How To Choose The Right Spin Bike

Our Buying Guide

Spinning is one of the truly great ways to get fit. This activity is still a popular fitness class at gyms across the world years after it started trending. 

The best part? You can spin regardless of your fitness level. For newbies, it can be a tough but productive way to get fit quickly. For those of you who are pretty fit already, you can take your fitness to the next level with regular sessions. If you've seen “Run Fatboy Run,” you'll have a good idea of what it does to your legs. 

If you are unlucky, your gym will be one of the ones with a waiting list. So, what better way to get around this than by getting your own spinning bike?

Owning your own bike is one of the best ways to enjoy spinning and stay in shape. You save time by removing the commute to the gym, and for many of us, it is just the encouragement we need when gym classes seem intimidating. 

That's why we have created this handy guide on how to choose the right spin bike. Here's what you need to know about bringing a spin bike home. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Spin Bike

There's quite a lot that goes into choosing the bike for you. Here's how to choose the right spin bike based on these common factors: 

Budget

If you are an active spinner who can't justify the gym fees every year, buying a perfect bike makes sense. You might be concerned about the initial cost of purchasing the bike. However, you'll eventually save money compared to the gym membership, and the great features will be worth it because you'll use your bike regularly. 

You might be a beginner and not know if you're committed to using your bike for daily exercise, or someone that doesn't have the money for an elaborate bike but wants to get started with home workouts. If so, we recommend investing in a bike on the lower end of the price scale. 

For less than $300, you can land a Sunny Pro or L Know Indoor Cycling Bike. Both of which will give you exactly what you need. 

Bike Quality

Undoubtedly, you can get good-quality spin bikes in all price ranges. But naturally, if you pay more, you'll get a better bike and better features. 

Bikes like the Keiser M3 Plus Indoor cycle can set you back more than $1000. These bikes are worth the price for the following reasons:

• They handle more weight
• They will likely last much longer than cheaper bikes
• They're made with durable materials
• They come with a built-in computer display with metrics, and fully adjustable seats and handlebars

Lifestyle

Besides your own financial concerns deciding which bike you chose, how serious you are about spinning should affect your choice. This activity requires commitment, and you'll need to use your bike at least three times a week. If you purchase your bike and barely use it because you're too busy with work or other fitness routines, you won't see the workout results that come with spinning.

If you are unsure about how you'll find spinning or aren't think about using it as your main exercise, then spending a lot on a fancy bike won't make too much sense. 

Resistance

This is an important part of how to choose the right spin bike. Being able to choose your tension level is a great advantage to a workout. Indeed, resistance training has amazing health benefits, including improved muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. 

The most basic bikes will have belt drives. Belt drives use a chain or a belt to lock in with the pedals. They are extremely quiet and reliable, with very little friction. They need very little upkeep and are easy to adjust. All these factors make the basic spin bikes ideal for beginners. 

However, magnetic resistance is a real game-changer. The resistance it creates can produce workouts so hard even the most experienced spinners will struggle. The closer the magnets get to the flywheel, the harder it gets to pedal. This system generally allows the bikes to include different terrain settings so that you can vary your workouts for different scenarios and difficulties. 

Bikes with magnetic resistance will last for a long time because no friction would come from brake pads. 

Features to Look Out for in a Spin Bike

Flywheel

Most people first think a computer display is the key feature of the best bikes. Actually, it is probably the flywheel, which is located at the front. This wheel is raised off the ground and propels the bike's mechanics. 

It is considered the most important part of a spin bike because it determines your speed and momentum. Naturally, this means this is the wheel that also really engages your muscles and works you out.

The flywheel affects the smoothness of your ride and the gains you can make. Riding is much smoother with a heavier wheel, which also pushes you harder when you spin, too. We recommend looking at bikes with flywheels weighing closer to 40lbs if you can afford it. 

Computer Displays

Computer displays are what separates an outdated and difficult bike from a convenient and efficient model. Quality displays give you information on time, distance, heart rate, and other metrics. This allows you to monitor your ride as you go and assess it afterward. 

Many riders find these metrics extremely motivating while they ride, as they give you targets to reach. Micro targets throughout your workout prepare you to achieve your ultimate fitness goals because you're encouraged to push yourself one goal at a time. 

Adjustable Seats and Handlebars

Also, look out for adjustable seats and handlebars. Unfortunately, not all bikes guarantee comfortable and durable materials. That's why it's essential to test out your bike before you start using it. If it doesn't fit your height and it's uncomfortable, you need to send it back.

Final Thoughts

Whatever bike you buy, you will get good exercise, as long as you use it. Not everyone has to be training for the Tour de France; they need to get their workouts and achieve their fitness goals. 

There are many bikes of all budgets and qualities that will deliver the results you're looking for. Consider these important factors before you bring your new bike home and start spinning!