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Are you looking for an effective cardiovascular low impact workout from home? Exercise bikes provide a great workout with less stress on the knees and hips than running or jogging. Some bikes are even equipped with high tech programs and games to help keep you motivated.
TopConsumerReviews.com reviews and ranks the best exercise bikes available today.
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Exercise bikes, also known as stationary bikes, are a great way to get an excellent cardiovascular workout at home when it best fits into your schedule. Exercise bikes also strengthen and nicely tone your legs, butt, stomach, and other muscles, and do so with less impact on the knees and lower back than other forms of exercise.
There are two general types of exercise bikes for home use: upright bikes and recumbent bikes. The upright exercise bike is similar to your standard road bike, with a saddle seat, and pedals positioned directly underneath the legs. 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.
A recumbent exercise bike is more like sitting in a padded chair with back support. The pedals are situated straight ahead like a recliner. Recumbent bikes provide more comfort and ease of use, especially for those with back problems or who feel unstable
sitting high off the ground. Recumbent bikes can also encourage a less intense workout, which is good for those people looking to gently exercise at their own pace. In the end, choosing a recumbent bike or an upright bike is ultimately a matter of preference to the user.
Several different brands of exercise bikes exist today and they range greatly in cost and quality. Before you make the move to purchase an exercise bike, consider the following:
• Cost. What is the price range for the products offered? How do these prices compare with other brands?
• Weight Capacity. What is the maximum body
weight allowed on the equipment?
• Return Policy. Does the company enable you to return products for a full refund?
• Guarantee. Should a piece or part of the bike break, does the company offer any guarantee for replacement?
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best exercise bikes available today. We hope you find these reviews helpful in finding a healthier, leaner you!
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Founded in 1977, SportsArt began building fitness products for other companies in 1981. Throughout the '80s and '90s, SportsArt made exercise equipment for companies such as Schwinn, Universal, Precor and Tunturi. As a result of their commitment to superior engineering, Sports Art has focused on new product innovation and has established themselves as a leader with commercial
and residential
exercise equipment.
SportsArt Fitness provides superior quality exercise bikes. The bikes are adjustable to deliver an effective and comfortable workout for all body types. They have the largest selection of quality recumbent and upright exercise bikes, with a range that can meet anyone's needs.
SportsArt Fitness exercise bikes feature state-of-the-art displays that can monitor both cardio and weight loss goals. SportsArt Fitness is the
only company to provide infrared remote controls on some of their bikes and infinitely adjustable seat positions so that any user can feel comfortable during their exercise.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Recumbent and Upright
• Price Range: $1,099-$5,299
• Different Models:10
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 350-450
• Return Policy: 30 day
• Guarantee: Lifetime frame, 5 years parts, 3 -7 years electronics
• Shipping: Free
SportsArt Fitness provides commercial grade home exercise bikes that are built to last. We were also pleased to find that SportsArt Fitness provides some of the best guarantees in the market.
For the best quality and most comfortable exercise bikes, SportsArt Fitness rides at the head of the pack.
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The Livestrong brand fitness equipment is a newer line of exercise bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines that come endorsed by cyclist Lance Armstrong. Livestrong has also received positive reviews from Bicycling Magazine, Gizmodo and Sports Business Journal For those philanthropist focused, Livestrong makes an emphasis of passing a piece of each sale to help improve the lives
of people affected by cancer.
The Livestrong exercise bikes are sturdy and built to last. You can choose from either upright or recumbent models. Either way, seat and handlebar height are quick-release adjustable for a comfortable ride.
The computer on each bike is programmed to tell the serious exerciser their current heart rate, distance, RPM and calories used. Livestrong does not cater to those looking to be entertained by
dashboard games. These exercise bikes most mimic the road versions - not a shocker since Lance Armstrong endorses them.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Recumbent and Upright
• Cost Range: $699 - $1,699
• Different Models: 3
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 290
• Return Policy: None.
• Guarantee: 5 years frame, 2 years parts, 1 labor
• Shipping: Free
Livestrong makes high quality exercise equipment. If you are a serious biker looking for a solid stationary bike, these will probably look and feel the closest to your road version. Priced higher than some other brands, we took comfort in the notable guarantee
that protects your investment for years to come. We found several positive comments from consumers and were encouraged by the reviews found in major magazines. Livestrong exercise bikes are a good choice.
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Healthrider is made by ICON Health & Fitness, the largest developer, manufacturer and marketer of fitness products worldwide. In the early 1990's, millions of people had heard of the HealthRider total body fitness machine that brought innovative technology to a low impact work out . Twenty years later the new lines of fitness equipment from HealthRider provide a unique,
low impact workout using new technology. Healthrider is better known for it's treadmills and rider exercise machines, although they do produce a recumbent exercise bike that's affordable for a home gym on a budget.
Healthrider exercise bikes provide built in games in certain model and built in workouts in all models to create a more enjoyable and entertaining exercise experience.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Upright and recumbent
• Cost Range: $399-999
• Different Models: 3
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 250-300
• Return Policy: 30-day trial period on all products. less to and from shipping charges. A 10% restocking fee is also charged on all returned merchandise.
• Guarantee: 90 day limited warranty that covers defects, materials and workmanship. You'll see the option to add extended coverage during your
checkout process.
• Shipping: Free
You can expect a decent workout from Healthrider for the novice rider. The console is simple and shows you speed, distance and pulse while
you work out. You also get heart rate monitoring with grips on the side arms. SMR Silent Magnetic Resistance system provides a smooth ride even when changing intensity.
We found several counts of satisfied customers. The more expensive models provided a more comfortable ride. Healthrider is a decent option with iFit compatibility and other interactive tools.
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LifeCORE Fitness, Inc. started in the early 90's as an owner/operators of fitness retail stores. LifeCORE Fitness recently started manufacturing their own exercise equipment and has kept the consumer wants in mind in the design. . LifeCORE Fitness has a mission to make the highest quality equipment that is easy to use, and is a good value for the consumer. They also pride themselves
on excellent customer service.
Each exercise bike comes with preset workout programs, time, speed, calories tracker and heart sensors. Anticipate a multi adjustable seat for comfort and fit as well as a low profile console to allow for easy TV viewing. The bikes offer magnetic resistance and a large LED display.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Upright and recumbent
• Cost Range: $999- $1,799
• Different Models: 4
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 300
• Return Policy: 30 day return policy minus shipping
• Guarantee: 2-7 Years Parts and 90 day - 1 Year Labor
• Shipping: Free
Priced a little higher than many other exercise bikes in our review, we liked the quality and warranty but would have liked a little more information on the equipment to feel comfortable with this size of a long term investment. We did find customer comments of a smooth and quiet ride without knee and back pain. Many customers thought the programs were simple and easy to use. We
did like the customer service team at LifeCORE Fitness and they answered our questions quickly and effectively. All in all LifeCORE is a good choice for those with deep pockets.
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ProForm is a high selling brand of fitness equipment in world, with more sales of treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and fitness equipment than any other brand. Proform is made by Icon Health & Fitness, Inc., the world's largest manufacturer of fitness and exercise equipment. Although the company originally sold just to home consumers, it now sells its equipment to commercial
users such as health and fitness clubs. Icon is a major player in the world of fitness, a multibillion-dollar industry.
With Proform having sold thousands of exercise bikes it was easy to find customer feedback on their products. Most agreed that Proform was best designed for the beginner to intermediate exerciser. With some lower priced models available you can anticipate a basic exercise bike with some programs, a heart rate sensor, and a pacer to help optimize your workout. We found some reports
of durability
issues and odd noises, but overall average comments on set up and quality.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Upright and recumbent
• Cost Range: $299-999
• Different Models: 4
• Financing Available: Yes
• Weight Capacity: 250-300
• Return Policy: No
• Guarantee: 5-7 Years Frame and 90 day parts and labor
• Shipping: Free
We liked that Proform provides some lower price products for those on a budget. The warranty is a little better than average on the frame and the different models have a good array of features. Proform does an admirable job of offering the latest technology in some of their products, including games, iFit, Live and more. If you are on a budget, are a beginner to intermediate rider,
a ProForm exercise bike is worth consideration.
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NordicTrack was founded as PSI NordicTrack, Inc. in 1975 by Edward Pauls who had studied mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin at Madison and was a designer of ski boots and bindings for the Minnesota based Rosemount, Inc. NordicTrack is best known for its cross-country ski simulator which ruled the home fitness equipment market in the late 80's. Since that time the
company
has manufactured several different pieces of fitness equipment including treadmills, strength trainers, exercise bikes, elliptical machines, and more.
NordicTrack exercise bikes have their pros and cons. Most customers have reported a smooth ride and a decent yet wobbly display. The workout and games on some of the consoles are a nice to have feature. Most notably, the machines are extremely quiet when working well. That's nice for someone that wants to watch TV or workout without bothering others. Unfortunately
we found several accounts of construction issues, a developed vibration, and serious belt issues. Problems often started immediately and were very frustrating to deal with. Many customers also find the seat very uncomfortable.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Upright and recumbent
• Cost Range: $399-799
• Different Models: 4
• Financing Available: Payments
• Weight Capacity: 250-350
• Return Policy: No
• Guarantee: 5-7 years on the frame and 90 days - 1 year parts and labor
• Shipping: Free
Some of the bells and whistles of the NordicTrack exercise bikes make them attractive, especially given the cost of the equipment. However, numerous customer complaints regarding manufacturing defects and wear issues brought us concerns. If you have a desire to try a NordicTrack exercise bike, purchasing an extended warranty is a must.
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Gold's Gym started in 1965 and has since expanded globally to a well respected commercial gym for serious body builders and exercise fanatics. Unfortunately, the home equipment doesn't provide the same quality that we would expect with the Gold's Gym name on it.
Gold's Gym exercise bikes are super low priced and as a result seem to come with a lot of issues. You can anticipate a no-bells-and-whistles, standard exercise bike with fewer pre-programmed workouts then most other brands. On the other hand they do feature a built in fan and an adjustable seat.
Durability and equipment issues are the largest issues of the Gold's Gym exercise bikes. We found numerous complaints of bad or missing assembly instructions, extending setup time to hours or sometimes days. Many customers who have the exercise bike 90 days or more report serious complaints
about quality, any many of the bikes are unrepairable.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Recumbent and Upright
• Cost Range: $197-237
• Different Models: 3
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 250
• Return Policy: None
• Guarantee: 90 days
• Shipping: Free
Priced well below the average for home exercise bikes, we weren't surprised that the quality of the equipment was less than satisfactory. The guarantee is too short to manage the quality issues that seem to come with these bikes. We recommend you shop for an exercise bike from a higher ranked provider with a better durability history.
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Weslo is another Icon product. Icon Health & Fitness, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of fitness and exercise equipment. Although the company originally sold just to home consumers, it now sells its equipment to commercial
users such as health and fitness clubs. Icon is a major player in the world of fitness, a multibillion-dollar industry. We have to assume that Weslo must be their lowest-end brand name. You would be hard-pressed to find exercise bikes any cheaper than a Weslo. Unfortunately that's not a good thing when it comes to home exercise equipment.
We found several complaints of Weslo exercise bikes falling apart within the first week of use. What a disappointment to start a fitness routine and have it stopped so abruptly by faulty equipment.
Equipment overview:
• Type of Exercise Bike: Recumbent and Upright
• Cost Range: $99-249
• Different Models: 11
• Financing Available: No
• Weight Capacity: 250
• Return Policy: None
• Guarantee: 90 days
• Shipping: Free
Weslo offers the barest models of exercise bikes. They rave about a fan and a comfortable seat. While basic is good at times, cheap is not. Exercise bikes that don't run smoothly or suffer from equipment failure can be hard on your body and your wallet. We recommend you shop a brand that offers products of better quality, even if the cost is more. Ultimately you'll save money by only having to buy an exercise bike once. Exercise
equipment should not be disposable, but more of an investment into your health.
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Exercise Bikes in the News
Jeff Woodworth doesn?t know it but he?s my nemesis.
Publ.Date : Sun, 15 Apr 2012 08:03:36 -0700
Following in the footsteps of the Ciclotte design, it looks like exercise equipment continues to get a makeover. Moving away from clunky equipment that often folds away to stay out-of-sight, two new pieces are designed to adorn a living room. TECHNOGYM presented their latest range of exercise equipment during Milan Design Week 2012, while LUNAR's striking Vela concept turns your home workout ...
Publ.Date : Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:30:32 -0700
Perhaps the most unexpected message from the new fitness book "The First 20 Minutes" is not that we all need to exercise more to achieve better health. We just need to do something.
Publ.Date : Thu, 03 May 2012 17:00:24 -0700
After low demand and expanding imports caused the industry to undergo a severe downturn, operators will benefit from an improving economy and rising demand. As the public's health and fitness concerns grow, demand for related exercise equipment will increase, resulting in a modest rise in revenue. Still, manufacturers will face the threat of import penetration, as more corporations move their ...
Publ.Date : Sat, 12 May 2012 01:02:28 -0700
Like most kids his age, 11-year-old Daniel Glaspie loves to ride his bike. The fact that he gets to ride it as part of the Boys on Bikes program at South Side Elementary School makes the experience that much better.
Publ.Date : Tue, 01 May 2012 19:35:07 -0700
For years, drivers on Dockton Road, beachgoers at Tramp Harbor and visitors to the Island have been delighted, or at least bemused, by a row of old exercise bikes that were left at Portage.
Publ.Date : Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:05:19 -0700
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If you've decided to get into better shape and lose those extra pounds an exercise bike is a great place to start. Exercise bikes are the most popular home fitness equipment in the United States. With hundreds of thousands of bikes sold each year they continue to gain in popularity and use. Whether your specific fitness goals are modest or much bigger a home exercise bike provides several benefits:
• Good cardiovascular workout.
• Low impact to joint and knees.
• Convenient for any schedule.
• Cost effective over other options.
How to Buy an Exercise Bike
A number of brands and models of exercise bikes exist today and knowing which one is right for you can be a challenge. Save yourself the hassle of driving from store to store to listen to a fast talking salesman discuss why their over-priced model is the best option. Instead, pull up a chair to your computer and make a well informed purchase that you feel confident with. The internet brings you the widest variety of exercise bikes to choose
from. Conveniently shop when it best fits into your schedule and quickly compare and contrast products and features that are important to you.
Tips to buying an exercise bike include:
• Consider what type of exercise bike is best for you. There are two types of exercise bikes for home use and each has its pros and cons. The upright bike is similar to your standard road bike, with pedals positioned directly underneath the legs and a version of a saddle seat. These are the most popular exercise bikes available on the market and allow for more movement, such as riding while
standing on the pedals. The upright bike is said to offer the more strenuous workout for those that enjoy testing their
endurance. The recumbent exercise bike is another option to consider. Riding a recumbent bike is like sitting in a padded chair with a nice back support. The pedals are situated straight and you sit low to the ground. Recumbent bikes provide more comfort and ease of use, especially for those with back problems or who feel uneasy sitting high off the ground. Recumbent bikes are said to offer a less intense workout, which is good for those looking to gently exercise at their own pace. In the end, choosing a recumbent
bike or an upright bike is ultimately a matter of preference to the buyer.
• Read product reviews. Find independent product reviews and consumer feedback that will give you insight into finding a quality product that is built to last. Independent product reviews also save you time in your search and generally improve overall customer satisfaction. Knowing which products to avoid allows you to focus on those that have historically performed well. Reading product
reviews and consumer feedback is going to give you
the insight you need to be confident in your decision.
• Consider the best fit. For those over 200 pounds it's important to check the maximum body weight allowed on the bike you're considering. A bike will feel wobbly or shaky if designed for lighter individuals. The bike may even begin to malfunction if not meant for specific weight range. Adjustable components on a bike are important as well. Everyone is built different and being able to adjust
the seat height, pedals, handlebars and more
is going to make for a more successful purchase. A comfortable workout is going to be a more successful workout.
• Compare prices among brands. Again, independent reviews will help you do this quicker but you can also compare prices yourself. With so many types of exercise equipment you'll see a wide range of prices on exercise bikes. As long as you have a realistic opinion of what a quality exercise bike cost you'll find it's easy to compare and contrast bikes to find what you're looking for.
• Look for a return policy and product warranty. In the event that your bike arrives and you've changed your mind it's good to know that you have a period of time to return for your money back. Also, with any fitness equipment purchase you should anticipate a product warranty. Warranties can vary greatly between products. Consider a product that comes with a warranty that extends well past
a year when parts and components start to wear
out.
In summary, shopping online for an exercise bike offers many benefits over more traditional methods. Choose from the largest selection, easily compare features, prices and warranties, and read independent product reviews that bring you insight and confidence in your decision making.
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