How to Buy an Exercise Bike

Co-authored by Michele Dolan

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Exercise bikes are a great alternative to the gym. They can give you an effective cardio workout that is suitable for any level of fitness. However, there are so many types and brands available that selecting one that suits you, can be a daunting task. The most obvious advantage of this is that it allows you to exercise even when you would not want to go out due to weather conditions. When deciding what the best exercise bike is for you, you will want to consider a number of factors such as affordability, fitness goals and features.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting a Bike That is Right for You

1
Estimate how often you will use the bike. You want to make sure that your purchase will be a good investment. If you frequently use the bike machines at the gym or if you are an avid biker, an exercise bike may be an excellent purchase. If you do not think you will use it a few times a week, a gym membership may be more cost effective.^{[1]
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- Exercise bikes are great for people who need low-impact exercise but who cannot get to the gym regularly.
- Exercise bikes can help you exercise if the weather is bad, especially in winter.
2
Choose an upright bike for low impact cardio. Upright bikes are easy to use and provide great cardiovascular workouts. They work abdominal muscles since you are keeping the body upright, and they offer upper body arm workout.^{[2]
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3
Choose a spin bike for low impact but high-intensity. A spin bike most closely resembles the “real” activity of riding a road bike. It's one of the best bikes at burning calories. Spin bikes are meant for those who want a strenuous, effective workout.
4
Choose a recumbent bike to target more muscles. Recumbent bikes provide an all-body workout while working many major muscles. The position of the recumbent seat ensures that you are exercising while maintaining good spinal posture. For some people, recumbent bikes are easier on the lower back and gentler on your hip and knee joints.
5
Determine your fitness goals. Whether you want to reduce body fat, get stronger or make fitness a part of your routine, an exercise bike is a great start. Ultimately, quality is what you are aiming for. You will need to balance quality with the needs of your exercise bike and your workout goals. It is easier to decide on which bike to buy once you know what your fitness goals are.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing All the Right Features

1
Select a bike with a sturdy and comfortable seat. The best exercise bikes use enough padding and a comfortable design, with enough adjustments to achieve the best fit.
- As you shop around, try out different seats before you purchase a bike. Only buy the bike if you like the seat.
2
Select a bike with adjustable handlebars and pedal strap. Pedals should be adjustable with spring-loaded clips on the outer edge of each pedal to hold your feet in place. They should work smoothly, and the bike shouldn’t be noisy. Larger pedals are available for wider feet.
- Once you get the bike, it is important that you adjust the handlebars and pedals for your height and size. Read the instructions on your bike to learn how.
3
Consider bikes with programs that allow routine adjustments. Exercise bikes should let you adjust routines based on your fitness level, and have workouts that consider your age, weight, and gender. Many exercise bikes will monitor your heartrate as you exercise.^{[3]
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- Some newer models of bikes come with video screens that use games, TV shows, and music to help your workout.
4
Look for a clear display with easy-to-use controls. A good display should show some combination of your heart rate, calories burned, speed, revolutions per minute (RPM), and resistance levels, and details such as time and distance.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Making the Purchase

1
Determine your budget before choosing a bike. There is a bike for every budget. If you prefer a more luxurious feel to your bike, then you might want to plan for a larger budget of $500 and above. If you only need basic features, then consider a less expensive model that costs less than $500.
2
Test the bike before you buy it. Make sure the bike fits you properly. It is important that the seat height is correct, and you're not sitting too far away from the handlebars. Make sure that your feet don't slip while you pedal.^{[4]
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3
Check that the bike has enough resistance levels. Resistance levels help you vary your workouts. You can also warm up and cool down by gradually increasing or lowering the resistance level.
4
Check the weight limit of the bike. Stability is important in an exercise bike. If the bike wobbles, it is probably not the right weight for you. Make sure that your weight isn’t above the maximum supported weight, otherwise you can put your safety at risk.
5
Buy a bike online if you want convenience. Buying online offers you the convenience of shopping in the comfort of your home. Many stores will display a whole range of products for comparison. When buying online, determine the bike’s stability by checking its weight limit.
6
Check the store's return policy. Most stores will allow you to return equipment, whether you buy it in-store or online. When buying online, you can often check the return options for your purchase in the order details page of your account.
7
Review the warranty of the bike you want to buy. A warranty is a written guarantee that exercise bike manufacturers grant to buyers, promising to repair or replace components of an exercise bike within certain time limits. Look at a warranty that covers the bike for a minimum of two to three years. ^{[5]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What is better: an upright or recumbent exercise bike?

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

Upright bikes are better for the average user, but recumbent bikes are better for those who have trouble bearing their own weight, for instance, those with knee problems.
Question

How much is a stationary bike?

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

The cost of a stationary bike can range from $10 at a garage sale to $10,000 for the top of the line digital bike with a monitor.
Question

What is the flywheel on an exercise bike?

Michele Dolan
Certified Fitness Trainer
Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002.

Michele Dolan

Certified Fitness Trainer

Expert Answer

The flywheel is the spinning, weighted metal disk where the front wheel would be on a regular bike.

Warnings

Always consult your physician before beginning a new exercise programme.

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Always follow directions. Exercise bikes have many moving parts and can be hazardous.

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