Buying guide: what to know before buying a spinning bike
Indoor cycling bikes are one of the most popular cardio equipment for training both in the gym and in the comfort of your own home. They are fun and energizing to use, offering you a wide variety of options to avoid getting monotonous, giving you the motivation you need to be consistent in your workout.
When buying an indoor cycling bike, there are many aspects to take into account, such as your budget or the use you are going to give it.
If you want to know how to choose an indoor bike, here is a video that we hope will help you in your choice.
What types of indoor cycling bikes are there?
In our catalog you will find three distinct lines. On each of the individual products you will find the label that shows to which range it belongs:
Indoor cycling bike for home use
These products are 100% adapted for use at home, both for individuals and for several members. The warranty that covers is only for this particular use. A machine of this line located in a professional facility will lose the warranty.
Semi-professional Indoor Cycling Bikes
You will find a complete catalog of indoor cycling bikes specially designed in quality, warranty and price to meet the needs of fitness facilities in companies, communities of neighbors, hotels, physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers, municipalities, sports clubs and security forces and firefighters.
Professional indoor cycling bike
Designed for professional fitness centers. From large gyms, Crossfit, Gym Boutiques or functional training. It is also valid for the semi-professional line of the most demanding.
Technical characteristics of spinning bikes
Before buying an Indoor Bike, there are a series of aspects which you should bear in mind to ensure the right choice.
- Type of transmission
- Type of resistance: frictional, magnetic or electromagnetic
- Weight of the flywheel
- Adjustment possibilities
- Monitor and console
Type of transmission: belt or chain
Indoor Bikes have the pedals connected to the flywheel in two different ways, such that when the user begins to pedal, a rotation of the flywheel is generated. This is called transmission, and may be by belt or chain. Transmission by chain is the most economical and offers a more realistic sensation, more similar to that of a racing bike, but is a noisier option and requires more maintenance. On the contrary, transmission by belt is quieter and requires less maintenance, but is also more expensive.
Tipo de resistencia: por fricción, magnética o electromagnética
La resistencia de las bicicletas de spinning puede ser por fricción, magnética o electromagnética:
- Friction resistance (brake shoes) is the most widespread in the domestic environment, mainly because of the costs. In this system, shoes rub against and exert pressure on the inertia disk to reduce its speed or slow it down.
- Magnetic resistance is the most commonly used in high-end indoor cycling bikes for professional use. In this system, the flywheel is braked by electromagnets that follow the indications transmitted by the user through the monitor. It is more expensive, but unlike friction resistance, it is much quieter and requires no maintenance.
- Electromagnetic resistance works like magnetic resistance, with the difference that the resistance is regulated by electric current and can be programmed to adjust automatically during exercise. This braking system is quieter than the magnetic one.
Weight of the flywheel
The flywheel is the element of the bike that turns the pedal axle and transmits the different resistances to vary intensity during workouts. The greater the weight of the flywheel, the smoother and more fluid the sensation when pedalling, and the greater the possible variation of the resistance, which means more demanding workouts can be handled.
Adjustment possibilities
Adjustment options for the saddle and the handle bar are closely related to greater or less comfort when doing the workout. Not all saddles can be regulated or substituted should this be necessary, so it is important to check that the bike you select has a saddle that can be adjusted, for increased comfort when working out and to avoid postures that could lead to injury. The same applies to the handle bar, which should be adjustable in length and height to adapt to the size of the user and avoid discomfort in the back following training. We should bear in mind that an uncomfortable saddle or handle bar can spoil the workout session.
There are several types of pedals:
- Clipless pedals: these are those that allow you to attach the shoe (it must be a special shoe for this type of attachment), this provides more pedaling support and safety.
- Mixed or Semi-automatic pedals: they are like clipless pedals because they provide automatic support by means of cleats but you can use any footwear.
- Traction pedals or Footpads: allow the foot to be held in place with rigid plastic or straps using any footwear.
Monitor and console
La consola es indispensable, pues es desde donde se controlan las diferentes funciones de la bicicleta y se visualiza la información importante como: velocidad, RPM, calorías quemadas, tiempo, distancia, etc. Además, si la consola es compatible con tu Smartphone, iPod, iPad o iPhone, podrás llevar a cabo entrenamientos interactivos con las apps disponibles, que harán de tus entrenamientos una actividad mucho más amena y motivadora. En la actualidad, el monitor y esta compatibilidad y funcionalidad es uno de los aspectos que más están evolucionando que los fabricantes más están cuidando, ya que así añaden interesantes prestaciones a los entrenamientos. Ejemplo de ello es el sistema i.Concept, con tecnología Bluetooth 4.0. te permite utilizar al máximo rus app fitness favoritas.
Por otro lado, entre los avances tecnológicos que han hecho se encuentra la conectividad que es una nueva versión del firmware con un sistema de emparejamiento por bluetooth con todos los simuladores y software del mercado(FTMS), esto te aporta una experiencia diferente de la que disfrutar durante tu entrenamiento.
Before deciding on an indoor cycling bike you should consider whether accessibility to the bike is a disadvantage. If you suffer from mobility problems and there is no indoor cycling bike suitable for you, the most suitable option is the recumbent exercise bikes, which have an open, comfortable access and allow you to train your lower body as well. On the other hand, if you want to go beyond an aerobic workout and are looking to gain and tone your muscles, multi-gyms will help you achieve your goals. Another point to take into account before and after your workouts on your indoor cycling bike is stretching to avoid injuries. For this we have accessories for stretching, which used correctly, help you to release the tension of the muscles of the different body areas. Finally, if you are a cycling enthusiast and you don't want to get rid of your bike even when training at home, don't worry. In our online cycling store you can find the ideal accessories to use your bike at home without any problem. In addition, complement your workouts with energy bars that will help you recover or give you an extra boost of energy. Discover everything you can do from the comfort of your home.
Frequently asked questions about indoor cycling bikes