The advantages of Exercise Bikes include:

• Low impact exercise, which is gentle on backs, knees, hips and joints.
• Suitable for a large range of training needs.
• Low maintenance, keeping costs down.
• Relatively small in size.

I have outlined a few essential tips to bear in mind when purchasing an Exercise bike.

What is your budget?

Exercise bikes vary in price enormously depending on the features and design. A high end exercise bike can cost upwards of £1500, although not everyone can or wants to spend £1500 on a exercise bike! As with most exercise equipment you get what you pay for, basic exercise bikes start from £199. Many of the exercise bikes sold nowadays have features found on commercial models and will last you years. As you spend more on an exercise bike, you will find features such as more in depth programmes, better stability, materials, adjustability and design.

How much space do you have?

When purchasing an exercise bike it is always best to measure the space in which you intend the exercise bike to live, you do not want to find that it does not fit in your desired space once it has been delivered. Mot websites display all the dimensions of the equipment they sell on the product details page. Most exercise bikes will require a power socket nearby.

Always check what warranty comes with the exercise bike?

Most of the exercise bikes sold nowadays come with a minimum 1 year parts and labour warranty. When looking for an exercise bike I would recommend looking for a branded model which has an on-site warranty. You do not want to have an exercise bike which you are liable to send back to the supplier if it has a fault. Manufacturers such as Tunturi provide a 15 year frame warranty and two year warranties on the other components.

What are programmes and how do they benefit me?

It is often difficult to motivate yourself when you're using the same routine! Purchasing an exercise bike with programmes maybe the answer. Having pre-set or even customisable workout programmes is a great way to provide some extra variety and motivation. Some of the more expensive exercise bikes now offer heart rate controlled programmes which using your heart rate, increase or decrease the resistance of the exercise bike keeping your heart rate as close as possible to the pre-set rate. This is a safe way to exercise and can help with weight loss.

Many exercise bikes now also offer Watt (energy) Control programmes. Similar to heart rate programmes, the bike will adjust the resistance to a pre-set Watt output.

How is the resistance level adjustable?

Cheaper Exercise bikes resistance is adjusted manually.. With most of the exercise bikes sold nowadays the resistance is changed by a electromagnet. Magnetic resistance exercise bikes are generally smoother in operation and have fewer moving parts and so are less likely to break down.

What difference does the flywheel make?

Generally speaking, a heavier flywheel will give the exercise bike better performance. The more you spend generally the heavier the flywheel and the heavier the flywheel the smoother the motion.

What difference does the stance of the bike make?

As you spend more on an exercise bike, you are likely to find more adjustability of the stance, as well as a generally more aggressive, or racing stance.

Whilst almost all exercise bikes sold nowadays will be adjustable to some degree, it may be worth taking into account if you are very tall or short…

If you also cycle a race bike, it may help you to look for a machine which can more closely replicate the stance, with an exercise bike with a similar stance and racing or tri handlebars. Tunturi produce the E45 and E85 which both have more aggressive race style stances.

If you think you may want to use your exercise bike for extended periods, it may be worth considering a recumbent exercise bike. Not only do many people find the stance more comfortable, they are better for people who from suffer back pain.

Can I use my SPD shoes?

You are able to change the pedals on the majority of exercise bikes. This is useful if you use SPDs on your race bike and wish to replicate the feeling on your exercise bike.