Biking is one way of shedding extra weight but if you do not have time to go biking every day, using an exercise bike will bring you the same benefits. With an exercise bike at home, you can do the workout even at night time.

If you are planning to buy an exercise bike, check out this guide on how to choose one that will bring you the ultimate satisfaction and value for your money.

Table of Contents

1. Consider the weight of the bike and its weight capacity

When buying an exercise bike, know your exact weight because you must see to it that it will not be more than the weight limit of the bike.

If the rider weighs more than its capacity, the exercise bike can be damaged and not to mention it can be dangerous for the rider. If you are buying it for someone else, make sure that you know the person’s right weight.

Buying a heavy exercise bike is recommended because it is more stable than a lighter one.  If your bike is lightweight, it might lurch from side to side or wobble, causing the rider to fall.

2. Select one that does not make so much noise

Exercise bikes can make an annoying noise but this depends on the type of resistance used. Those that use air resistance are quite noisy because the fan blows air.

The faster the rider pedals, the noisier your exercise bike can become. For an exercise bike that works silently, get one with magnetic resistance.

3. Choose an exercise bike that will allow you to choose the position most comfortable for you

There are two seating positions to take when riding an exercise bike. One is the upright position and the other is recumbent.

The upright position is the stance people take when riding a real bike. This stance allows the rider freedom of movement. The exercise bike with this seating position might cost just like an ordinary outdoor bike.

People with back problems are better off riding the exercise bike in a recumbent position.

To accommodate a rider with back problems, the exercise bike must be made in such a way that the rider’s back is well supported to allow him to pedal while sitting in a reclined position. This will allow the rider to pedal in comfort without putting pressure on his back.

Learn more about different types of exercise bikes in this post such as spin, upright, air bike, smart and recumbent.

Spin Exercise Bike

4. Think of special features you want

A good exercise bike has several levels of resistance so that the rider can start from low-level resistance and gradually move up to higher levels.

Most exercise bikes have a built-in computer to measure the rider’s heart rate and cycling speed. However, these can add to the bike’s actual cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may forego this special feature.

These days, there are smart exercise bikes like the NordicTrack and Peloton bikes, where the bike auto adjusts its inclination and resistance. These bikes are extremely interactive and amazing to work out on. I personally tried them and the NordicTrack S22i Studio Bike is my favourite. Check my review here.

Not interested in NordicTrack bikes? See the best smart bikes here.

5. Space

If you are living in a cramped house, installing an exercise bike permanently may be out of the question. You need space for the bike and additional space for you to perform your exercise routine.

How much space you have in your room or home will affect the kind of exercise bike that you will buy. If you have a small space, buying a foldable one is recommended. You can fold the bike after use and store it away.

Lazy to fold and store away every time after use? Get a smaller exercise bike like the ProForm 8.0 Exercise Bike (tested and reviewed).

6. Price

Prices of exercise bikes vary, depending on the type of bike you want, the brand, and the technology that comes with it such as built-in computers and accessories.

The best choice will be an exercise bike that gives the most value for your money.  The ones that do not have a built-in computer are cheaper than those with such features. Buying the one without the computer will help you stay within your budget and have a good lifespan.

7. Consider your needs and goals

If you want to improve your skills in cycling, you need an exercise bike that will let you ride in an upright position. You will feel like you are riding a real bicycle and you can try some techniques to go faster.

If you want to lose weight using an exercise bike, then you will need one designed to just have the effect.

8. Check the bike for comfort before paying for it

Before buying an exercise bike, try riding on it. If you feel comfortable as you pedal the bike, then it must be the right one for you.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you make the right choice when buying an exercise bike. You can check out my new release guide, the top exercise bikes to buy in Australia.

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