Bevy Of Choices In Exercise Bikes

There are more models of exercise bikes than ever. Technology has brought change to the simple bike. There are inexpensive models composed of nothing more than pedals, wheel, and handles. There are also all manner of electronic machines that monitor unlimited information. Of course the technology comes with a price. The choice of what is necessary is up to the consumer. The key is to be motivated to exercise.

Any outdoor bike can be set up to be a fitness cycle. This is the least costly option. Simply by lifting the rear tire off the floor any bike can be converted to a stationary machine. The wheel can then turn freely without the bicycle moving. If the bike is equipped with a multiple gears the machine can provide different levels of resistance allowing it to accommodate riders of different strength..

Another option is a simple stationary bike made for that job. These include a speedometer, odometer for tracking miles ridden and a way to adjust resistance. The resistance is usually controlled by twisting a knob on these basic machines. This increases pressure on the belt or wheel.

The basic types of stationary bikes have the plus of being inexpensive. They do not provide the variety of tracking and information provided by the new computerized units. These basic models are now becoming obsolete and harder to find. They are being replaced with electronic models with more features. Finding used machines is an option.

Computerized models have the usual tracking abilities of mileage, resistance and speed. Lighted digitized displays show the information. Resistance changes can be made by simply pressing a button. Tracking of burned calories helps with diet. These machines are usually powered by the energy the rider generates through pedaling. Displays don’t light up until exercise commences.

More complex models are also available with programs designed for more efficiency. There are timed workouts where the resistance varies throughout the ride. There are sprints and mountain climbs. The settings can be adjusted to the fitness level of the rider. These also include pulse monitors in the handle grips. These stationary bicycles generally need to be plugged in to source of electricity.

Modern exercise bikes have convenience and more memory. The recall riders previous performances, individual preferences, and health. It is up to the rider to choose the one that will provide the desire to work out regularly. The additional technology may provide this.

John Charles has been in the fitness world for the past ten years and is very knowlegeable about exercise bikes and upright exercise bikes.