The Best Indoor Bikes

The gym can be a daunting site, with its rows of exercise equipment, and running or biking outside is easily trumped by weather issues. Creating an indoor work-out room squashes most reasons for not exercising, and an indoor bike helps keep you in shape and healthy. But with so many different kinds of bikes, how do you know which one works best for you?

  1. What to look for in a bike

    • It is important to know what features an indoor bike has, such as seats and handlebars that adjust to maximize the user's comfort while cycling. They also should come equipped with different difficulty levels so you can adjust your workout level . The bike's construction should be solid so you do not tip over while riding. Most indoor bikes come with a warranty, so you have the option of returning the bike, if it doesn't suit you.

    Know your bikes

    • Indoor bikes come in two varieties: upright and recumbent. Upright bikes are more like road bikes in that the pedals are positioned directly below you and the handlebars are used for balance and stability. You are also able to stand up on uprights as you would on a road bike, to work harder on hills or just to rest. However, uprights also are more uncomfortable for a long period of time. But they often are cheaper than recumbent bikes and take up less space in your house. Recumbent bikes are best known for their seating, instead of on top of the pedals, you are seated behind them, in a more natural sitting position. This makes them more comfortable, but you cannot stand up on them and sometimes this creates a less-intense work out, especially if you are a hard-core cyclist. But for an everyday workout, recumbent bikes are usually the best option since they are more comfortable and this increases the chances of the bike being used on a regular basis.

    Highest rated

    • In several reviews, Schwinn's exercise bikes were rated the best. Schwinn has created bikes since 1895 and is continuing to be an innovator in new bike design. They make a number of indoor bikes, including uprights and recumbent bikes. On the company's website, you can compare different bikes to find the one that fits your workout best. They also offer a good warranty and customer service. The higher the cost of the bike, the more exercise features you receive, so depending on your budget, it might be worth it to throw in a bit more money for a better bike.