There are two basic types of exercise bikes, the upright exercise bike and the recumbent exercise bike.
When selecting the best exercise bike for any individual, there are several things to be considered.
The upright exercise bike is perhaps the most common and in many cases less expensive than the recumbent exercise bike. Mounting the upright exercise bike is much like mounting a “girl’s” bicycle. The pedals are positioned the same as an outdoor bicycle. The handlebars are positioned as if one is riding an outdoor bike. For all practical purposes, the upright exercise bike is closer to the traditional cycling experience than the recumbent style.
The upright exercise bike is best used by persons who have no balance issues. Although the exercise bike is stationary, the height and the individual’s pedal motion may create a risk for the older person or the person who may not be as stable on his feet.
Depending on the selection, the exercise bike may have a monitor that relates the “distance” travelled, the amount of calories burned, and other pertinent information for the cycling enthusiast.
The recumbent exercise bike offers more support and is ideal for the person who may need back support, may have balance issues or other minor disabilities that could affect his ability to use the upright exercise bike safely.
By definition, recumbent means reclining as demonstrated by the illustration of the exercise bike to the left.
The recumbent exercise bike is generally lower to the floor, especially the seat. Rather than have the pedals below the seating, the recumbent bike has pedals that are are often almost directly forward of the seat. The seat of the recumbent bike has a back for added support. The cushion of the seat is generally more like a chair seat than a bike seat.
This style is ideal for everyone, including senior citizens working on health and fitness but who may feel less stable on an upright bike. Additionally, the recumbent bike shown above left also has an easy “walk through” mount, making it easy and safer to take a seat.
Check each of the recumbent bikes below for extras, such as monitors to track mileage, calories burned, etc.
There is yet another style of bike, the folding exercise bike or the collapsing style. While these are designed to save space, we will show limited versions below.
The exercise bike needs to be substantial in size and stable to be completely safe during use. While the exercise bike foldable version may meet the needs of many individuals, we do not recommend it as one to be used regularly or daily. However, for those with extremely limited space, if the decision is made to purchase a collapsing bike, be sure to check thoroughly before mounting it to make sure it is safe and the latches are secure.
We have included videos, explaining the benefits and features, of many of the exercise bikes listed below. When available, be sure to watch the video as it will help understand how the particular bike works.
Need a good exercise bike but don’t have the space to store a commercial-size model? Turn to the Confidence stow-away exercise bike, which folds compactly after use for storage in a closet or corner of your home. This bike is recommended for the occasional user, or one with limited home space. When purchasing an upright [...]
{ 0 comments }
Get in shape at home with the compact, comfortable Nautilus U514 upright exercise bike, which enables you to ride longer and harder with its biomechanically-correct design and comfort features, enhanced programming, and integrated Polar heart rate monitoring system. Nautilus is one of the most recognized and respected names in exercise equipment. When you are ready [...]
{ 0 comments }
Save money on monthly gym fees and get yourself in shape at the same time with the compact, comfortable Schwinn 120 upright exercise bike. The Schwinn 120 upright exercise bike is ideal for the home. With all the adjustable features, this bike will feel just like riding on the road — without the bumps or [...]
{ 1 comment }
Combining the feel of an upright bike with the comfort of a recumbent, the Stamina 4545 Magnetic Fusion provides a smooth, quiet magnetic resistance and fingertip tension control. Weighing only 80 pounds, this is one of the lighter weight bikes. While quite adequate for the lower price, this is a great starter bike for the person [...]
{ 0 comments }
Amazon.com Enjoy an effective low-impact aerobic workout in your home with the Stamina 1300 upright stationary bike–a great tool for increasing your metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning without the impact on your joints. The Stamina 1300′s magnetic resistance gives you …
{ 0 comments }
For the exerciser looking for a recumbent exercise bike that folds away, the Stamina 15-0200 InTone Folding Recumbent Bike could be the answer. For all the benefits of this bike, one should consider the use and who will be using this bike. While quite substantial, before purchasing — especially if a senior citizen — one [...]
{ 0 comments }
Save money on monthly gym fees and get in shape with the compact, comfortable Nautilus R514 recumbent exercise bike, which enables you to ride longer and harder with its biomechanically-correct design and comfort features, enhanced programming, and integrated Polar heart rate monitoring system. The Nautilus R514 recumbent exercise bike for the home. Please note the [...]
{ 0 comments }
Enjoy an effective low-impact aerobic workout in your home with the Stamina 5325 upright stationary bike–a great tool for increasing your metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning without the impact on your joints. The Stamina 5325′s magnetic resistance gives you a quiet, smooth workout with a tension dial that lets you choose and [...]
{ 0 comments }
Stationary cycling is one of the most effective low-impact aerobic exercises for increasing your metabolism for more efficient calorie and fat burning without the impact on your joints. The Stamina CPS 1305 Indoor Cycle’s upright, compact design fits in most exercise areas, and is sturdy to withstand years of use. Product Features Dial tension w/strap [...]
{ 0 comments }
Get in shape at home with the comfortable Schwinn 220 recumbent exercise bike, offering a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. Ideal for Everyone, Especially Senior Citizens The idea of a recumbent exercise bike is to support the back. [...]
{ 2 comments }
The Schwinn 140 upright exercise bike offers a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. An upgrade from the Schwinn 120 upright exercise bike, this is a heavier more substantial piece of equipment. While the 120 is ideal for lighter [...]
{ 0 comments }
Save money on monthly gym fees and get in shape at the same time with the comfortable Schwinn 240 recumbent exercise bike. It offers a compact design and the feel of a more traditional outdoor bike while relying on core, stabilizing muscles to balance your body weight. For the exerciser who knows the value of [...]
{ 4 comments }
Ready to move on from the exercise mat? Feeling the need to get an excellent cardio workout at home? The Schwinn Active 10 upright exercise bike is the answer without spending more than necessary. It features 11 preset programs, computer-controlled eddy current resistance, and a belt drive system that ensures quiet operation and a smooth [...]
{ 0 comments }
When you are ready to move up from the exercise mat, get an excellent cardio workout at home without breaking the bank with the Schwinn Active 20 recumbent exercise bike. It must be noted that this is the lower end of the Schwinn recumbent exercise bikes. While offering good back support, this bike is not [...]
{ 0 comments }
