Understand The Different Types Of Exercise Bikes & Which One To Choose

Exercise bikes have become a staple in both home and commercial gyms, efficient and versatile, they’re ideal for cardiovascular health, building endurance, and supporting weight loss goals. They’ve become increasingly popular thanks to their low-impact nature, making them accessible for all levels of fitness. Whether you're aiming to improve your fitness, recover from an injury, or simply stay active, there's an exercise bike tailored to your needs.

Smart Exercise Bikes

What is a Smart Exercise Bike?

Smart exercise bikes are the latest evolution in indoor cycling technology. They connect to fitness apps and devices, offering interactive workouts, real-time performance tracking, and virtual riding experiences. These bikes are designed to provide a more engaging and data-driven workout experience.

 

Key Features

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Interactive training apps (Zwift, Wattbike Hub, Strava and more)
• Real-time performance metrics (speed, cadence, power output)
• Automatic resistance adjustment based on workout programs

 

Benefits of Smart Exercise Bikes

Smart bikes elevate the indoor cycling experience by offering immersive workouts, personalised training plans, and advanced performance tracking. They help maintain motivation through virtual competitions and scenic routes, replicating outdoor rides.

Upright Exercise Bikes

What is an Upright Exercise Bike?

Upright exercise bikes are indoor bike trainers with the pedals positioned directly beneath the rider. They encourage a more traditional riding posture, however this can reduce the intensity of your workout.

 

Key Features

• Adjustable seat and handlebars
• Digital displays for tracking time, distance, and calories
• Various resistance levels for customised workouts

 

Benefits of Upright Bikes

Upright bikes offer a balanced cardio workout while strengthening the core, back, and lower body just like a smart bike or indoor bike trainer. Their smaller footprint works well for very small workout spaces. 

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

What is a Recumbent Exercise Bike?

Recumbent bikes have a reclined seat position with a backrest, providing lumbar support while you ride. The pedals are positioned in front of the user, which doesn't resemble the traditional riding position.

 

Key Features

• Reclined seating with back support
• Wider, cushioned seats
• Step-through design for accessibility

 

Benefits of Recumbent Bikes

Recumbent bikes offer a low-impact workout, making them better for rehabilitation and older adults. The comfortable seating encourages longer sessions at a slower rate. These are better suited to someone who isn't as invested in their fitness journey but just wants regular activity.

Spin Bikes

What is a Spin Bike?

Spin bikes are designed for high-intensity workouts that mimic outdoor road cycling. They feature a heavy flywheel to create a smooth, consistent ride.

 

Key Features

• Adjustable resistance for varied intensity
• Multi-position handlebars for different riding styles
• Sturdy frame for intense workouts
  

 

Benefits of Spin Bikes

Spin bikes deliver an intense cardio workout, ideal for burning calories and building leg strength. Their robust design supports vigorous routines, making them a favourite for spin classes and interval training.

The Wattbike Atom and Proton work well as spin bikes while allowing you to dive into more traditional cycling workouts too.

Air Bikes (Fan Bikes)

What is an Air Bike?

Air bikes, or fan bikes, use air resistance generated by a large fan. The harder you pedal, the greater the resistance, providing an automatically adjusted challenge.

 

Key Features

• Unlimited resistance levels based on effort
• Dual-action handlebars for full-body engagement
• Simple, durable design
• Suitable for HIIT and conditioning workouts

 

Benefits of Air Bikes

Air bikes offer intense, full-body workouts that engage both the upper and lower body. They’re excellent for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), enhancing cardiovascular fitness and calorie burn.

Dual-Action Exercise Bikes

What is a Dual-Action Exercise Bike?

Dual-action bikes combine traditional pedalling with moving handlebars, meaning you can work out your upper and lower body. They’re commonly found in commercial gyms because they can be large and hard to store.

 

Key Features

• Moving handlebars for upper-body exercise
• Adjustable resistance for varied intensity
• Durable construction for rigorous use
• Compact design for home fitness

 

Benefits of Dual-Action Bikes

These bikes offer a comprehensive workout, helping to improve cardiovascular health while working both the arms and legs. This means that they can be effective for burning calories and improving overall fitness.

 

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exercise Bike

Resistance Types

Exercise bike resistance comes in a few different styles and each has its own benefits.

• Magnetic Resistance: Quiet and smooth, with adjustable levels.
• Friction Resistance: Uses pads for resistance; suitable for intense workouts but may require maintenance.
• Air Resistance: Resistance increases with effort, ideal for HIIT.

Comfort and Adjustability

Consider seat cushioning, back support, and adjustable features to ensure proper posture and reduce strain.

Space and Storage

Measure your available space and consider foldable models if needed. Compact designs are perfect for small apartments.

Workout Goals and Fitness Levels

Choose a bike that aligns with your fitness objectives, whether it’s weight loss, endurance, rehabilitation, or high-intensity training.

Which Type of Exercise Bike is Right for You?

Selecting the right exercise bike depends on your fitness goals, space availability, and personal preferences. Smart bikes are an ideal all-around choice for most. With data-driven insights and connecting to your favourite cycling apps, you'll be able to assess your fitness levels and adjust your workouts to get the most out of your exercise bikes. 

A good quality smart bike lets you work out at home or in the gym at your own pace whether you connect your tracking apps like Zwift, Strava, Trainerroad or your other favourite apps.

Assess your needs, try different models if possible, and invest in a bike that motivates you to stay active. 

 

Exercise bikes come in various forms, each offering unique benefits to support different fitness journeys. Whether you prefer the immersive technology of smart bikes, the intense challenge of spin bikes, or the comfort of recumbent models, there’s an option tailored for you. By understanding the features and advantages of each type, you can confidently choose the bike that fits your lifestyle and helps you achieve your health and fitness goals. While you're trying to decide, why not take a look at our guide to exercise bike accessories too. Find out which accessories the experts would choose and how they could help you get more from your workouts. Customise your set up with the Polar H10 heart rate monitor, an indoor cycling mat or even a pair of bib shorts for comfortable riding.

 

 

Browse our range of stationery bikes and find out how smart exercise bikes create the best all-round solution for at home workouts