What to know before buying a spinning bike? Indoor cycling machines are one of the most popular cardio equipment among athletes because they offer a wide range of training possibilities. However, when it comes to choosing one model or another, doubts, as usual, arise. There are many parameters to take into consideration to get your purchase right, and here at RUNNEA, we offer you a series of recommendations that can be of great help, take note!
" Indoor cycling is a good option to optimize training when you don't have time or want to reduce the joint impact of running," says Iker Muñoz, Sports Director of RUNNEA and RUNNEA ACADEMY. The use you are going to give to this fitness machine or your budget will be key when choosing between one model or another, but do you know what to look for before making the purchase?
What you need to know to choose a spinning bike correctly
Within the wide catalog of spinning bikes, we can find different lines that help us to identify each type of product oriented to a certain type of use, for example: indoor bikes for home use, semi-professional use and professional use, among others.
Correctly choosing the type of transmission, type of resistance or the weight of the flywheel of a particular indoor bike will be key to obtaining good results. Take note, these are the technical characteristics to pay special attention to before making your purchase!
Transmission type
The type of transmission in spinning bikes can be categorized in two different ways: belt or chain. Chain drive offers a more realistic feel and is more economical but also noisier. However, belt drive despite being more expensive is quieter and requires little maintenance.
Type of resistance
The resistance in this type of machine can be classified into three types: frictional, magnetic or electromagnetic.
- Frictional resistance, a system whereby the brake shoes exert pressure on the inertia disk, is the most common type of resistance among indoor bicycles intended for more domestic use.
- Magnetic resistance is the most common on high-end indoor bikes for intensive and professional use. A system whereby the flywheel is braked by electromagnets that respond to requests made by the user through the monitor. It is more expensive but it is also quieter and requires no maintenance.
- The electromagnetic resistance has a very similar function to the magnetic resistance - it is even quieter - except that the resistance is regulated by means of electric current.
Weight of the flywheel
The flywheel is responsible for rotating the bottom bracket axle and transmitting the different resistances to vary the intensity during exercise. The greater the weight of the flywheel, the smoother the pedaling and the greater the possible variation in resistance.
Monitor
"For those who demand a little more or who like to have all the training variables under control, especially all the data related to training intensity, the information related to the watts generated can be of special interest to be able to control the intensity of the sessions," says Iker Muñoz. The consoles and monitors will allow us to know the different parameters that make up our training routines, which is why we pay special attention to them.
There are also other factors to take into account when purchasing this type of indoor equipment. The fact that it is foldable or that it includes transport wheels to facilitate its movement through the different rooms of the home, can be key at the time of the choice. Something similar happens with the adjustment possibilities, the fact of offering the possibility of adjusting the height and distance of the saddle or handlebars is also an important detail!
- You may be interested in: What spinning bike to buy: 3 recommended bikes in 2021
We hope to have cleared up some doubts about the types of indoor cycling bikes that exist and, below, we offer you a small selection with some of the most outstanding models of the moment. Selection that is cataloged by the type of training to which they are intended: initiation, regular or experienced, take note!
Beginners' spinning bikes
Runneante, if you have opted for indoor cycling you can't miss the ION Fitness Velopro GS. With an extremely simple assembly, which won't take you more than 15 minutes, it has been specifically designed to complete workouts of between 3 and 7 hours a week. Its 16kg flywheel ensures smooth pedaling and the fact that it has a friction braking system will allow you to evolve in each session.
In addition, its triathlon handlebars allow for multi-position training and its ergonomic saddle adjusts perfectly to any body shape.
Spinning bikes for regular use
Want to enjoy a unique sporting experience from the comfort of your home? The Life Fitness IC1 spinning bike is a great option for the non-conformist exerciser. Optimized for the toughest indoor workouts, it is aimed at a user profile that does not exceed 130 kg in weight. Its belt transmission ensures smooth and silent use and its highly intuitive console will show you all the data related to physical activity so that you do not miss any detail!
A very resistant model that allows you to adjust the handlebars in several positions for better ergonomics.
Experienced spinning bikes
The Tour de France TDF 10.0 interactive spinning bike incorporates the most innovative technology on the market in order to offer you a sporting experience at the highest level. Designed for professional training, it offers a 10% incline and decline capability and allows you to enjoy unlimited connectivity. Weighing just over 65 kg, its adjustable handlebars and saddle ensure a highly comfortable training experience.
A high-performance model with which to carry out your hardest training routines and enjoy an ultra-realistic feeling.
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