In the modern world, people move less and less, sometimes putting themselves in a state where it becomes physically difficult to climb several floors up the stairs. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of time and simple laziness can turn even a young and slender character into a person whom everyone will modestly call “well-fed.” The only salvation is proper nutrition and regular, albeit not the most intense, physical activity. The latter, in the realities of city life, is easiest to achieve by purchasing a home exercise machine.
Is it worth buying an exercise bike?
As practice shows, some people quickly lose interest in this device. Maybe it’s much more profitable to join a gym where, in addition to a bicycle, there are many other exercise equipment?
To begin with, you just need to study and decide for sure whether it is really needed? It is possible that playing sports will quickly become unpopular. In such a situation, the money will be wasted, and an unused exercise bike will take up useful space at home.
Types of exercise bikes
If you have finally decided to buy an exercise bike, then you can start looking for a suitable model.
How to choose an exercise bike? You need to decide on its characteristics, because this is very important. The first thing to know is how a bike creates resistance as it works.
Localization of pedals
Regarding this point, in many models their location is determined by the type of exercise bike for weight loss. Their presence is mandatory!
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Among the available range of simulators you can find the following devices:
- Portable, without seat and handles;
- Vertical, similar to a regular bicycle;
- Hybrid, with the ability to adjust the fit;
- Horizontal, with a device to support the spine.
Based on physical activity, exercise machines are divided into standard and bicycle ergometers. Regardless of the type, many are equipped with sensors and other useful electronics.
Mechanical simulator
This is the simplest and most traditional exercise bike. The way it works is by increasing the friction of the wheel through the handle.
- This is a middle weight bike. Very easy to use.
- If you have certain skills, you can repair it yourself.
- The negative side of these models is the noise level they create.
Magnetic trainer
This type of exercise bike is definitely more advanced than the mechanical one. It is somewhat heavier, but more convenient to use.
The wheel resistance is controlled by a magnetic brake, thanks to which the appropriate resistance can be set with high precision, with a much higher maximum resistance possible than with a mechanical bicycle. This exercise bike is also suitable for weight loss.
An additional advantage is the low (compared to a mechanical exercise machine) noise level, which is important when used at home.
Which brand should I buy an exercise bike from?
The section offers a list of manufacturers of sports equipment. Each of them is worthy of the buyer’s attention and has already earned authority among professionals.
DFC
Driada Fitness Company is a manufacturer of sports equipment with many years of experience, implementing advanced developments from leading engineers of Icon Health & Fitness.
DFC company logo
Production facilities are located in China and Taiwan, which allows us to optimize the cost of products. Here are some models of this brand:
Oxygen
Oxygen Fitness is a German brand of sports equipment manufacturer. All products undergo multi-stage control and are distinguished by high build quality.
Oxygen brand emblem
Modern materials are used in manufacturing and design, which increases the service life of finished products. Advanced technologies allow us to optimize production costs and offer affordable prices to customers. Several models of exercise bikes from Oxygen are presented below:
Svensson Body Labs
A well-known brand in the field of fitness from the Swedish company Jorgen Svensson. Sports equipment is produced in a modern design from environmentally friendly materials under the supervision of engineers.
Svensson Body Labs logo
The exercise machines are equipped with a durable frame and thoughtful ergonomics. Products undergo European certification of conformity and receive the appropriate level of safety.
Evo Fitness
The EVO FITNESS trademark is one of the leading brands in the production of sports equipment from a German manufacturer. The principles of maximum efficiency, convenience, and comfort for any user are observed - both for beginners and professionals.
Evo Fitness sign
The products successfully combine stylish design, improved design features and long service life. Below are several models from Evo Fitness:
Sport Elite
Trademark from the Euro-Sport Group of Companies.
Sport Elite manufacturer logo
The manufacturer produces high quality products at an affordable price. The professional line of exercise machines is optimized for home use. Products are produced on modern equipment and undergo European certification.
The review offers the best exercise bikes for home in 2022. Any user will be able to choose the copy that is optimally suitable only for him. Each of the models has already earned a place in the sporting goods market. Choose the model that will help maintain health and maintain body tone. Good luck!
Electromagnetic simulator
Of all types of bicycles, the electromagnetic exercise bike is the best, most advanced and at the same time the most expensive. It is a combination of a magnetic bike with electronics, and the microprocessor is responsible for self-regulating the resistance.
This bike provides a wide range of functions and programs with which you can diversify your workouts and control vital parameters, time and course of exercise. The price of the device corresponds to the features it offers, so it is quite high.
The best models of mini-exercise machines for home
There are quite a large number of different simulators, all of them are characterized by their own specific features. The best models for home can be considered:
Aero Fit Mini Exercise Bike SL-F
- This option is popular due to the use of steel in the manufacture of the body, and the pedals are plastic.
- The weight of the device is 4 kilograms.
- This option is ideal for morning exercises.
- The device is equipped with a liquid crystal display to display basic information; there are several standard functions to choose from.
- The load system is mechanical, it is characterized by increased resistance to loads.
DFC SC-W002
- This model is more expensive, which is characterized by a large mass and a large display for displaying basic information.
- In terms of load, this model corresponds to the previous one, there is a speed meter.
- The operating instructions indicate that the maximum load weight is 110 kilograms.
Torneo Smart Bike
- This simulator is more expensive than the previous ones, which is due to the use of modern technologies in production.
- Among the features, we note the ability to adjust the load when using a stepless system.
- A special connecting rod in the mechanism allows you to significantly increase the amplitude of movement and the efficiency of the device.
- In addition, the body and main elements are manufactured using reliable materials.
- It is worth considering that the device is quite massive and weighs 8 kilograms.
- Unlike other versions, the computer in question was placed on a separate rack.
Sport Elite BY-810
- This device is reliable and durable; plastic and metal are used in its manufacturing.
- The computer is easy to use, it is possible to adjust the intensity of movement, the load system is belt.
- The installed sensor also reads your cadence.
Ferrum IREB 0801
- This model differs from others in that the device is a magnetic type.
- Among the features are the original design, weight about 5 kilograms.
- Many people choose the design for intensive sports.
Often the choice is made based on the design of the device. Preference is given to exercise bikes with a minimalist style, made of metal.
Horizontal, vertical and hybrid models
In addition to how the resistance adjustment itself works, it is worth paying attention to the position in which the training will take place. Not every position will be comfortable for everyone, so choosing the right position is also important.
Bicycle ergometers
A separate type of bicycle simulators are bicycle ergometers, which have another name - spin bikes or speed bikes. They belong to the electromagnetic type of simulators, in which the load value is regulated using current strength.
The bicycle ergometer accurately determines the physical condition of the main muscle groups, selecting the appropriate load and training program for them, and at the same time monitoring various parameters - heart rate, speed of movement, length of the distance traveled with the accuracy of measurement of an automated system.
The information obtained creates the basis for developing an optimal training regimen. Speed bikes are used more often for professional purposes, in medical and rehabilitation centers, since they do not create much pressure on the spine and joints. This type is recommended for use by professionals.
Advantages of bicycle ergometers:
- Intelligent control with extensive functionality. A variety of training programs - for weight loss, strengthening major muscle groups, developing endurance.
- Safety, smooth running.
- Reliability.
- Durability.
- Highly effective workouts.
- Synchronization with a personal computer.
- The ability to record results to track the dynamics of training.
- Equipped with additional options - music player, video, etc.
- Silence.
- Ergonomics.
Disadvantages of bicycle ergometers:
- Quite a price;
- Requires a permanent connection to the electrical network. This creates inconvenience when moving the bike simulator - it should always be located next to the outlet. In addition, exercises on a bicycle ergometer lead to the consumption of electricity.
- If it breaks, repairs will be expensive.
The loading system for magnetic and electromagnetic simulators is the same, but electromagnetic ones are characterized by very precise adjustment using current strength, which changes automatically by selecting the desired parameters using the control panel on the built-in computer.
On magnetic projectiles, the current strength is usually adjusted manually. Compared to electromagnetic ones, magnetic bike simulators have a more affordable price.
There are generator bike simulators, which are equipped with a generator and an electromagnet. These models are autonomous and do not require connection to the mains.
By design, exercise bikes are divided into vertical and horizontal.
Vertical trainer
This is by far the most popular type of exercise bike. Riding it is very similar to riding a regular bicycle, which is why it is often chosen.
- Depending on what position the person prefers (upright as on a city bike, or more inclined as on a road bike, or aggressive mountain biking).
- Training on models of this type is not recommended for people who have back problems or contraindications from a doctor. It is well suited for those doing cardio and breathing training.
These units are relatively cheap and easy to use.
Leg muscles
Hips
The hip flexor muscle is very heavily involved during hip extension and exercise on a stationary bike and can be easily overloaded.
If you feel pain while exercising in the hip area, stop and take a break.
The back of the thigh is involved in a group with the gluteus maximus muscle; to train them, it is better to use an inclined position.
The front surface of the thigh is most trained by the exercise bike. This muscle group is responsible for pressing the pedal with your foot. With heavy loads and prolonged exercise, the athlete may feel pain in this place.
The outer surface of the thigh, on the contrary, is involved to a lesser extent because it works when raising the leg.
Buttocks
The gluteus maximus muscle works together with the back of the thigh. It lends itself well to intense training.
As a result, the buttocks become firmer and more toned.
Calf muscles
The calf muscles work almost constantly. They are activated when you press the pedal, which stretches the knee tendons.
Horizontal trainer
This is a bike model designed for people who prefer to have a backrest or who struggle with the aforementioned back problems. The position here is more favorable for the spine.
The workout does not load the spine and greatly affects the abdominal muscles.
A good choice for overweight people who are afraid to balance on a bike. This is more advanced equipment than a vertical trainer.
Scheme of exercises on an exercise bike for weight loss
To diversify and increase the effectiveness of fat burning, use interval training, which can be set on the display of the simulator, or alternate with physical exercises with your own or free weight.
Complex for a vertical exercise bike.
Warm up your joints and ride slowly to warm up your muscles for 7-10 minutes.
- Acceleration within 70-80% of maximum – 1 minute.
- Quiet driving within 50-60% of the maximum - 30 seconds.
- Air squats – 1 minute.
- Acceleration in a standing position – 1 minute.
- Calm standing pace (50-60%) – 30 seconds.
- Push-ups – 1 minute.
- Acceleration while sitting (70-80%) – 1 minute.
- Calm pace - 30 seconds.
- Crunches for maximum repetitions – 1 minute.
- Rest – 1 minute.
Complete 3 laps. Finally, stretch the muscles.
Hybrid trainer
Of the three options, this is the most advanced, designed for people for whom cycling is more than just a light workout.
This type of equipment allows you to sit in a reclined position, reminiscent of riding a road bike.
- Training with this machine can be the most intense.
- The torque is transmitted through a chain or strap, making it even more similar to a regular bicycle.
- Undoubtedly, this is an option created for professionals and people who love challenging workouts.
Torso
Psoas muscles
The psoas muscles help keep the lumbar spine in the correct position during exercise. This helps prevent injury and creates a kind of muscle frame. They also work on hip flexion.
Belly and sides
The respiratory system works well during cardio training.
The abdominal muscles serve this function and the greater the load, the more air the person inhales. Therefore, with high pedal resistance, the abdominal muscles on an exercise bike are pumped better.
Very often, athletes themselves notice how their abdominal muscles swell during high-load training.
What else to pay attention to
Now it's time to figure out which additional features are worth paying attention to and which ones may be useful in your training.
- Meter of time, calories and other parameters. If you need the equipment to count the number of calories burned, time, or have special programs, you should take a closer look at magnetic or electromagnetic options that will provide all the necessary functions.
- Adjusting the saddle and handlebars. This is an important element. It is better to choose a device with the ability to multi-level adjust the height of the saddle, as well as the width and position of the handlebars, in order to maximally adapt the exercise bike to the person who will exercise on it.
- Load limitation. Each manufacturer specifies the maximum weight of a person who can exercise on the device. You should pay attention to this parameter because otherwise the equipment may be damaged.
- Device dimensions. When buying an exercise bike for home, you should pay attention to its size so that you can find the necessary space for it. When you have little space, you can buy a recumbent or mini exercise bike.
Also, when purchasing, you should focus on the price. As mentioned above, it mainly depends on the type of resistance generation.
The cheaper choice will certainly be a mechanical device, and the most expensive and most advanced is the electromagnetic option. You may also want to consider at-home cardio workout alternatives, such as an elliptical cross-trainer or rowing machine.
In some situations, it is worth deciding which would be better - an exercise bike or a treadmill.
You also need to consider what surface the device will be placed on. You need to put a special mat under the exercise bike that will protect the floors from mechanical damage and scratches.
Top 10 rating according to KP
Editor's Choice
Vertical exercise bike Body Sculpture BC-1420 (average price 6590 rubles)
Body Sculpture BC-1420
The most affordable model among the best exercise bikes for home. The manufacturer of the device is proven, equipment from it is available in fitness clubs throughout the country. The design of this simulator is ascetic, but the functionality is sufficient for daily exercise, especially for such an affordable price. There is a small display that shows the main parameters of the workout - calories burned and distance traveled.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | belt |
| Machine weight | 11.2 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Price, dimensions
No heart rate sensor, noisy during operation
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Upright exercise bike DFC B503B (average price 9,690 rubles)
Another affordable option on our list of the best exercise bikes for home 2022. For an additional couple of thousand rubles, the buyer will receive a more advanced training monitoring system and a heart rate sensor located on the handlebars. The latter will certainly be useful for those who want to more closely monitor the training process. The exercise machine is designed for users weighing up to 100 kg.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | belt |
| Machine weight | 15 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
There is a heart rate sensor, price
Noisy when working
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Upright exercise bike FAMILY FB 10 (average price 15 thousand rubles)
Perhaps the most compact model of an exercise bike for home. Externally, the device resembles the letter “X”, and at the same time it can be folded, making it even more convenient for storage. The user can adjust the resistance power and the saddle stem height. The compact simulator also has a small display that shows all the basic information about the pace of the workout. Due to the magnetic system, the operation of the device is almost inaudible.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | magnetic |
| Machine weight | 15 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Compact, quiet operation
Small screen
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What other exercise bikes are worth paying attention to?
Upright exercise bike SVENSSON BODY LABS CrossLine BCM (average price 17.4 thousand rubles)
SVENSSON BODY LABS CrossLine BCM.
Photo: SVENSSON BODY LABS An interesting device that made it to our list of the best exercise bikes for home 2022 for its advanced technical part. The load system here is magnetic, and this allows the device to carry out a so-called “fitness assessment” of the user’s body. After analyzing your training, the exercise bike will advise the level at which you should exercise. Another important function of this exercise bike is an alarm for exceeding the load on the user. It will allow the athlete not to exceed the amplitude of the heart rate necessary for fat burning.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | magnetic |
| Machine weight | 24 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Fitness assessment system, quiet operation
Heavy
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Recumbent exercise bike DFC B5076P (average price 23 thousand rubles)
DFC B5076P.
Photo: DFC An interesting model for those who, for medical reasons, cannot exercise on an upright exercise bike. This device is made in such a way that a person can study comfortably for a long time. The model will support a user weighing up to 130 kg. There are several built-in programs to diversify your activities. The manufacturer has placed a convenient holder for a phone or e-reader above the compact display. For convenience, you can control the load mode directly from the handles located under the seat.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | horizontal |
| Load type | electromagnetic |
| Machine weight | 27 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation
Big size
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Vertical exercise bike Body Sculpture BC-6760G (average price 26.5 thousand rubles)
Body Sculpture BC-6760G.
Photo: Body Sculpture Another advanced exercise bike from a well-known manufacturer. The model is completely autonomous, so there is no need to run extra wires to the device. The developer seriously worked with the simulator’s program system and built into the device an assessment of the user’s body condition. The algorithm itself will tell you what the load on the body should be specifically in your case. Conveniences include a phone stand above the display, comfortable pedal straps, and a system for transporting the machine.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | magnetic |
| Machine weight | 34 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation, advanced training program system
Big size
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Bicycle ergometer Oxygen Cardio Concept IV HRC+ (average price 33 thousand rubles)
Oxygen Cardio Concept IV HRC+.
Photo: Oxygen Don't let the complex name of this simulator scare you. This is an ordinary exercise bike for the home, in which the developers have placed a real computer that regulates the load process in real time. All you have to do is set the time and purpose for which you are working. The device itself will increase or decrease the load for rest. The exercise machine can support users weighing up to 150 kg.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | electromagnetic |
| Machine weight | 35 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation mode, advanced training program system, additional chest heart rate sensor
Large size and weight
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Bicycle ergometer Oxygen Satori RB HRC (average price 48.3 thousand rubles)
Oxygen Satori RB HRC.
Photo: Oxygen A horizontal version of the previous exercise bike from a Japanese manufacturer of sports equipment. Suitable for those whom doctors have prohibited from training on vertical models. The manufacturer has done everything to ensure that you can exercise on this simulator not only without risk to health, but also in comfortable conditions. The main components of the simulator can be adjusted according to the athlete’s physique. There are 21 training programs in this device, mode 4 of which are based on pulse sensors.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | horizontal |
| Load type | electromagnetic |
| Machine weight | 47 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation, advanced training program system
Large size and weight
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Bicycle ergometer AMMITY Dream DR 40 (average price 65 thousand rubles)
AMMITY Dream DR 40. Photo: AMMITY
A horizontal exercise bike with an unusual design that will fit into a modern interior. However, the creators of this model did not manage with a strict appearance. The beautiful black housing hides an advanced electromagnetic loading system. There will be almost no noise from such a device. If we talk about training programs, there are as many as 76 of them, five of which depend on the user’s heart rate. For convenience, the simulator has a built-in wireless connection via Bluetooth, a separate audio input and music control directly from the device screen. The exercise machine is designed for users weighing up to 160 kg.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | horizontal |
| Load type | electromagnetic |
| Machine weight | 58 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation, advanced training program system, built-in audio system
Large size and weight
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Upright exercise bike SPIRIT CU800 (average price 129 thousand rubles)
SPIRIT CU800.
Photo: SPIRIT This model tops the list of the best exercise bikes for home 2022. The device has everything that can be found in modern exercise machines - a huge number of built-in programs, assessment of the user’s level of training, silent operation, a huge display, seat adjustment and a wireless heart rate sensor. Naturally, for all these joys you will have to pay more than a hundred thousand rubles. The unit will support massive users weighing up to 200 kg.
Characteristics
| Type of simulator | vertical |
| Load type | electromagnetic |
| Machine weight | 52 kg |
Advantages and disadvantages
Quiet operation, advanced training program system, designed for heavy users
Cost, large size and weight
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