How to Buy an Exercise Bike

Upright exercise bikes vs. recumbent bikes

There are two main types of exercise bikes: upright and recumbent. An upright exercise bike has a vertical orientation and looks like a regular bicycle. Upright bikes allow for more movement, such as riding while standing on the pedals or in a racing position, which can give you a more strenuous workout but also be harder on your back. On a recumbent bike, the rider is seated against a backrest, with legs out in front.

Experts differ about the comparative health benefits of upright vs. recumbent exercise bikes. Most like recumbent bikes for their comfort and ease of use, especially for people with back pain or those who are new to exercise, but some fitness experts also point out that recumbent bikes encourage a slower, less intense workout. As a result, serious cyclists often prefer upright bikes because they more closely replicate riding an actual bike. However, upright bikes also attract a lot of complaints for their hard and uncomfortable seats. One solution is to purchase a bicycle seat cover, which typically is stuffed with padding or gel, or buy a pair of padded bike shorts.

Overall, most reviewers agree that the upright vs. recumbent choice is more a matter of personal comfort than health benefit. Most exercise bike manufacturers will offer both styles in any one series, and you can find both types at every price range. It's a good idea to try out both a recumbent and upright exercise bike in a store or gym to determine which type is most comfortable for you. You'll also want to consult with a fitness and/or medical professional about your goals and the machines you're considering for purchase.

Experts agree that there are certain things to think about before buying an exercise bike, as well as important features to look for, regardless of the style, brand or price range:

• Consider your home exercise goals and have realistic expectations about how often you will use an exercise bike. According to The New York Times, the optimism and motivation of starting a home exercise program can lead users to purchase a more elaborate and expensive piece of equipment than they actually need. And a survey from a leading consumer organization shows that 40 percent of people who buy home exercise machines use them less than they expected.

• Decide on standard features. Even the most basic of exercise bikes should have some varying resistance levels and a seat that can be adjusted for users of different heights. A quiet bike is also important, especially if you live in an apartment building. Additional features to look for include programming options, heart-rate monitors, an LCD display, a book rest and a bottle holder.

• Check out the heart-rate monitor. Most exercise bikes include a heart-rate monitor, but inexpensive bikes usually rely on handgrips rather than a more accurate chest strap. Some models offer a feature that automatically adjusts the resistance according to your target heart rate.

• Try out the seat and pedal adjustments. The seat should adjust quickly and easily to accommodate users of varying heights. The seat should be comfortable, and on a recumbent model the back should feel fully supported. Pedals should be wide, with a strap or toe cage to keep your feet in place.

• Test out the seat when shopping for an upright bike. Upright exercise bikes attract a lot of complaints for their hard, uncomfortable seats. These seats aren't very cushioned and put a lot of pressure on sensitive areas. One option is to purchase a bicycle seat cover filled with padding or gel; you can also find padded bike shorts that will alleviate some of that discomfort.

• Test its stability. An exercise bike should not wobble or shake while you ride. The heavier the bike, the more stable -- but it should be light enough that you can move it easily. Most exercise bikes have built-in transport wheels that make moving easier.

• Listen for excessive noise. Some exercise bikes can be pretty noisy, especially those that use air resistance. This isn't a problem for everyone, but a loud exercise bike may make it difficult to listen to music or watch television while you work out.

• Seek out a shrouded wheel and chain if you have small children in the house so tiny fingers can't get pinched. According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates, nearly 8,700 children under the age of five are injured from exercise equipment each year; the figure climbs to 16,500 for children between the ages of 5 to 14. Enclosed mechanics cut down on dust and noise as well as protect curious children and pets.

• Scrutinize the warranty. It should be at least a one-year warranty and include labor. Most manufacturers offer longer warranties on parts and frame, but the labor warranty is important because a technician will generally need to come to your home for service. Reviews indicate that exercise bikes in general are less repair-prone than other types of home fitness equipment.

If you already own a road bike, you might want to purchase a stand that will let your bicycle double as an indoor trainer. This is especially useful for competitive cyclists who want to continue riding during the winter. For those on a budget, the Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer (*Est. $80) gets good reviews from users at Amazon.com. Although it's noisy, the Bell trainer provides an inexpensive way to move your training indoors. Serious cyclists may want to take a look at the CycleOps Fluid 2 (*Est. $320), which gets high marks for its quiet operation and sturdy feel.