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What are the Different Types of Indoor Bikes?

Vicki Hogue-Davies
Vicki Hogue-Davies

A popular piece of home fitness equipment, the indoor exercise bike generally comes in two basic styles: upright and recumbent. Within those styles, bikes can vary greatly and can have a variety of features, from simple pulse rate monitors built into handlebars to virtual reality systems for more fun while cycling. Indoor bikes are also called exercise bikes or stationary bikes.

Upright indoor bikes, as the name implies, allow users to sit in an upright position like they would on a typical outdoor bicycle. These are the most common style of stationary bikes and can be ideal for the person who doesn't have back issues or trouble sitting upright without back support. They also come in various sizes, and some models can be folded and stowed away when not in use.

Upright indoor bikes mimic standard road bicycles.
Upright indoor bikes mimic standard road bicycles.

Recumbent bikes also come in foldaway styles as well as fixed styles. Recumbent bikes place users in a reclining position with their legs out in front of them while pedaling. Wide seats with back support make recumbent bikes popular with people who have back, neck and other issues, as well as those just seeking a more comfortable workout.

A common feature of many indoor bikes are displays that show workout information such as heart rate, calories burned, distance traveled and more. Consoles for holding books and magazines in place are also found on many stationary bikes. Indoor bikes also allow users to vary their workouts by changing resistance levels and speeds. Different resistance systems that can be found on indoor bikes include direct tension that uses mechanical braking, air resistance using a fan and magnetic resistance. The magnetic resistance exercise bike uses a magnet and typically provides a smoother, quieter ride.

The magnetic exercise bike uses a magnet and provides a smoother, quieter ride.
The magnetic exercise bike uses a magnet and provides a smoother, quieter ride.

Interactive exercise bikes allow users to watch video games, television or surf the Internet while they ride. These indoor bikes feature viewing screens and come in both upright and recumbent styles. Video game bikes often come with a variety of games that put users in the middle of different virtual reality situations to help them have fun and pass the time while exercising.

A spinning bike may be more appropriate for more advanced bikers.
A spinning bike may be more appropriate for more advanced bikers.

The ultimate indoor bikes in terms of portability are models that consist only of the pedal portion and do not have seats. These "mini" indoor bikes allow users to sit in comfortable chairs with the unit placed in front of them. This type of exercise bike also can be placed on a table so users can peddle with their hands to tone their arms and shoulders.

Discussion Comments

donasmrs

I use a mini bike indoors for exercise. It's actually not really a bike. It's more like a box with steps that allows one to exercise while sitting down. So it's a great way for potato couches like me to get some extra exercise during the day.

serenesurface

@fBoyle-- Yes, recumbent bikes are better for people with back problems, or other, spinal or postural problems. Since one sits back into a chair when using the recumbent bike, there is support for the back and neck.

I recommend a magnetic resistance recumbent bike to you. This type of bike creates resistance magnetically, so the ride is smoother and easier. The resistance level is also easier to adjust with this type of bike.

fBoyle

I thought that recumbent bikes would be more difficult for people with back problems, but it's the opposite?

I'm looking for an indoor exercise bike that won't be too difficult to use and that will be easy on my back and joints in general. I have a back problem, as well as weak ankles.

Any suggestions? Is a recumbent bike best for me? What other features should I look for?

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    • Upright indoor bikes mimic standard road bicycles.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Upright indoor bikes mimic standard road bicycles.
    • The magnetic exercise bike uses a magnet and provides a smoother, quieter ride.
      By: starush
      The magnetic exercise bike uses a magnet and provides a smoother, quieter ride.
    • A spinning bike may be more appropriate for more advanced bikers.
      By: Rido
      A spinning bike may be more appropriate for more advanced bikers.
    • Exercise bikes often feature monitors that show how many miles are traveled and how many calories burned.
      By: stokkete
      Exercise bikes often feature monitors that show how many miles are traveled and how many calories burned.