Keeping fit is hard, hard work, and you either have to show character or give up and lie back on the sofa, finishing a packet of unhealthy crisps. OK, you say, I’d love to take up sports, but I don’t have the time or opportunity.

Unfortunately, this is just an excuse that does not stand up to criticism. There is always time, even an hour between early wake-up and breakfast before work. In terms of opportunity, not everyone can afford to pay for regular visits to the gym, and not everyone has a convenient park or woodland under their house. What should you do if you really want to exercise but nowhere else? Let’s take a look at what options we have.

Buying an indoor cycling bike is a great decision which provides not only a low body but also full-body workout, just like using a treadmill and elliptical machine. If you press your lips together in frustration at the cost of this technology, you’ll have to get creative and imagine how many years of successful use it will be.

A great alternative to cycling outside is getting an indoor exercise bike. They can be classified into types depending on the pedals’ location (vertical, horizontal, hybrid). According to the load-bearing principle (belt-driven, electromagnetic, magnetic, aeromagnetic, inertial, pad-driven, air-assisted) and are great for the home gym. 

There are also separate categories of budget portable (compact) and rehabilitative. Bicycle simulators pay for themselves quickly, provided, of course, that the purchaser uses them rather than putting them in a dusty storeroom until better times/next Monday/First January miracle arrives.

Most fitness experts agree that cycling is one of the best exercises for endurance, cardiovascular strength and building muscle mass. Also, exercising on a stationary bike can significantly affect your metabolism, increasing your metabolic rate and allowing you to burn calories even after working out. The cyclist experiences a low level of impact on the joints and knees while riding. It’s evident that cycling every day to keep fit, improve your health or simply lose weight is not only fun but also clearly beneficial. 

But unfortunately, the availability of cycling is often minimal: cycling can be hampered by adverse weather conditions, there may be no dedicated cycle paths nearby, and cycling on public roads is simply not safe. 

With all the above factors in mind, Begomen.ru recommends that you consider a stationary bike, or exercise bike, an excellent all-season alternative to the classic bicycle. Modern indoor exercise bikes are entirely safe and put much less strain on your joints than other cardio machines.

Today you will find hundreds of different bike models on the market that can vary significantly from one another. Some models will be closest to the classic street bike, others will only vaguely resemble it. But generally, the ‘technical’ choice of home exercise bike comes down to the choice of two critical parameters: the loading system, which creates resistance to pedalling, and the type of fit of the cyclist.

Let’s take a look at the features of the best exercise bikes and choose the best model for you based on your individual needs and preferences.

Type of the bike seatings

Bicycle trainers can be divided into two types according to the kind of fit of the cyclist:

  • the upright bike
  • the exercise bike with horizontal seating.

Features of the upright bike

The upright riding position corresponds to the standard cycling position, with the body tilted slightly forward and supported by the seat and handlebars. The load on the muscles is identical to that experienced by a cyclist when riding a regular bicycle. Upright bike are recommended for intensive workouts, including sports training and endurance training.

Benefits of upright bikes:

  • * In addition to loading the lower body, you’ll get a full load on the abdominal muscles, engaging the biceps, triceps and shoulders (all these muscles are not involved in the horizontal seating position);
  • * Suitable for all levels of users with no back problems;
  • * Used in intensive training;
  • * Bicycles with an upright seating position take up considerably less space than the horizontal type.

Features of horizontal exercise bikes

The horizontal riding position means that the pedals are placed at the front opposite the seat. The seat itself is equipped with padded back support and significantly reduces the strain on the spine and neck by redistributing it to the gluteal and lumbar muscles. This type of fit is recommended for people with musculoskeletal problems, the elderly, “soft” workouts during pregnancy, and are generally suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

So, horizontal home exercise bikes are suitable for training lower-body muscles and are also very useful for rehabilitation purposes, but are not ideal for intensive training. 

The advantages of horizontal exercise bikes:

Significantly reduce strain on the spine and neck;

  • * Provides significantly less joint stress than other cardio machines;
  • * Have a comfortable, large backrest seat compared to an upright bike;
  • * In horizontal seating, the abdominal muscles are hardly used, the gluteal and quadriceps muscles, hamstrings, calves and anterior shin muscles are stressed;
  • * Suitable for most people with neurological and musculoskeletal problems, for women during pregnancy and after childbirth, providing a “gentle” workout for people of all fitness levels.

Classification of fitness equipment by load type

According to the type of load system, best exercise bikes can be divided into belt-driven, magnetic, inertial (pad), electromagnetic and aerodynamic. Combination types, e.g. inertia-magnetic, can also be found today. And of course, each style has its pros and cons.

Belt Bikes

This indoor exercise bike is the stationary bike’s ancestor and is a mechanical type with a straightforward and robust construction, based on a flywheel and tensioning belt.

Technically, the exertion level with a belt trainer is achieved by a belt that presses or loosens the flywheel, which is driven directly by the pedals. The belt tension is adjusted by turning the knob. Riding the bike knob to the right or left will transfer the pressure or slack directly to the belt via a metal cable, thereby altering the load level. 

Advantages of the Belt Driven Exercise Bikes

The main advantage of belt-driven exercise bikes is their minimal cost. The downsides include relatively high noise levels due to belt friction on the flywheel under load, a somewhat unnatural and unsteady ride that has nothing to do with the imitation of riding a real bike, and a poorly informative gauge computer. Most importantly, a belt-driven exercise bike offers minimal exertion and low cardio workout efficiency. 

Inertial Bikes

Inertial (or pad) exercise bikes are technically simple, reliable and expensive. The loading system is based on a pad pressed against a steel flywheel, a drive belt or a chain. The load is changed by increasing or decreasing the amount of pad pressure on the flywheel, the adjustment is made manually. Inertia is used in spin bikes and provides high levels of resistance to pedal movement. Best exercise bikes with an inertial load system are the best way to simulate natural cycling. The inertia bike is also a mechanical exercise machine.

Advantages of the inertial bike

The inertia trainer’s main advantage is the wide variety of load selections, gentle braking, and potent resistance, these are also great for HIIT (high-intensity interval training). The disadvantages include noise when exercising, large dimensions, and periodic brake pad replacement. 

Magnetic Bike

Magnetic exercise bikes include the following structural elements: metal flywheel, drive belt, permanent magnet pad. As the load increases, the permanent magnet pad moves closer to the flywheel, increasing the levels of resistance. As the load is reduced, the place moves away from the flywheel, reducing magnetic resistance. The load change can be either manual or electronic. 

Advantages of the Magnetic Bike

The advantages of the magnetic load system include smooth operation, safety, quietness, precise load adjustment and reliability.

The disadvantages are that some users may not be satisfied with the workload. 

Electromagnetic Bikes

Electromagnetic exercise bikes are the most modern exercise bikes available today. 

The design includes a metal flywheel, drive belt and induction coil (electromagnet). 

The mid-to-high-end segment provides the highest level of load capacity. 

The load level is changed by changing the current strength, which increases or decreases the electromagnetic field near the metal flywheel. Accordingly, the more powerful the electromagnetic field in the flywheel area, the more difficult it is to turn the pedals, which drive the flywheel via the drive belt. Increasing the power of the electromagnetic field increases the load level and vice versa. 

Electromagnetic exercise bikes offer the most precise adjustment of exertion levels, run smoothly, are quiet and relatively expensive.

Aeromagnetic Bikes

Aerodynamic exercise bikes are a relatively new and expensive type of exercise bike. Instead of a steel flywheel combined with a belt-driven or magnetic loading system, air resistance is used: the faster you pedal, the quicker you spin out the blades and thus increase the load.

Aerodynamic exercise bikes provide powerful and smooth resistance at high noise levels. Also, the power of the load is directly related to your level of fitness. Suitable for very strenuous and varied cardio workout structures.

Note:

Structural features: the relationship between the weight of the equipment and the flywheel mass

Particular attention should be paid to a critical component such as the steel flywheel driven by the drive belt. It is present in all types of exercise bikes except belt-driven ones. 

Its weight affects the smoothness and natural pedalling of the pedals. The heavier the flywheel, the better and more realistic the rotation you get. Also, the flywheel increases the bike’s overall weight and the greater the weight, the more secure and stable it is during training.

Also, the weight of the bike affects the cyclist’s weight-bearing capacity. The lightweight models are designed for athletes weighing up to 120 kg. Professional heavy equipment is suitable for people weighing 160-180 kilograms, and sometimes even more.

A spin bike or cycle ergometer

You may come across terms such as spin bike and cycle ergometer in the names of exercise bikes on the market today. Let’s work out what the difference is.

What is a spin bike (variants: Spin Bike, Spinning Bike and Spinning)?

Traditional Spinning®

In 1991, cyclist and entrepreneur John Bodhain and South African long-distance cyclist Johnny Goldberg (Johnny G) introduced indoor cycling. 

They created what is known as Spinning®, combining innovations in exercise bike technology with the experience of racing bikes. 

After almost 30 years, Spinning programmes are defining a particular category of indoor cycling, reaching millions of cyclists worldwide. 

Spinning classes offer variety in riding, movement, training and motivation and provide safe, involved training. Spinning (or similarly cycling) is widespread in fitness centres all over the world, and in recent years spinning has been used in-home training extensively.

Modern Spin Bikes and Spinning

These days, when we talk about a spin bike, we’re already referring to a type of exercise bike rather than the particular brand ‘Spinning’, which has become a household name. One of the more modern bike companies that work with spinning is Peloton bike.

Spin bikes are available from all of the world’s leading exercise bike brands and are no different from, and often superior to, the original Spinning brand spin bikes.

So what is a spin bike? A spin bike is a reasonably heavy exercise bike made of metal, similar in fit and cardio workout method to a conventional bike, usually with a heavy flywheel and adjustable resistance level due to the pad. 

The flywheel of a spin bike is the component that sets it apart from conventional exercise bikes. The flywheel is directly linked to the pedals by a chain and is accelerated by the force impulses from your feet’ movements and then braked by the pads to create resistance to the action. This helps you simulate a high-energy ride with the feeling of riding a race bike on a real road. 

Coaches of professional teams in various sports disciplines also quickly recognised the effectiveness of spin bikes and began to use the simulators in training athletes. 

Continuously moving forward, leading sports equipment manufacturers have begun to integrate the latest technology into individual models, including modern computer systems that allow riders to receive real-time feedback and monitor their progress over time.

Cycling and spinning are high-intensity aerobic workouts on the best exercise bikes. The energy expenditure is approximately 750 kcal per hour. That said, the activities are relatively easy to tolerate – the crazy efficiency of the exercise usually lasts no more than 45 minutes. 

The hard-on-easy pedalling will quickly give your thighs, buttocks and calves a nice, sculpted look. The cardiovascular system is also exercised, the blood pressure returns to normal, and there is minimal strain on the joints. Also, training on spin bikes allows you to lose weight in record time.

Everyone has known what it’s like to ride a bike since childhood, so almost anyone can quickly master spinning. 

Cycle ergometers

Bicycle cycle ergometers were created initially as specialised equipment for therapeutic and rehabilitation purposes in medical institutions as far back as the last century. 

Today, cycle ergometers are still used in medicine to carry out VEM and ECG recordings during increased physical activity periods. 

A cycle ergometer is a type of exercise bike that automatically and accurately meters your workload and monitors your energy expenditure in watts, speed, heart rate and distance travelled.

The cycle ergometer automatically monitors your parameters – adjusts the pedals’ resistance level, leaving the load level unchanged or, conversely, varies the load throughout your cardio workout to maintain a specific heart rate.

Bicycle cycle ergometers feature an electromagnetic loading system and an advanced computer that precisely adjusts the pedals’ resistance during the entire workout according to a pre-set programme or the target heart rate.

The cycle ergometer allows a two-way connection between the trainer and the cyclist, setting the load to suit the cyclist’s physiology. 

These machines’ primary purpose is to strengthen the cardiovascular system, but they are also great for fighting excess weight and strengthening leg and gluteus muscles.

Best Exercise Bikes 

We can help you choose the best exercise bike from a wide range of manufacturers. Unfortunately, many customers get lost in determining whether it is the price or the features. 

Our ranking includes representatives from each category that have been voted the best by users.

The best electromagnetic exercise bikes

Oxygen Jet Star

Manufactured in the People’s Republic of China, the Oxygen Jet Star exercise bike is recommended for people weighing under 150 kg. The model is equipped with a 9-kilogram flywheel. In the upright bike, you can adjust the seat height and lock it in place to suit you. The weight of the equipment itself is only 34 kg, which brings it closer to the models for professional athletes.

By the way, the Oxygen Jet Star has successfully passed the European and Japanese certifications. The degree of exertion is self-regulating: there are 32 resistance modes, so the user can choose a comfortable ride or a challenging climb up a steep slope. The model is equipped with foot straps, castors for easy transport and movement around the home, a cup holder and floor unevenness compensators.

The trainee’s muscles are fully exercised thanks to the unique “smooth stroke” provided by the magic flow pedal unit in the drive system. The seat is equipped with a unique helium cushion that enables long workouts without any discomfort. A unique sensor system measures the user’s heart rate (in four modes).

After your workout, Recovery will give an assessment of your cardiovascular system’s ability to recover, and Body Fat will provide other data on your body’s condition. All information is displayed on the backlit high-definition LCD screen. 

You can set and lock the required load on the machine yourself. It will be the same regardless of the speed of the pedals. These come at a higher price tag.

Hasttings DBU60

The 39kg Hasttings DBU60 has 32 resistance levels, just like the Oxygen JetStar. The pedals feature straps and special embossed inserts for improved grip on the sole. The seat is vertically and horizontally adjustable. You can choose from 13 workout modes: slimming, speed, endurance, cardio and injury rehabilitation. The load can be customised, and you can create your own programme (customised).

The model features an adjustable steering wheel and a 6.5″ LCD monitor. The bike will measure your heart rate during your workout using special sensors. The maximum weight of the user can be up to 130 kg. As pleasant bonuses, the model is equipped with a cup or bottle holder, a book holder and a special pouch for small items that can be retrieved during your workout. The average price of a stationary bike is 32,500 roubles.

Sport Elite SE-C970G

The Sport Elite SE-C970G electromagnetic exerciser is slightly below the previous models’ range: its price is only 26,000-28,000 roubles. He is, however, not much inferior to the others in the ranking. The total weight of the trainer is 41 kg, and the flywheel weight is 11 kg. The handles of the elliptical are equipped with sensors that measure your heart rate. The SE-C970G is equipped with a load level changing system that can be controlled from the computer.

The backlit multi-display shows key workout parameters, such as time, speed, distance, cadence, weight rating and calories burned, with 13 programs: four cardio programs, manual, four user-definable, six integrated programs, Body Fat for slimmers and Watt Control (power management). The position of the exercise bike seat can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. The computer’s unusual shape allows it to be used as a stand for a tablet, e-book or MP3 player.

The model is equipped with a heavy-duty steel frame and is designed for a maximum weight of 150 kg. Sport Elite has a presentable appearance and is available in ash black.

The best magnetic exercise bikes

Bronze Gym S900 Pro

The Bronze Gym S900 Pro magnetic exercise bike cost is steep (around 50,000 roubles) and, unfortunately, it can’t be classed as a budget-friendly purchase. The unit from the German manufacturer is assembled in China. 

The model is available in black with stylish steel inlays in the case. The trainer is designed for users weighing up to 159 kg, which is 9 kg more than the Sport Elite SE-C970G and Oxygen JetStar from the electromagnetic category. The S900 Pro is ideal for medium-intensity workouts and is often used as gym equipment.

A smooth ride is ensured by eight magnets that act without contact and a 12kg flywheel. The trainer has good stability and withstands extreme riding (e.g. standing up) for several hours perfectly. The frame and pins on which the seat and handlebars are attached are made from high-strength alloy steel. It is non-corrosive and insensitive to mechanical influences.

The handles and the seat can be moved around and adjusted to suit your needs. The seat contains special helium fillers that balance excessive softness and excessive stiffness, ensuring optimum conditions for the user. The toe clip pedals have a knurled surface to help secure the sole of the trainer. The Bronze Gym is equipped with floor levelling compensators, so there is no need to level the floor before setting up the gym. The model weighs 52 kg.

The trainer features a black and white display and two holders for glasses or bottles of protein shake.

Evo Fitness Spirit

A compact, budget-friendly model that costs no more than RUR 16,000. The comparatively low price is due to the reduced functionality compared to previous exercise bikes. The unit is designed for a maximum weight of 120 kg. 

Evo Fitness Spirit has eight resistance levels and is powered by a power source. The saddle can be easily adjusted any way you want; vertically and horizontally. The trainer is equipped with castors (for transport), floor unevenness adjustments and a bookend.

The pedals have a roughened surface and are fitted with straps to secure the trainee’s feet. The LCD monitor provides information on heart rate, calories burned, kilometres travelled, average speed and cadence.

Hasttings Spider SB300

The silent Hasttings Spider SB300, weighing almost 32 kg, is right in the middle of the price range, with prices ranging from 21,000 to 22,500 roubles. The machine has three built-in workout programmes: Body Fat (fat analyser), custom (customisable) and fitness assessment. The Hasttings Spider is suitable for people weighing less than 125 kg.

The load must be adjusted manually (8 levels are available). The SB300 has touch sensors located on the handlebars. The seat is adjustable to suit the individual user (build, height). The LCD monitor shows calories burned, distance travelled, cadence and current speed. You can adjust the angle of the steering wheel for greater comfort.

The exercise bike is equipped with transport wheels and can adjust to any unevenness of the floor. The budget model is ideal for those who can’t afford to go to the gym and don’t have the ‘extra’ money to buy a ‘fancy’ exercise machine.

The best inertia bicycle trainers

SPIRIT CB900

The CB900 inertia trainer weighs in at a whopping 66kg (19kg flywheel) and is suitable for both gym and home use. The model features an ergonomically designed handlebar and comfortable seat, both of which can be manually adjusted. SPIRIT FITNESS is a renowned American brand established on the sports equipment market, hence the great price of the compact unit (over 100,000 roubles).

The simulators are assembled on the island of Taiwan. The unit generates a low level of noise during operation. The CB900 is designed for users weighing no more than 154kg and suitable for high-intensity training. The model is compact, adapts easily to all floors, has castors for transport, and a set of keys is included for assembly. Available in silver with black and red inserts. Does not have an LCD monitor, unlike other models with extensive functions. Perhaps the only disadvantage of the model is its cost, making it impossible to classify it as an ‘affordable for everyone’ model.

FAMILY FS 40

The FS 40 mechanical multi-gym is perfect for intensive home training and will help you get in shape, lose weight and achieve your best results in no time at all. The exercise bike is equipped with a heavy (16 kg) balanced flywheel, ensuring a ‘smooth-running’ pedal stroke during workouts. The machine weighs 42 kg.

It is small and easy to “squeeze” into the smallest of rooms available in black and white. The FS 40 has the standard (for our rating) set of extras: fixing straps on the pedals, wheels for moving around the room, an adjustment system for uneven floors, bottle holders for water bottles. The user can adjust the handlebar angle and saddle height. The cost of the model (domestically produced, by the way) does not exceed 22,000 roubles. The FAMILY FS 40 is designed for people weighing no more than 140 kg.

Sport Elite SE-4610

The Sport Elite SE-4610 has six loading levels and is equipped with a 13 kg flywheel powered by a power supply. The display provides current information on speed, kilometres travelled, calorie consumption and cadence. 

The trainer is designed for a workout weighing up to 100 kg. Available in grey and red. The model is compact and inexpensive (15,000-17,000 roubles). Heart rate readings are recorded by special sensors on the handlebar. Features pedal straps and adapt to uneven floors.

There is no need to stop for a drink during your workout, as a bottle shelf is included in the exercise bike’s construction.

The best-belted exercise bikes

Clear Fit CrossPower CS 1000

The CS 1000 vertical bike simulator perfectly simulates cycling and is suitable for both group and home training. The model is available in grey and white. Used for weight loss, endurance and muscle building.

The cost of the simulator is just over 40 00 roubles. The balanced 20kg steel flywheel and belt-driven loading system ensure that the machine runs smoothly and almost silently. The pedals are fitted with locking straps. The anatomical seat and ergonomic handlebars are adjustable in two planes, allowing you to optimally adapt the trainer to your body. The CS 1000 is designed for a user whose body weight does not exceed 180 kg (the highest figure in the ranking).

The display shows speed, distance, cumulative cadence and calories burned. The model has one built-in workout programme. The CS 1000 allows you to burn up to 600 kcal per workout, which is why it is recommended for cycling – a high-intensity training on the “brink” of physical fitness.

ProForm PF250 SPX (PFEVEX74915)

The vertical exercise bike from sports equipment manufacturer ProForm comes in a contrasting black and red colour scheme. In addition to its presentable appearance, the model is also packed with quality “stuffing”. The compact unit weighs just 48 kg, of which the flywheel weighs 18 kg. The inertia model has a belt-driven loading system. The display shows speed, cadence, calories burned and distance travelled.

Unfortunately, cardio training is not in the feature, but it can be compensated for with a special wristband purchased separately. The PF250 SPX is designed for relatively diminutive users weighing up to 110 kg. The average price of the PF250 SPX is 36,000 roubles. The functionality does not include the option of programming a workout. 

The handles and saddle can be adjusted in two planes (vertically and horizontally) to suit the user’s height and build.

DFC V10

The DFC V10 is designed for users weighing up to 150 kg. Heart rate measurement is available, thanks to sensors on the handlebar. The exercise bike has 8 resistance levels. Unique straps are attached to the pedals. Available in black with bright, vibrant yellow and light grey inserts. The miniature black and white display shows standard information (average speed, cadence, calories, distance). The machine weighs 44 kg and the flywheel 18 kg. End-to-end technology (soft load adjustment) ensures that the unit operates silently.

A reinforced, balanced flywheel gives a ‘soft ride’. The sturdy construction allows you to fully simulate a real bicycle ride. In addition to the floor dampeners, the seat is fitted with a unique shock absorber to cushion any jerky movements during high-intensity training. The average price of the DFC V10 is 25,000 roubles.

The best air resistance exercise bikes

AMMITY Pro ACB 7000

Professional model, a versatile, powerful trainer with the self-contained aerodynamic load. The unit is available in a dark grey colour that contrasts with the bright red and black inserts. The unique design allows you to do a comprehensive workout and will enable you to customise the trainer to work for a specific muscle group.

The machine has nine workout programmes, two of which are heart rate-controlled. The AMMITY Pro weighs 78.5 kg and the flywheel only 4.9 kg, which offers a noticeable contrast to the models described above. Like other members of the air resistance training category, the ACB 7000 is expensive. It costs an impressive 125,000 roubles. Users weighing no more than 180 kg have an information console (LCD display) to display key workout parameters, an adjustable saddle, locking straps on the pedals and a floor level compensation system.

Assault Fitness Assault AirBike

Assault Fitness Assault AirBike is one of the best in the “fan” category of exercise bikes. It is recommended for use by many athletes and renowned fitness trainers. The user can adjust the load and smoothly alternate between intensive and gentle interval training. The machine is suitable for rehabilitation exercises after injuries, as its design minimises stress on joints and ligaments, focusing only on the muscles.

Assault Fitness Assault AirBike allows you to train not only your leg muscles but also your arm muscles. The machine weighs 44.5 kg. The cost does not exceed 60,000 roubles. Telemeter-type sensors can be used to measure the heart rate of the exerciser. The model has a reverse pedal function to train other muscle groups. Assault Fitness Assault AirBike is widely used in gyms for group exercise. Creates a low level of noise during operation. The case is available in black. It has a seat that can be adjusted in two planes.

VictoryFit VF-AirBike GT

The VictoryFit VF-AirBike GT semi-professional exercise bike is designed for a maximum exerciser weight of 150 kg. Black in colour, has a matt surface. There are two built-in programmes: distance and time. 

The main workout stats are shown on the small display. It is possible to alternate between leg and arm workouts, and the pedals can be pedalled in reverse. The average cost of the unit is 56,000-58,000 roubles. The 47kg exercise bike is equipped with floor-level compensation, cup holders and an adjustable saddle.

The best aeromagnetic exercise bikes

AMMITY Ocean OR 50

The vertical trainer from the Russian-Taiwanese company Ammity has an innovative and intelligent resistance system (AMC) that independently adjusts the resistance by evaluating the trainee’s movement patterns. There’s a multifunctional, high-contrast LCD display with a fully functional menu that lets you choose your favourite workout tunes. There is a USB port for connecting and charging gadgets and a Bluetooth APP function. 

The AMMITY Ocean OR 50 is equipped with active handrails, allowing you to engage your arms as well. A heavy, balanced flywheel, a three-part pedal assembly and a multi-strand drive belt ensure smooth shifting and a quiet ride with no dead-ends.

The unit is designed for users weighing up to 180 kg. This comfortable, multifunctional trainer offers the trainer a wide range of fitness, endurance, muscle building, and weight loss modes. The cost of the equipment ranges from 110,000 to 115,000 roubles.

Sportop CB700

A multifunctional trainer whose primary ‘speciality’ is CrossFit. The unit is equipped with a 0.6 m diameter paddlewheel. The Sportop CB700 is designed for athletes weighing no more than 130 kg. You can customise your workout programme to suit your individual requirements. The legs and arms can be synchronised thanks to the active handrails. The saddle is adjustable in two planes. The weight of the simulator is 78 kg.

The display shows critical training information. The menu offers several customisable modes: for professional athletes, with individual distance, speed or time settings, and for interval training. The Sportop exercise bike price is considerably lower than that of another representative of the category of aeromagnetic training machines (AMMITY Ocean OR 50) and is “only” 87,000 roubles.

The best spin bikes

FreeMotion Fitness FMEX81912 TDF

The FMEX81912 TDF is an upright spin bike with the option of professional use. The weight of the simulator is 60 kg. The unit’s functionality includes the ability to measure the user’s heart rate. The model is available in black and grey. The cost of the spin bike from FreeMotion Fitness may make the most sensitive athletes swoon, as it ranges in price from 380,00 to 450,000 roubles.

The model features an adjustable seat with superior padding, comfortable pedals with straps, a high-precision touch screen with Wi-Fi connectivity and tilt adjustment. There are 24 modes in the software package, and load adjustment is possible. FMEX81912 TDF, where ‘TDF’ stands for ‘Tour De France’, is additionally equipped with a unique terrain function. The innovative Carbon Drive system, combined with a small flywheel, gives the model a ‘smooth ride’.

SPIRIT JB950 Johnny G

The vertical spin bike with a magnetic loading system is designed for athletes weighing no more than 160 kg. It is possible to connect a wireless belt heart rate belt. Available in matt black. 

The saddle is adjustable in two planes, and the angle can be adjusted. The model is equipped with a miniature display with backlight. Powered by a built-in generator. The machine has 20 resistance levels and a heavy (20 kg) balanced flywheel. 

The average cost of the JB950 Johnny G is 260,00 RUB. Suitable for both intensive and interval training.

Matrix CXP

The CXP range of exercise equipment from Matrix is professional sports equipment. Not only suitable for amateurs, but also for real athletes. 

The unit features a colour touchscreen display with connectivity to FitMetrix & MyZone, Performance IQ, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ANT+ services. 

The model is equipped with a high-strength galvanised frame, aluminium handwheel, saddle, and handlebars adjusted in two planes. Matrix CXP is powered by a built-in generator. 

The simulator weighs 58 kg and costs 230,000 roubles.

How to choose a stationary bike

Before you go shopping for an exercise bike, you need to decide what you need it for:

  • * For weight loss.
  • * To keep fit.
  • * For building muscle mass.
  • * For endurance training.
  • * For rehabilitation after injuries.
  • * For gentle cardiovascular exercise.

The multifunctional models can help you achieve any of these goals, just choose the right workout mode and load. However, the cost can be steep, so there’s no point in buying an expensive machine if you wish to tone your calf muscles. 

You should also pay attention to the bike’s technical specifications when buying it:

  • * Smooth running.
  • * Load-building principle.
  • * Pedal layout.
  • * There are ready-to-use training programmes available.
  • * Comfort, i.e. seat and steering wheel adjustment, pedal straps, floor unevenness compensators and excellent little features like cup holders, book or tablet holders and wheels for transport.

If you pay attention to all the nuances, you can get a trainer that’s just right for you. On a machine like this, training will be a pleasure, not a hardship.

What should you choose between a spin bike or cycle ergometer or a traditional exercise bike?

Deciding on a traditional exercise bike, cycle ergometer, or spin bike for home training is an essential step towards achieving fitness goals and achieving overall fitness and practice satisfaction. If you are looking for a great exercise bike that simulates a road bike’s feel and lightness, then the Spin bike is for you.

However, if you prefer the comfort of a workout to training efficiency, then opt for a traditional exercise bike.

If you want to adjust the exercise to suit your physical abilities or have a clear exercise recommendation from your doctor, consider the most advanced exercise bikes available today, the recumbent cycle ergometer.

Alternatively, you can opt-in and get a personal trainer to help you achieve better results.

The choice is yours!

FAQ

Can you lose belly fat by riding a stationary bike?

The simple answer is yes, you can. However, it all comes down to how much you’re going to work out. If you’re planning to lightly cycle a few times a month, you probably won’t be losing much. But if you workout 3-4 times a week with high-intensity training, you’ve very likely to see results within a month.