Spin bikes are fitness equipment that imitates riding a sports bike as closely as possible. They have a variety of workout modes and load levels. These exercise bikes are becoming increasingly popular in the fitness industry, with group exercise called cycling. Unlike the treadmill, cycling is not suitable for beginners, as it puts too much strain on your body.

Features and differences

The athlete’s position on the simulator: On the exercise bike, the athlete performs the exercise sitting down.

On a spin bike, just like on a road bike, the rider is continually moving – sitting, standing, half-sitting. This position affects the outcome of training in favour of the spin bike.

Handlebar and seat adjustment. Both the fit and the handlebar are adjustable on the spin bike. The workout engages the leg muscles and develops the vestibular apparatus.

The standard bike is more modest: there’s no flexible adjustment, and the pedals aren’t designed for upright riding – you can’t ride it standing up. The exercise bike only tones the leg muscles.

The exercise bike has a limited seat adjustment.

Load type. 

Spin bikes have a stepless dynamic load. The maximum acceleration speed is not limited by anything other than the athlete’s physical abilities.

A conventional exercise bike has a step-by-step workload. The athlete adjusts the speed to their strength, but will not set it higher than the maximum set speed. It is usually 35-40 km/h.

Maintenance. 

Continuous and intensive training will gradually wear out the chain, shoe and bolt teeth. On average, these mechanisms wear out in 1-2 years. Parts are easy and inexpensive to change.

Conventional exercise bikes have virtually no wear parts. But if your bike breaks down, you’ll have to spend money on a mechanic or buy new equipment.

This trainer has a frame and adjustable handlebar

The spin bike has a speed-bike fit, with the handlebars flush with the seat. The simulator is used for:

* strengthening the cardiovascular system;

* the development of endurance;

* weight loss;

* Training different muscle groups.

The trainer is distinguished by its ability to accurately simulate driving over mountainous or hilly terrain, downhill and uphill gradients.

Benefits and harms

The benefits of spin bike training:

* normalisation of the heart cycle and blood pressure;

* High-quality muscle work;

* increased endurance;

* effective fat burning.

Spin trainers cause damage to users by overexerting the body or using the equipment if it is contraindicated.

Which muscles work

A recumbent exercise bike works the muscles during an intense workout:

* Legs and buttocks;

* Bark and press;

* shoulder girdle when changing posture.

Drawbacks

Spin bike fitness training is prohibited if the user has a problem with the bike:

* With my heart;

* joints;

* musculoskeletal system;

* pressure.

Cancer, injuries and obesity are also contraindications to the spin trainer.

How to choose

Cycle bike manufacturers offer fitness equipment with 3 types of load distribution systems:

1. Magnetic. The exercise bike’s flywheel is surrounded by magnets, which form a magnetic field when they converge and increase the pedals’ resistance. These bikes run quietly, smoothly, and evenly, but are expensive and do not always accurately distribute the load.

2. Belt. A belt is put on the flywheel to control the resistance force of the pedals. This spin trainer is easy to use and low in price, but it wears out quickly and is not suitable for intensive training.

3. electromagnetic. An advanced, electrically powered system. Allows you to set the mode accurately, monitor the user’s performance during training and base your ride on it to build up the right resistance. The disadvantages of these bikes are the high cost and the need for a network connection.

4. inertial. The flywheel and adjacent pads determine the level of resistance. The tighter they are, the harder it is to pedal on the bike. The trainer is smooth and has a wide load range, but the weight of a spin bike with an inertia system is higher, it is noisy and wears out quickly.

Adjustments

Spin bikes have 2 resistance adjustment options: manually (by turning the knob) or electronically (selecting a programme on the trainer’s control panel).

Smooth running

Bikes that simulate a racing bike ride have a flywheel weight of 10 to 20 kg, giving them maximum stability and uniformity of motion. The higher the mass, the smoother the acceleration and braking.

Maximum user weight

Spin trainers have a heavy flywheel so that they can support a lot of weight. The weight limit for different bike models ranges from 120 to 180 kg.

User height

The bike, which replicates the speed-bike ride, has an adjustable seat and handlebars to vary muscle strain and adapt the trainer to the individual rider.

How to practise

Cycling in a fitness room or at home involves 40 to 60 minutes. To strengthen your lower body muscles, simulate cycling on an ordinary track bike, or if you want to work your forearms, work from a standing position.

Before using an exercise machine, you should stretch yourself by doing a short exercise of 5-7 minutes. After the class, it is best not to brake too hard, but slow down gradually.

Best spin bike by review

Clear Fit CrossPower CS 1000

Advantages

* Comfortable seat

* Steering wheel and seat adjustments

* Good workload/li>

* Quiet

* Affordable price

Disadvantages

* No pulse sensors

* Tough

The best magnetic

Bronze Gym S800 LC

Advantages

* Quiet

* Quality assembly

* Seat and steering wheel adjustment

* Smooth load shifting

* Does not require a network connection

Disadvantages

* Wide and padded seat

* No heart rate sensor

The best electromagnetic

ProForm TDF 5.0 (PFEVEX71916)

Advantages

* There is a heart rate monitor

* Wireless heart rate monitor

* Seat and steering wheel adjustment

* Wi-Fi

* Route building and training

Disadvantages

* Price

The best belt

Clear Fit CrossPower CS 1000

Advantages

* Transport wheels

* Seat adjustment

* Quality

* Tough

* Convenient

Disadvantages

* One training programme

* No heart rate monitor

* Heavy

The best inertia

FAMILY FS 40

Advantages

* Transport wheels

* Seat adjustment

* Quality

* Price = quality

Disadvantages

* No steering wheel adjustment

* No heart rate monitor

The best for the hall

Sole Fitness SB900

Advantages

* Robust and high-quality assembly

* Seat and steering wheel adjustment

* Possibility of professional use

* Compact

* There is a wireless heart rate monitor

Disadvantages

* Price

The best inexpensive

Sport Elite SE-4610

Advantages

* There is a heart rate monitor

* There is a cardiac sensor

* Seat and steering wheel adjustment

* Transport wheels

* Design

* Quiet

Disadvantages

* A simple computer