Every year more and more people prefer home exercise equipment. The stores have a huge selection of different sports equipment at a variety of prices. Exercise bikes are no exception. Various manufacturers, additional options, materials of manufacture - all this affects both price and performance.
For many, choosing a simulator is akin to choosing a car. Which exercise bike is better and how to choose an exercise bike for home are the most popular questions from users in stores, on the shelves of which there are a variety of models. It will be much easier to choose if you start from the following parameters:
- Price.
- Dimensions.
- The presence of a built-in computer that determines the speed, time, distance, pulse, calories.
- Peculiarities.
- User weight.
- Comfort.
The simulator should be selected depending on the goal: disease prevention, weight loss, general health improvement or muscle relief formation. Having outlined the main priorities for yourself, in the end you can save on unnecessary additional functions.
Price category of exercise bikes
Today they produce many different models, so in order not to overpay, it is better to know in advance how much an exercise bike costs. It is a mistake to believe that a quality model can be cheap.
When buying an inexpensive simulator, you need to understand that the lower the price, the higher the risk of breakage and injury. The cost of a good sports equipment starts at 10,000 rubles.
Which exercise bike to choose for the home, so that it lasts a long time?
There are several main factors that affect the price: additional options, type of load, the material from which the simulator itself is made and various kinds of accessories. The final cost is also affected by the weight load. For users weighing more than 130 kg, the simulator will cost at least 25,000 rubles.
The cheapest models are belted exercise bikes, the next are magnetic. If the price is not an important issue and you need maximum efficiency and reliability, you should pay attention to electromagnetic models.
Types of simulators by landing method
According to the landing method, simulators are divided into:
- Horizontal exercise bike.
- Vertical.
- Mixed type.
The recumbent bike mimics sitting on a real racing bike when the head and hip are at the same level. This gives during training a load on the muscles of the shoulders, back, legs. However, a recumbent exercise bike is contraindicated for people who are overweight, as the load on the joints increases.
An upright exercise bike resembles a bicycle in its structure, since the pedals are under the saddle. It allows you to effectively work on excess weight, normalizes muscle tone and is actively used for cardio training.
The versatile hybrid exercise bike combines the capabilities of both recumbent and upright bikes.
The position of the saddle may vary depending on the task. According to the principle of action, all three types are no different from each other.
Types of simulators according to the control system
Now about the exercise bikes themselves. How to choose the right exercise bike that will last a long time? Having understood the pros and cons of the main types of simulators, you can easily answer this question. And the first thing you should pay attention to is the choice of a load control system. Here the simulators are divided into:
- Magnetic.
- Mechanical.
- Electromagnetic.
Belt exercise bike
The belt trainer is classified as a mechanical type. The load is provided by tightening or loosening the elastic belt, which is set in motion during pedaling. The belt tension is adjusted using a special knob - it resembles speed control on a conventional bicycle.
Advantages:
- Low cost.
- Opportunity to renovate houses.
- Compactness.
- Easy assembly.
Flaws:
- Noise during work.
- Loss of ride smoothness with increasing load.
- The elastic belt requires regular replacement.
- At high speeds it is difficult to pedal.
Inertial models
An inertial exercise bike is also a mechanical exercise bike. During braking, the pads on the outside are pressed tightly against the flywheel. Inertial simulator models allow you to completely simulate a trip on a regular bike. The main advantage is a wide variety of load choices, soft braking. The disadvantages include noise during training, large dimensions, periodic replacement of brake pads.
Magnetic exercise bikes
The magnetic exercise bike changes the load by increasing or decreasing the distance from the flywheel to the fixed magnet. The heavier flywheel provides a smooth ride and is ideal for regular home workouts.
The advantages include smooth running, safety, noiselessness, accuracy of load adjustment, reliability.
One of the main disadvantages is the high price of the device and high repair costs.
Electromagnetic exercise bikes
In electromagnetic spinbikes or speedbikes, the load changes with the help of current. Working on these models eliminates pressure on the spine and joints, so they are often used in rehabilitation and medical centers. Spin bikes are equipped with a variety of programs aimed at losing weight, working with muscles, and endurance training. Advantages of the model: durability, smooth running, the ability to record the results of a training day and transfer them to a personal computer, the presence of a music player. Disadvantages - the need to connect to the mains and expensive maintenance in the event of a breakdown.
Mini exercise bikes
The elliptical mini exercise bike differs in size and design: it does not have a handlebar and a seat.
The advantages of this type of simulator are:
- Light weight: four to eight kilograms.
- Compactness.
- No load on the spine.
- Cheap service.
The disadvantages include:
- Low load.
- Perhaps uneven distribution of the load on the legs.
And most importantly - when buying an exercise bike, remember that you can get the desired result only with constant and uniform training, with a gradual increase in both exercise time and intensity. Otherwise, even the most modern and expensive exercise bike will be a waste of money and will have the desired effect.