Thoughts of indoor cycling bikes (also known as Spin bikes) conjure up images of sweaty health club studios, enthusiastic instructors, and blaring music. Indoor cycling is seeing a bump in participation thanks to the popularity of programs like SoulCycle and Equinox. But that doesn’t mean you have to find a studio and commit to classes to get your fix—nor necessarily should you right now as that runs contrary to social distancing guidelines. There are plenty of indoor cycling bike options that don’t require you to leave your living room. Before you start shopping for the newest addition to your home gym, here are some things to consider, brought to you by the experts at Bicycling magazine.
Fit
Just like with a regular bicycle, if you want the best experience on your indoor bike, it’s important to get the proper fit. In fact, Spinning global brand ambassador Josh Taylor recommends finding an indoor cycling bike that puts you in the same position as the regular one you’re accustomed to riding outside. If your daily rig is a road bike, for example, look for an indoor bike with a handlebar option that both incorporates a traditional bullhorn bar and mimics the hand-position options of drops and brake hoods. However, if you’re already used to taking studio classes, one with just the traditional bullhorn-style bar will work great, says Ben Sharp, power education specialist at Stages.
All of the bikes we tested have adjustable saddle heights and setbacks, as well as handlebar heights. Some indoor bikes allow you to adjust the handlebar reach, as well. They also have graduated markings, making it easier to get back to your preferred position after someone else uses the bike. And don’t be afraid to change saddles. Essentially, the more adjustability, the better the chance you’ll get the fit you need.
Resistance
The two most common methods for regulating an indoor bike’s resistance are friction and magnets. Friction-based systems that utilize leather or synthetic pads to apply pressure to the flywheel are simple and effective at adding precise resistance in a linear fashion, according to Taylor. These resistance systems don’t require outside power to operate. Magnetic resistance is quieter than friction systems, and Mark Swaby, president of Diamondback Fitness, claims it produces a smoother ride.
Accessories
While most indoor cycling bikes are very similar in terms of general function, it’s the accessories that set them apart. The most basic models are as simple as it gets, just an ergometer with a weighted flywheel and a pad to set resistance. On the other end of the spectrum are bikes like the Peloton, with elaborate software that allows the user to join recorded and live classes.
The convenience of joining classes from the comfort of your own home is undeniable, and Swaby believes it’s a trend that is here to stay. Some bikes, like the Spinner A1, have an optional tablet holder and ANT+ so you can join classes from third-party programs like Peloton, as well as the live classes offered by Spin. Others, like the Wattbike Atom, feature Bluetooth connectivity and are designed to be used exclusively on third-party virtual platforms. If you want the ability to join virtual classes but aren’t sure of which you’ll like, or you have several that you enjoy, look for a bike with the connectivity and media compatibility that allows you to join the most platforms.
Why It May Be Harder to Find a Bike Right Now
Ever since terms like “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” and “social distancing” took root in our daily lexicon, we’ve had to find alternative forms of entertainment that don’t involve large crowds, group indoor activities, or risky situations (such as travel). More people have caught on to the idea that activities like hiking, running, and bike riding (both indoor and out) are safe, sanity-saving ways to stay active and healthy—and away from others. This has led to a surge in indoor bike sales and, thus, a depletion of stock. That’s a good thing, because it means more people have discovered bikes. But it’s also frustrating if your goal today is to place an online order for a shiny new exercise bike only to find out that you may have to wait weeks or even months to get it. If you see something on this list that catches your eye, and you hit the out-of-stock roadblock, patience (waiting until inventory is fulfilled again), perseverance (it may be available somewhere else online or even somewhere locally), or just being proactive (pre-order is available for many out-of-stock models) might be the way to go.
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