Spinning Bikes
How often do we come across a dead body lying amidst a pool of blood, with the wheels of an upturned bike spinning beside him? The expressionless eyes of the dead body seem to ask heaven silently why this intensive workout proved fatal for him. Before the readers arch their eyebrows near their hairline, we confirm that biking is a form of an intense workout. Unfortunately, this exercise results in casualties every week.
So, over the years, parents have started restricting their children from biking. Indoor bikes are gradually replacing regular motorcycles. Indoor bikes, also known as spinning bikes, are much safer than their counterparts on the roads. Customers need to keep certain features like the warranty, heart-rate monitor, programming, and display in mind while choosing the right spinning bike for them.
Buying Guide for Spinning Bikes:
People should take certain factors like budget and quality into account before buying a spinning bike.
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Budget:
An athlete who needs to reduce weight within a short time may go in for a low-quality spinning bike. He doesn’t need to invest in an expensive bike with premium features because he won’t need the model after he loses weight. These models are designed to last for a few years. On the contrary, dedicated athletes will need premium quality spinning bikes, which last for many years.
Dedicated athletes won’t have the liquid funds to invest in a particular spinning machine frequently.
Frame and legs:
An ideal spinning bike has a robust stabilizing frame and wide legs for the perfect balance. The legs should be wide enough to stay balanced even after being used rigorously. Analyzing the structure is a tad complicated, if the customer is buying the spinning bike is online.
Flywheel weight:
The elevated wheel located at the front of a spinning bike. It moves when a cyclist pedals the bike. The importance of the flywheel governs the motion of the bike. In fact, the heavier the wheel is, the smoother the movement is. Home-based spin bikes have a flywheel weight of approximately 40 lbs. Commercial spin bikes have a displacement of about 50 lbs. It is better to avoid buying a spin bike, which has a flywheel of fewer than 35 pounds. If the wheel weighs below 35 pounds, it is too light to offer a seamless motion.
Drive System:
Spinning bikes have two different types of drive systems, i.e., chain-based and belt based. Fitness experts claim that it is advisable to opt for a belt based spinning bike. It is far more superior to its chain based counterpart. It doesn’t require as much maintenance as a chain based drive system. Also, adjusting the belts is easier. The belt-based spinning bikes generate lesser noise than their chain based counterparts. Models like Sunny SF-B1002 are recommended for being the best belt based spinning bikes.
Mode of Resistance:
There are four types of resistance in a spinning bike- cable resistance, manual screw resistance, electronic resistance, and magnetic resistance. Cable resistance is only available in low-end bikes. Fitness experts don’t recommend them because they tend to slip. This quality makes them unreliable.
The manual screw resistance involves a knob. Simply put, it works as an analog system.
Electronic, magnetic brakes apply to utilize a small hydraulic for moving a magnet to apply resistance to a flywheel.
Electromagnetic systems use an electromagnetic field to create resistance. So, they do not need any moving parts.
Bike Pedals:
Most spinning bikes have a toe strap attached. These toe straps provide stability. Some commercial bikes have a different belt for the SPD cleat on special cycling shoes. These cleats are more secure than the toe straps.
Display Screen:
Nearly all the spinning bikes have a display screen. The first spinning bikes show the total distance traveled, the estimated calories burnt, and the speed of the bike. A few more expensive bikes display real-time information about the heart rate of the user.
Adjustability:
All the indoor bikes have adjustable seats and handles. Different bikes have different levels of adjustability.
It becomes an essential factor if the user is overweight or too tall.
Wheels:
Spin bikes have heavy flywheels, which make them more difficult to transport them from one place to another. So, many spinning bikes have transportation wheels, mainly if they are used at home.
Bottle Holder:
Spinning is a strenuous task, which leads to sweat. So, it is natural for the user to stay hydrated. As a result, most of the spinning bikes have a bottle holder.
Keiser is a reputed brand in the world of fitness. It churns out premium fitness products. The Keiser M3i Indoor Bike, made of premium quality materials, is easy to assemble. Reviews from top-level athletes reveal that it is the best indoor bike. Users often do not want to hit the gym when the weather is cold or rainy. This particular model makes people run out of excuses.
The built-in computer keeps track of the time on bike, calories. Watts and trip distance. A media tray provides space for the phone or tablet of the user. Along the V frame of the handlebars, there is space for a water bottle. They have light flywheels, a bright LCD, horizontal handlebars, and adjustable
features.
The Q factor:
It is the width of the gap between the two paths the feet of the users follow.
Beginners are often confused about which spinning bike to buy. The market is flooded with spinning bikes of different shapes and features. Even after a customer has purchased a spinning bike, he may many questions that are not answered behind the box. So, let us check out the frequently asked questions:
FAQS:
- What is the correct saddle height?
There is nothing called correct saddle height for all athletes. The best saddle height for one athlete may not be suitable for another athlete. When the user sits on the saddle or seat, there should be a slight bend on the knees. The leg should be positioned on the bottom pedal.
- What spin bikes do gyms use?
It gets difficult for gym owners to invest in spinning bikes that break after a few months. So, they use commercial machines from premium brands like Keiser and Schwinn.
- Do indoor bikes need a lot of maintenance?
It is essential to clean the indoor bikes regularly. After each workout, the seat needs to be wiped off from it. The chain may need to be lubricated with oil frequently. Apart from these fundamental hygiene issues, an indoor bike doesn’t need much maintenance. The drive system is enclosed to prevent any damage. So, the user has to ensure that all the pedals, screws, and toe strap attachments are tightly fixed. If the indoor bikes are battery-operated, they need to be changed as soon as they start running low.
- Is it possible to buy a fully assembled indoor bike?
Unfortunately, this feature is not available as yet. Generally, the customers need to assemble the indoor bike after it has been delivered. The installation might take any amount of time from 30 minutes to 3 hours. However, if the customer buys an indoor bike from a specialist store, he may pay them extra to send some along to assemble it.
- Can the seat be changed if it is uncomfortable?
If the user sits for 30 minutes at a stretch, the seat might feel uncomfortable. The racing saddles that may come with some indoor bikes are hard and thin. So, they may prove more nervous than the positions of regular indoor bikes. So, many users place a gel seat cover over the top. To increase the comfort level. They may also replace the existing uncomfortable seats with a more comfortable position.
- What if the bike is too difficult or too easy to pedal?
The user should refer to his user manual to adjust the tension cable if he has a mechanical resistant bike.
- Chain Drive or Belt Drive- who wins the debate?
Both the chain drive and belt drive have their pros and cons. A chain drive lasts longer. It also allows for backward and forward pedaling. The pedals are connected to the drive system. As a result, the pedals continue spinning until the user applies brakes. However, it is noisy.
On the contrary, the flywheel is free spinning in a belt drive system. However, the wheel spins independently, even after the customer stops pedaling. Eventually, the belt wears out and needs replacement. Luckily, it is an independent job.
- Will a heavier Flywheel give better results?
Spinning bikes use heavy flywheels that are connected to the pedals. They feel more like road bikes.
- What are the different types of tension?
Indoor bikes use any one of the three types of resistance to provide tension. This resistance makes pedaling softer or harder.
An upright fan wheel bike has a large open-air flywheel. Here, the resistance increases when the user pedals faster. The user pedals more quickly to generate more wind resistance.
This faster pedaling makes the workout more challenging. Air resistant bikes do not possess adjustable strength.
The second design provides mechanical resistance. A tension belt wrapped around a flywheel provides mechanical resistance. The tension is adjusted with the help of a tension knob. It is mounted on the frame that is located before the cyclist. It controls the brake pads by applying pressure to the strap.
The most modern design uses a magnetic resistance flywheel similar to the one used on elliptical trainers.
- What is the difference between Spin Bike and Upright bike?
A spin bike imitates a road bike. The drive system and pedals remain busy. The pedal and the flywheel continue to revolve simultaneously. On the other hand, an Upright Bike has a free-spinning magnetic flywheel. The brakes stop moving the moment the user stops pedaling.
- Is a spinning bike worth it?
Spinning may be used for exercise throughout the lifetime, with minimum service.
- May I use a spinning bike regularly?
Those who use a spinning bike regularly should take rest for at least a day. If he uses the spinning bike to make times a day, he might end up injuring himself.
- Is spinning an excellent way to lose fat?
Spinning is a proven way of losing fat. Studies reveal that one bout of moderate-intensity exercises may be replaced with two 30 minute sessions of spinning. However, the amount of body fat a person loses also depends upon the number of times he exercised per week and the dietary pattern he followed.
- How long does it take to see the results of spinning?
There will be an increase in the energy level and enhanced strength in the lower body within 2-3 weeks.
- Does spinning reduce belly fat?
Spinning burns several thousands of calories per hour. As a result, it is recommended for weight loss.
- How many times should I spin per day?
Professional fitness instructors recommend spinning a week thrice.
- Is spinning suitable for the knees?
Spinning strengthens the muscles and ligaments that are responsible for knee pain. So, fitness trainers say that spinning reduces knee pain.
- How much does a good spinning bike cost?
The price of a kind spinning bike may go up to $399.99.
- Name some of the best spinning bikes to buy:
Some of the best spinning bikes available in the market are:
Sunny Health and Fitness SFB1805, Life Fitness Lifecycle GX Group exercise bike, Keiser M3 Indoor Cycle, and Diamondback Fitness 5101c Indoor cycling and
Conclusion:
To conclude, spin bikes provide all body work out. So, they may eliminate other fitness machines from the market. However, a cardinal rule is to research the different models of spinning bikes and read their reviews. This research will help people choose a spinning bike, which is most suitable for them. A wisely chosen spinning bike paves the way for the excellent health of the user.