The exercise bike is a machine everyone knows.
Plenty of different models have been released over the years, and it's often a great deal more than a machine you simply pedal on.
The earliest version of the exercise bike was the Gymnasticon, invented by Francis Lowndes in 1796.
The idea behind the Gymnasticon was to simulate a stationary cycling motion combined with an upper-body workout. The upper-body element was dropped from subsequent models, only to be reintroduced in the 20th century with machines including the air bike. The original concept has stayed the same, though: using a flywheel to produce a stationary rotation, with strengthening and rehabilitation in mind.
Over the years the exercise bike evolved more and more into a stationary bicycle. Below is a photograph of one of the earliest models.
Today we have plenty of different models, each in its own price bracket. But what actually explains that difference in price? And should you go for an exercise bike or another cardio machine altogether?
Is an exercise bike right for me?
An exercise bike suits everyone. It used to be associated mainly with older users because of its role in rehabilitation – something it remains more than suitable for today. The exercise bike is the only cardio machine with zero impact on the joints. Are you dealing with a complaint and want to work it loose? Recovering from surgery? Or simply want to get moving and happen to enjoy cycling? In all three cases an exercise bike serves you well. Strength athletes are also turning to the exercise bike more and more these days, precisely because of that zero impact. It lets them get their cardio done without worrying about muscle breakdown.
These days younger users are finding their way to the exercise bike too. The often extensive displays connected to apps tend to appeal to a younger audience in particular. Want to use training programmes, or the option of saving your sessions to an app? Want to cycle in real time somewhere in the Italian mountains, or explore Venice Beach through Nautilus's Ride Social app? Then an exercise bike may well be for you.
There are, of course, plenty of differences between exercise bikes themselves.
Let's start with the different resistance systems.
The different resistance types of exercise bike
In the past we often had exercise bikes driven by a belt. You barely see that today, except at the cheaper end of the market. Broadly speaking there are 3 different types of exercise bike: manual, EMS and induction. First, more on the manual version.
- Manual exercise bikes
These are the exercise bikes whose resistance is adjusted manually, as the name suggests. Using a felt pad or a magnetic brake, you bring the felt or the magnet closer to the flywheel, which in turn generates resistance. A manual exercise bike is the best choice if you like to keep things simple. Not looking for training programmes? Then a manual exercise bike could be a good option.
The pros and cons of a manual exercise bike
+ They sit in a far cheaper price bracket than the other 2 systems.
+ Only the display runs on batteries, so you can put them anywhere – your terrace in summer, for instance.
+ Keep it simple: very easy to use.
+ The display shows only the key figures, such as speed, RPM, kcal and time. That can also be a drawback, depending on what you're after.
- The biggest negative with a manual exercise bike is that they don't pedal as smoothly. Try a few different models and you'll notice it immediately.
- You're often limited to 8 or 12 resistance levels. For some people that isn't heavy enough; others find the jump between, say, level 3 and level 4 too large.
- You get no training programmes. That can become dull after a while – though for anyone who doesn't want them, it's precisely an advantage.
- Manual exercise bikes generally wear a little faster at the flywheel and the resistance mechanism.
Manual exercise bikes: the verdict
Are you looking at the cheaper end of the market? Do you have no need to track your sessions in an app?
Does the challenge of training programmes not appeal to you much? Then a manual exercise bike is worth considering.
Any questions in the meantime? Then do get in touch with us.
