What Are the Types of Exercise Bikes?
The idea of heading to the gym in the early morning hours or after a hard day's work might not be particularly appealing. But what if you could settle in to watch your favorite television show or read a good book while pedaling away calories in the comfort of your own home? An exercise bike may be just what you need to stay motivated. There are many types of exercise bikes; which one is best for you depends on your home gym needs.
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Upright Bikes
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Upright bikes are designed to be ridden like a regular bicycle -- with the rider sitting vertically or leaning slightly forward, using the handlebars for support. This style is the most compact.
Recumbents
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Recumbent bikes allow riders to sit, back supported, with their legs stretched out to pedals in front of them. Recumbent bikes engage the gluteal muscles more intensely than upright bikes, and the backrest makes it easy to engage in other activities, such as reading, while biking. Most models include hand grips for support.
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Mini Exercise Bikes
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A mini exercise bike, also referred to as a seatless or pedal exerciser, is simply a set of pedals that offer resistance. You to use your own chair or couch for a seat. Straps hold your feet while you pedal.
Cross-Trainers
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Cross-trainer bikes come in the above models, but they simultaneously work your upper body with resistance handlebars or a seat that serves as a weight bench.
Ellipticals
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Elliptical bikes provide a workout more similar to running or walking than cycling, but they closely resemble a bike in construction, allowing you to sit or lean on the handles while you workout.
X Bike
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The X-Bike offers a workout almost identical to cycling in the outdoors. The rotating handlebars require you to engage your core muscles and upper body to keep your balance as you simulate riding up hills.
Additional Features and Cost
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As of 2009, patents are in the works for exercise bikes to suit unique needs. Among them are the Bike Dream Machine, a bike with an attached bassinet that gently rocks a baby while you work out.
Depending on your budget, each type of bike is available in simple or complex models with features that monitor distance, calories burned, resistance, speed and time elapsed.
Bikes are available with preprogrammed workouts, virtual trails, music players and LCD television monitors.
Depending on the type and features you prefer, exercise bikes ranges from as low as $100 to upwards of $8,000 dollars, as of August 2009.
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