kg.
If the user's weight exceeds the parameters indicated in the specification, then the operational life of the projectile will be significantly reduced. In this case, it is better to buy specific or professional equipment supporting a weight of more than 150 kg. It costs, naturally, more expensive, but will last much longer.
Manufacturers
The exercise bike segment is a tidbit for all sports equipment manufacturers. But not everyone succeeded in the market, so we will identify the most popular brands that have distinguished themselves with quality products and a lot of positive feedback from consumers.
The best manufacturers of exercise bikes:
- Kettler (Germany).
- Oxygen (Germany).
- Torneo (Italy).
- Carbon Fitness (Germany).
- HouseFit (North America).
- Hastings (Taiwan).
- Svensson Body Labs (Sweden).
- DFC (China).
- Sport Elite (China).
The first three brands are leaders in this segment and occupy most of the market. All of the above companies are represented on the domestic market, but the shells themselves come to Russia, usually from China. In China, there are extensive production facilities and meticulous OTC from each brand, so you should not be afraid of the “Assembled in China” marking. But here you also need to understand that there are no cheap branded models. Therefore, if you are offered for some stunning "action" a noble brand exercise bike half as much cheaper, then this is an occasion to think: are they not offering you a fake?
Next, we will conduct a short review of exercise bikes for the home, which hit the most interesting and popular models from different price categories.
HouseFit HB-8191HP
This model is a magnetic type from a famous American brand. The manufacturer positions the projectile as the best mobile simulator. The model received a folding design, low weight and modest dimensions. It is easy to fold and transport: it can be safely moved around the room by weight and not be afraid to damage linoleum or parquet.
An exercise bike can be called the best home option for a limited budget. The model is easy to use, and the design is somewhat reminiscent of the device of an ironing board on legs, so figuring out what and how is easy.
As a fly in the ointment here is not quite the correct location of the seat relative to the pedals. The flywheel itself is pushed forward, so during classes it seems that you are sitting on a motorcycle a la Harley.
Estimated cost - about 9000 rubles.
Torneo nova b-225
Exercise bike Torneo of the Nova series is one of the most popular models in Russia. The model is equipped with all the necessary minimums for classes, plus a more than democratic price tag.
Here we have an adjustable steering wheel, 8 speeds for the flywheel, autonomous operation and sensible compensators for uneven floors. The latter will especially come in handy if you live in Khrushchev’s or another similar apartment that does not differ in even floors.
A five-kilogram flywheel is enough for ordinary users. Athletes, of course, need more, but the cost of the projectile does not imply such specifics. In the pluses of the model, you can write a very comfortable and well-positioned chair relative to the pedals, a smooth ride, virtually silent operation and materials that are pleasant to the touch.
Perhaps the only drawback, or rather, the specificity of the Nova series Torneo exercise bike, is its growth restriction. It will be difficult for users above 1.85 m to pedal. Otherwise, the model can be called ideal in terms of the ratio of price to quality.
Estimated price - about 10,000 rubles.
Svensson Body Labs Crossline BHM
This is a magnetic model from the famous Swedish brand. At its relatively low cost, the exercise bike was distinguished by its chic functionality, which is found in more expensive premium-class shells.
The smart display displays everything you need for effective training: cadence, calories burned, time or distance, accurate speed and other features.
It is also worth noting the heavy flywheel of the simulator - 9 kg. Of course, with the ease, as in the case of the above models, you can’t drag the design around the room, but the advantages of such a flywheel still outweigh. The heavier it is, the smoother the acceleration and the more convenient the braking, the more the exercise bike is not the thing that you need to often move.
Estimated cost - about 16,000 rubles.
Carbon Fitness U304
The model from the German brand received a lot of positive reviews at specialized exhibitions. The U304 magnetic exercise bike took first place in the mid-price segment in the category of best value for money.
The sports equipment received a comfortable seat and a smooth flywheel stroke along with comfortable braking. Also, the advantages include the excellent quality of the materials used and the easy assembly of the simulator. During classes on it it is felt that the manufacturer paid a lot of attention to the comfort of the user. As a nice bonus, you can note the presence of a special stand for a bottle of water and a glass, which allows, without interrupting training, to make up for the loss of fluid.
Estimated price - about 17,000 rubles.
Oxygen Pelican II UB
The German brand Oxygen is always distinguished by the release of quality products. Exercise bikes of the Pelican series are no exception. Although the model is coming off Chinese conveyors (an export option for Russia and Central Asia), the meticulous OTC in the Middle Kingdom does not allow marriage and other shortcomings.
A distinctive feature of "Pelican" from other analogues of the mid-budget segment is the ability to assess the content of adipose tissue (functional Body Fat). This moment allows us to call the model an ideal tool for those who decide to quickly and with due clarity lose weight. All your achievements will be scrupulously recorded to visualize the dynamics of training.
In addition, the model will be able to give your classes a fitness score, as well as calculate calories burned. The usual functionality like displaying the current speed and distance traveled, of course, is present. As for the ergonomics of the simulator, there is also no question: the seat is comfortable, the materials are high-quality and pleasant to the touch, the display is understandable, and the pedals have a smooth ride.
Estimated cost - about 19,000 rubles.
Oxygen Nexus Guru UB HRC
Another German representative of a popular brand, but with an electromagnetic type of load. The model meets all the necessary requirements in both professional and amateur athletes. Supported user weight - 160 kg.
The exercise bike has 19 training programs, plus there is the ability to connect the projectile to the cardiac sensor via the bluetooth protocol. The power source for the model is an intelligent generator built into the housing, with excellent efficiency. The entire flywheel exceeds 11 kilograms, so the model has no problems with the smoothness of the pedals.
It is also worth noting the convenient settings for almost everything and everything, starting from the position of the body and ending with some kind of digital indicators. For those who are not accustomed to break away from their favorite activities even during training, there is a special stand for books. The only drawback that a good half of users complain about is the weight: not every athlete can handle 40 kilograms.
Estimated price - about 40 000 rubles.
Kettler 7682-050 E1
This is perhaps the best that the premium segment of exercise bikes can offer. The model has all the necessary functionality and a host of other related "chips". Naturally, there is no need to speak about the quality of products of the famous German brand Kettler.
A chest pacemaker with a similar earlobe allows you to measure your heart rate with extreme precision. There are warm-up programs that carefully prepare the muscles for intense workouts, and opposing settings will gradually reduce the load in order to gradually exit a difficult workout. This solution is primarily useful for the heart and does not overload it.
As for the preset load modes, there are already 46 levels, so everyone will find exactly what he needs for himself. The only drawback of the model is the price. Exceptional quality simply cannot be cheap, so be prepared to fork out a tidy sum. Buying such expensive equipment for one-time training, of course, it makes no sense.
Estimated cost - about 55,000 rubles.