Last modified on March 12th, 2022 at 10:09 am
The Ultimate Home Spin Bike Buyer’s Guide
Buyer's Guide Table of Contents
Where Did Spinning Come From?
The idea of indoor cycling has been around for many decades; numerous people remember the old rickety stationary bikes with movable handles or the set of pedals attached to a frame that allowed users to ‘bike’ from the comfort of their sofa.
Indoor cycling became a serious fitness activity in the early 1990’s. While most indoor cycling classes carry the name ‘spinning classes’ the term Spinning®, as well as the names SPIN® and Spinner, ® are trademarked to Mad Dogg Athletics. Indoor cycling classes have become so popular that the trademarked name is synonymous with the activity.
Indoor cycling classes are trendy and prevalent as the upbeat group atmosphere inspires riders to push themselves. The camaraderie built up during the classes also helps to make them more enjoyable, and a choreographed blend of speeds, music, and difficulty keeps the experience fresh and exciting.
What You Need To Know Before Buying a Spin Bike
However, indoor cycling is an activity that requires time and advanced planning for participation. This factor drives the current trend for stationary bikes in homes. It is human nature to take the path of least resistance and getting a quality workout at home has never been easier.
Numerous indoor cycles at a variety of prices are a mouse click away. While there are many great indoor cycles to choose from, not all of these are equal. Before making such an important purchase, it is a sound idea to look over the options for the best indoor cycling bike to see specific information about features, and safety. Read further to enjoy learning some of the finer points about stationary bikes.
There are many reasons to opt for an indoor bike rather than just cycling outdoors. You may not be in a good area for cycling, or maybe the idea of getting all the protective gear for outdoor cycling seems daunting.
Choosing The Right Spin Bike
Buying a cycle to use in your home is a great option, and there are dozens of high-quality models available both on-line and in-store. The variety of advanced features can be nearly overwhelming, and it is tempting to purchase the cycle which has the largest array of high-tech features. However, in an effort to buy what appears to be the best cycle available, many people spend lots of money on a cycle with features that are unimportant for their personal fitness goals.
Start With Fitness Goals In Mind
Your cycle does not have to be the very top of the line for you to get a quality workout. The most important thing to do before purchasing a cycle is to clarify your fitness goals in a realistic manner. Many people fail to do this and then unnecessarily spend hundreds of dollars on cutting-edge bells and whistles that they never use.
After you have a clear idea of your fitness goals, you can feel confident that your indoor cycle is right for you. While indoor cycles offer buyers many options, there are several components which are must haves across the board.
Prioritize Comfort
A comfortable seat is simply crucial for your cycle; nothing will halt a workout plan faster than equipment that causes pain. If you are either smaller or larger than average, you will want a cycle that is easily adjustable so that you are not just comfortable, but also able to use the cycle and all of its features. To keep constant contact with the cycle, you will want wide, sturdy pedals with straps to hold your feet in place. Your indoor cycle should also have a basic computer unit that monitors time, speed, and distance as well as the number of calories burned and your heart rate.
>>You May Also Like: Headphones for cycling
Best Options Under $500
Owning an indoor bike is more affordable than people realize. After factoring in the time spent on classes and memberships, many cycling enthusiasts see that purchasing a bike for their home makes a lot of sense. Regardless of whether you are a novice or someone who has enjoyed indoor cycling for many years, you can find a quality cycle for under $500.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike is an ideal choice of bike for someone who is new to the indoor cycling workout trend, a budget-conscious consumer who wants a good indoor cycle for their money or for someone who is interested in a sturdy bike to help improve their overall health.
Top Quality
The SF-B901 is a durable indoor bike, built to last. It also is the perfect example of a bike tailored for the person who does not want to fuss with high tech computer monitoring components but still wants a quality indoor cycle for a good workout. Due to its straightforward design, consumers who are impressed by other cycle’s bells and whistles often overlook the SF-B901.
The Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike has various attributes that improve the cycling experience. The most impressive detail is the cycle’s 40-pound flywheel. A heavy flywheel directly impacts your workout by mimicking the outdoor riding experience. At 40 pounds, this flywheel is significantly heavier than those typically found on indoor cycles.
Easy Assembly
Owners of the SF-B901 enjoy the easy assembly of the bike; the cycle frame comes together fast, and then you just need to attach the pedals and the handlebars. Additionally, you will find that the Sunny Health and Fitness SF-B901 Pro Indoor Cycling Bike features adjustable handlebars with extra thick padding, a sturdy steel frame, adjustable resistance mechanism, and a sturdy crank.
When shopping for an indoor cycle, it is easy to become distracted by the high-tech features of pricier indoor cycles, but those looking for a bike that is a long term investment without the high price will see that this cycle provides an invigorating workout and will last for many years. Consumers disliked the SF-B901’s hard seat, but a gel cushion is a quick fix for that particular issue.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-B901 Review
Pros: It is a no frills, high quality workout machine. You are not wasting money on fancy computers, you are getting what you came here for, a high quality indoor bicycle.
Cons: Like many other indoor bicycles, its seat is pretty uncomfortable. This can easily be fixed with a 3rd party seat cushion. While it is ultimately a great workout device, the lack of integrated technology could be a turn off to some users.
Best Indoor Cycling Bikes. Period.
Some indoor cycling enthusiasts are prepared to invest in a higher caliber of a bike. If you are training for competition or a very advanced cyclist looking for an indoor cycle that will challenge you and push your limits, it is likely that a cycle that has the onboard technology and a higher price is what you need.
The Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle with Computer Monitor and Heart Pulse Sensors is an example of a high-quality indoor bike which has a price tag of around $500.00. The LX7 is a bike made to last; its strong steel components stand up to tough workout sessions, and it has excellent stability. The LX7 can be the perfect cycle for you if you are someone who is a bit larger than average in size. Many owners said they were impressed with the stability of the cycle and the fact that it had nearly no plastic parts.
Features
Aside from being solid and well-constructed, the Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle has some key features that make it particularly simple and safe to use; floor stabilizers, a chain drive attached to a three-piece crank feature, cages to secure toes, and an emergency stop break all provide you with a secure workout.
The LX7 designers also built comfort into the cycle; a handlebar with multiple grip positions, a stand and ride option that allows you to simulate uphill riding, an ergonomic adjustable seat, space for water bottles and soft coverings on handlebar grips help to ensure an enjoyable workout.
Professional Computing Power
The Exerpeutic LX7 Training Cycle has a professional caliber computer system for tracking your workouts, so there is no need to guess your intensity. Consumers love the fact that even under extreme workout conditions, the LX7 remains whisper quiet. A quiet indoor cycle is a must have feature for those who work out during early or late times of the day or those with neighbors nearby. Another point that impressed customers was that the LX7 arrives nearly entirely constructed. The preassembly saves time and aggravation, especially for those who are not mechanically inclined.
Exerpeutic LX7 Review
Pros: The Exerpeutic LX7 is an excellent choice for those looking for a well-constructed indoor cycle. It is also very quiet and great for small home or apartments.
Cons: The only negative comment from owners was that the seat needs more cushioning. Hard or uncomfortable seats are typical for most indoor cycles, and a seat cushion is an easy way to solve this problem.
The Diamondback Fitness 510Ic Indoor Cycling Bike is a sophisticated indoor cycle that provides a great workout experience for advanced cyclists. This cycle has advanced features that will impress savvy cyclists.
Adjustable Design
The 510Ic has 16 adjustable resistance settings that allow the cycle to advance as your fitness level increases. The handle bars are well padded and easily will adjust to a comfortable position for all riders; additionally, the handlebars equipped with sensitive heart monitors. The seat has ample padding, and consumers call it the most comfortable seat on any fitness cycle.
It has heavy construction to ensure stability as well as enhance the cycle’s durability. The Diamondback 510Ic has a 32-pound flywheel and riders up to 300 pounds can safely use the cycle.
High Tech
This indoor cycle has numerous high-tech functions including 14 pre-programed workout options to give riders a variety of terrain options. These include four cardiovascular program options; these programs are ideal for someone with heart issues.
One of the best features of this bike is the battery powered display. A battery powered display eliminates unwanted cords and wires, which get in the way. There is no need to be concerned about battery replacement for the LCD unit; as you peddle, you are powering your cycle’s LCD screen. Owners love the nearly silent magnetic flywheel that allows a work out almost anytime day or night.
Diamondback Fitness 510IC Review
Pros: This indoor cycle provides many advanced features that are unique and useful. Some of its greatest features are its solid construction and preprogrammed workouts.
Cons: The LCD screen can be difficult to read when using the bike.
The Spin L9 Indoor Cycling Spin Bike is built to withstand rust and sweat. It's dual-sided SPD-compatible pedals can accommodate both athletic and cycling shoes. Because of its handlebars which are large in diameter, indoor cyclists are being offered a more comfortable grip.
The SPINtv Subscription
Along with the cycle, you also get a SPINtv Subscription with 250,000 instructors worldwide you can watch at home while doing the drills and sequences. You also get to view the latest routines, training styles and durations which are led by world-class instructors. You may stream it directly through your Wi-Fi enabled TV or any type of mobile device. This is great for beginners who are in need of technical know-hows in using indoor cycles and guidance to take them through the training without a physical instructor.
Spin L9 Indoor Cycling Review
Pros: It is great for cyclists who are sensitive to high impacts. It is a very smooth ride, and has a variety of great features.
Cons: It is louder than other indoor bikes.
In the world of top-notch indoor cycles, the Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle leaves all other brands of high-performance indoor cycles in the dust. This indoor cycle is a newer arrival in the highly competitive world of indoor cycles, and it stands out from the crowd with cutting-edge features designed to delight and inspires riders.
Wireless Computer
The M3i is the first indoor cycle to have a Bluetooth wireless computer. This wireless computer is particularly well suited for group use because you can display information from the computer onto a wall or screen. Other riders have the option of using an app to download this information to their tablets or smartphones.
TUV Product Services, a safety organization from Europe, certifies the accuracy of the M3i’s data. No other indoor cycle has this certification. M3i owners enjoy the cycle’s easy adjustments using a pull-pin, a system unique to the M3i. Consumers also praise the cycle for comfortable seats and handlebars, sturdy construction, and its total customization ability.
Keiser M3i Review
Pros: It has a wireless Bluetooth computer. It is incredibly accurate and stable.
Cons: It does not come with preloaded workouts. It also comes with a higher price tag than most other cycles, but you are paying for quality and features.
Choosing The Best Spin Bike
It is clear that indoor cycling is not a passing fitness fad, but rather an effective and efficient way to improve your health and fine tune your personal fitness. There are definite advantages to purchasing an indoor cycle for home use, the convenience of a unit at home paired with the amount of money saved on gym memberships and class fees make owning an indoor cycle worth the initial investment.
There are many cycle price points as well as many types of indoor cycles. Take your time and assess your personal fitness goals before purchasing a cycle; highly technical features which they will never use may impress many buyers. Also be certain to plan ahead and have proper fitness wear as well as some motivational materials to keep yourself interested and challenged while using your indoor fitness cycle.
Have a comfortable space available for your new fitness cycle, because, with a few notable exceptions, indoor fitness cycles are heavy and will tend to remain where placed when first arriving at your home. If you suffer from any medical problems, or if you are significantly overweight, be sure to have your physician’s approval before purchasing and using any indoor cycle. Owning an at- home indoor fitness cycle can make a positive impact on your life and the lives of your friends and loved ones.
I have been a nature enthusiast since I was a small girl. My background is in online marketing and website development. It only makes sense to merge my love for nature with my skills in online marketing to help spread awareness, and appreciation for Our Beautiful Planet.