Indoor Magnetic Cycle Reviews + Ultimate Buying Guide

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If you’re looking for an effective way of burning fat and improving your health and fitness in the process, cardiovascular exercise is very beneficial. In terms of what you can do when exercising, a spinning exercise bike hugely benefits for a whole host of different reasons, which we’ll get to a little later on. Indeed, a recent study of August 2019 with a total sample size of 372 individuals revealed that indoor cycling may improve aerobic capacity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and body composition.

As great as it is to work out at the gym, sometimes we simply don’t have the time, the funds, or the inclination to go to a gym and perform a spin bike workout. This is where owning a magnetic resistance spin bike proves to be so useful. Purchasing a spinning exercise bike is not a simple purchase, and it’s essential to get it right the first time around. Here’s a look at several of the best spinning bikes on the market today, along with a useful spin bike guide. So, sit back, get comfortable, put up your feet, and take a look at the only spin bike guide you will ever need. 

Magnetic Belt Drive System: Why is Better than Friction?

In this first section, we’re going to look at what magnetic belt drive spinning bikes are and why they’re considered more beneficial than friction belt-drive spin bike. When it comes to working out, resistance system is incredibly essential. The more resistance there is, the tougher the workout and the more calories you will burn off. With spinning bikes, the resistance is increased to make the cardio harder. The resistance is there to mimic the effects of cycling up a steep hill or incline. If you want to make the workout more relaxed, you simply reduce the amount of resistance.

A magnetic spin bike gets its resistance from magnets. On a magnetic belt drive exercise bike, you’ll find that the flywheel is located at the front of the bike. It is made from steel, which means it works very well with magnets. At the top of the flywheel, you’ll find not one, but two magnets which are there to apply resistance to make your workout that little bit tougher. At the push of a button or the twist of a manual turn crank, the magnets move closer to one another, which adds extra resistance to the flywheel, slowing it down and making your workout much harder. These bikes are generally more costly than friction belt-driven bikes and for a good reason. Though beneficial, friction belt-driven bikes tend to make a lot more noise. They also require more maintenance as the pads tend to wear down much quicker. With magnetic resistance system, the two magnets never come into contact with one another or the flywheel. This keeps everything in top condition, so there is less maintenance needed. 

	Name	Features	Rating	Price
Top Pick	Bowflex C6	330 lbs max weight Backlit LCD metric console 100 micro-adjustable resistance levels	9.8	Best Price Check also the new VeloCore Bike!
	Keiser M3i	300 lbs max weight Tablet & Bottle Holder Heart Rate Monitor	9.8	Best Price
Best Value	JOROTO X2	280 lbs max weight Bottle Holder Digital display monitor	9.5	Best Price >Check Also the updated X1S Model!
	Sunny Health B1805	300 lbs max weight Bottle Holder 4-way adjustable seat	9.5	Best Price
Editor’s Pick	MaxKare Magnetic Bike	264 lbs max weight Bottle Holder LCD Monitor	9.3	Best Price + Extra 20$ Coupon Discount
	MEVEM Cycling Bike	280 lbs max weight Bottle Holder Wide LCD Screen	9.0	Best Price
	EFITMENT IC031	275 lbs max weight Bottle Holder	8.8	Best Price

In this next section, we’re going to quickly review 7 of the best magnetic spinning cycles currently on the market today. Below you’ll find a brief overview of each cycle, as well as some prominent pros and cons: 

Now that you have a better idea about which magnetic spin exercise bikes are worth looking into, to help narrow down your search, we will soon be looking in great detail at what you need to look for when buying a spinning cycle for home use. In this next section, we’re going to give you our ultimate spinning bike buying guide to make your next purchase that little bit easier. 

Features to look for when choosing the best magnetic indoor bikes

Choosing the right indoor magnetic resistance bike is vital if you want to get the most from your workouts. Knowing which features to look for is essential, which is why we’re sharing a few handy tips with you right now. Here’s a look at some critical features to look out for when choosing your new indoor cycling bike. 

1. Resistance

Here’s that word again. Yep, by now, you’ve probably noticed that the word ‘resistance’ is used a lot when discussing spin bikes. Well, there’s a perfect reason for that. Resistance is what gives you a workout and makes the bikes so beneficial. Resistance can come in the form of magnetic resistance, or it can come from friction. Resistance from a friction belt-driven cycle comes when pads rub onto the flywheel, like brake pads on a regular cycle. The tighter they squeeze, the more resistance you receive, and vice versa. Magnetic resistance, however, comes in the form of two magnets located just above the flywheel. When you push the button or turn the crank wheel to increase resistance, the two magnets move closer together.

As you know, opposites attract, and the closer to one another the magnets get, the more resistance they apply to the flywheel. Whereas friction resistance is still very beneficial, magnetic resistance is advantageous in that there is no maintenance required. So, you get smoother resistance, there is no need to replace worn out pads years down the line, and the whole operation is quieter. 

2. Console display

This is by no means a deal-breaker, but it would be nice to have a digital console equipped on your bike so that you can get a better idea of how your workout is going. Ideally, you will want a console that will display things such as distance traveled, time, calories burned, heart rate, speed, RPM, and so on. You needn’t look for the fanciest, most sophisticated digital console display on the market, but just try and find one that at least tells you the basics in terms of how your workout is going and how you’re progressing. 

3. Water bottle holder

This sounds like such a trivial feature to look out for. Still, honestly, it makes an enormous difference to your workout. When you look for a spinning cycle, try to ensure that the one you’ve got your eye on does indeed come with a water bottle holder. If it doesn’t, our advice is to find one that does or at least find one that you could snugly and securely attach a water bottle holder to at a later date. The last thing you want when you’re in the middle of a workout is to have to stop what you’re doing, climb off the bike, and grab your water bottle from somewhere else in the room. This is inconvenient, it will disrupt your workout, and it’s annoying. A spin bike equipped with a water bottle holder is beneficial, so be sure to keep an eye out when looking to buy. 

4. Flywheel

In terms of importance, after resistance, the flywheel is probably the most crucial feature to consider when looking to purchase a spinning cycle. Spin bikes have large flywheels that can vary in weight from 30 pounds up to around 50 pounds. The flywheel is what will give the user that similar experience and feeling of riding a regular cycle outdoors. The flywheel ensures that pedaling is smooth and fluent. It can also reduce the jerky and unstable motion that you get when pedaling devices with smaller and lighter flywheels. A spin cycle with friction resistance usually has a flywheel weighing 30 pounds at the very least. Magnetic resistance cycles often have far heavier flywheels. The heavier the flywheel, the tougher it is to get the pedals turning, and the more challenging the workout becomes. Pedals are attached to the flywheel either via a belt or a chain, with a fixed gear. This function takes coasting out of the equation and basically means that the pedals are only turning when the flywheel is spinning.

5. Drive

When buying a spin bike, you’ll find that there are two different types of drive used to connect the pedals to the flywheel. This can be either a belt or a chain. Chain drives are very similar to the ones that you see on typical outdoor bikes. Chain drives require the same sorts of maintenance as those found on outdoor bikes as well, so things such as lubrication and tightening/loosening. Belt drives, however, are rigid and sturdy hard rubber bands that require virtually zero maintenance at all. The only downside is that, after a few years, they will likely need replacing. Weigh up the pros and cons of a belt drive or a chain drive, and see which you find more appealing. 

6. Seat

The seat is one of the most important features to consider when purchasing a new spin bike. Yet, you’d be amazed by just how many people tend to overlook this feature when buying. We won’t patronize you by talking about what a seat is and how it works because it’s obvious. What we will say, though, is that it is vitally important to select a seat that is comfortable, durable, and adjustable and practical for you and your indoor cycling experience. If the seat is uncomfortable, the appeal of working out on a spin bike will quickly wear off, and you’ll wish you’d gone with something more comfortable. Before buying a spin bike, try to spend time sitting on the bike, and give it a test run and see how the seat feels. Ensure that it can also be adjusted, as you never know when you might need to change the height and/or position of the seat. 

7. Price

In an ideal world, price wouldn’t be an issue, but sadly for most of us, it is. You needn’t spend a fortune on a spin exercise bike, but at the same time, you shouldn’t look for the cheapest budget models that you can find. If you go with a super cheap model, it’s affordable for a reason, and it obviously won’t give you the best experience when riding. Do your research, give yourself a reasonable budget, and see what you can find in your price range. 

8. Adjustments

One thing that makes us human beings unique is that we’re all different. We come in all shapes and sizes. So obviously, it is crucial to find an utterly adjustable spin bike. A 6ft 7 man, for example, is not going to have an exercise bike set at the same height as a 5ft 2 woman. Look for a spin bike, which allows you to adjust the height and position of the handlebars and seat. A good quality spin bike will enable users to the option to adjust the handlebars and the seat in 4 different directions (up, down, backward, and forwards). This will ensure that riders can adjust the indoor cycling bike accordingly so that it is best suited for them. This not only gives a more comfortable riding experience, it also reduces the risk of injury. Some bikes only allow for adjustment of the seat, which can still be beneficial, though it will depend on how intensely and how frequently you plan on using the bike. 

9. Noise

Remember, we’re talking about buying a spin bike for use at home. When exercising at home, you might have other family members, flatmates, or neighbors nearby. This isn’t a gym where music is blaring at loud volumes, so other people in the vicinity will probably no appreciate you using a noisy spin cycle when they’re trying to relax. While most spin bikes are quiet, some are exceptionally quiet. Belt driven exercise bikes are more silent than chain-driven bikes, so bear this in mind. 

Related Article:
1. Best Recumbent Bikes of 2020
2. Air Bike vs Spin Bike
3. Spin Bike vs Stationary Bike

What are the benefits of magnetic spin exercise bikes?

In this section, we’re going to talk to you about why spin bikes are such fantastic purchases as we’ll be looking at the benefits that they provide. 

Burn fat

First and foremost, we’re going to start with one of the most prominent benefits of spin bikes and spinning in general, and that is fat loss. Spin bikes are incredibly useful when it comes to burning fat because they provide such fantastic rates of resistance. The more resistance there is, the harder you have to peddle, and the harder you will have to work. This means that your body will need more energy and so you’ll burn off more calories and burn more fat as a result. People looking to lose body fat often take part in spin classes and find that they work exceptionally well. One hour of indoor cycling with a spin bike could potentially burn anything from 600 calories up to around 1000 calories depending on the intensity and resistance. 

Tone your muscles

Another remarkable benefit of spin bikes is the fact that they also help you to build and tone your muscles. When spinning, you are cycling against various levels of resistance, and the more resistance you apply, the harder the exercise becomes. Because of the resistance, your muscles are having to work hard to peddle, and so the harder they work, the leaner and toned they will become. Primarily you’ll see improvements in your legs and lower body. Still, specific muscle groups on your upper body will also benefit from spinning. 

Improved cardio 

Cardiovascular exercise is hugely beneficial for the heart. Spinning is an aerobic exercise that helps to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, increase lung capacity, and help to improve stamina and endurance. The stronger and healthier your heart, the better, especially considering that heart disease is the biggest killer in the world. 

Strong core

When doing indoor cycling, as long as you adopt the correct posture and technique, you’ll find that when you jump on a spin bike and perform the workout, your core will gradually get stronger and stronger. A strong core helps to generate more strength and power in general. Plus, it is also great for people looking to shape, tone, and sculpt their abs and achieve that six-pack that has eluded them for so long. 

Low impact exercise 

As beneficial as some high impact forms of exercise can be, the main downside is the fact that they can put additional pressure and strain on the joints, which can then lead to problems later in life. Running, for example, is beneficial, but if you suffer from knee or ankle issues, running will only exasperate the conditions rather than improve them. Spinning, though, is a low impact form of cardiovascular exercise that doesn’t put the joints under any pressure. Because of this, you can work out efficiently without having to worry about injuries or pain and discomfort. 

How to adjust a spinning bike

In this last section, we’re going to wrap things up by leaving you with a series of tips designed to help you adjust your brand-new spinning exercise bike when it arrives. Remember, getting the indoor cycling bike adjusted so that it is just right for you is vital. Follow these tips, and you can’t go wrong. 

Saddle height

Perhaps the most important thing to consider when adjusting a spinning exercise bike, is the height of the seat/saddle. Not only will having your seat set at the right height give you a more comfortable spinning experience, but it will also help you to avoid injuries and get your posture correct potentially. To get a rough idea of where it should be, stand next to your indoor cycling bike and raise the saddle until it is roughly level with your hips. 

Saddle position

Most spin bikes also allow for the seats/saddles to be adjusted forwards and backward as well. Once you have the height just right, you next need to move the seat forward or backward until your knees are correctly aligned with your kneecap located directly over the top of the center of the pedals. 

Handlebar height

Once you’re happy, your seat is just right, you can then move onto the handlebars. Most handlebars can be moved up and down, forward and backward, and getting the position right is essential. A poorly positioned set of handlebars can put unnecessary strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. It can also lead to misalignment of the spine and bad posture. Ideally, you want your handlebars positioned so that you can grip them normally with shoulders in line with your hips and your elbows. 

Feet

Believe it or not, but the position of your feet on the pedals can make a big difference when it comes to using a spin bike. If the bike has toe cages, for example, you’ll want to align the balls of your feet directly over the middle of the pedals. Make sure your feet are secured firmly in place before beginning, and away you go. 

Check those nuts

No, not those nuts, so get your minds out of the gutter. Whether you purchase a readily assembled exercise bike, or you assemble it yourself, double-check every single nut, bolt, and screw on the bike, and make sure they’re all secured firmly in place. If any of them feel loose, use the necessary equipment i.e., an Allan key, and secure them nice and tight.