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 bike hugely benefits for a whole host of different reasons, which we’ll get to a little later on. 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 spinning bike workout. This is where owning a spinning bike proves to be so useful. Purchasing a spinning bike is not a simple purchase, and it’s essential to get it right the first time around. That’s why today, we’re going to be looking at buying a spinning bike. Here’s a look at several of the best spinning bikes on the market today, along with a useful spinning bike guide. So, sit back, get comfortable, put up your feet, and take a look at the only spinning bike guide you will ever need.
Magnetic Belt Drive: 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 spinning bike. When it comes to working out, resistance 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 spinning bike gets its resistance from magnets. On a magnetic spinning 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, 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.
Top 5 Magnetic Spinning Bikes
Top Choices currently on the Market
| Name | Image | Extras | Max Weight | IF-FIT Rating | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keiser M3i |  | Tablet & Bottle Holder | 300 lbs | 97% | Check Price |
| Sunny Health B1805 |  | Tablet & Bottle Holder | 300 lbs | 92% | Check Price |
| JOROTO X2 |  | Tablet & Bottle Holder | 280 lbs | 87% | Check Price |
| EFITMENT IC031 |  | Tablet & Bottle Holder | 275 lbs | 88% | Check Price |
| L NOW D808 |  | Tablet & Bottle Holder | 300 lbs | 87% | Check Price |
In this next section, we’re going to quickly review 5 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:
1. Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Bundle
This first spinning cycle from Keiser is one which has been generating a lot of positive reviews. It is a bike featuring the industry’s first V-frame to mimic the shape, feel, and resistance of a variety of different road bikes.
Made in the USA, it offers Bluetooth enabled interactive cycling, a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing design. It has adjustable height settings suitable for riders ranging from 4,10′ to 7′, and an M3i digital display and much more besides.
2. Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Bike B1805
This next spinning cycle offers users a heavy duty flywheel, magnetic resistance, a tablet holder, and a very appealing design.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycle is fully customizable as it offers 4-way adjustable handlebars and seat. On top of that, there is a durable and hard-wearing steel frame, and a max user weight of 300 pounds.
3. JOROTO Magnetic Indoor Cycling Bike X2
The third offering on our list today is the JOROTO Belt Drive Indoor Cycle. This bike offers a virtually silent workout coupled with a beautiful sleek design, solid construction, and a fully adjustable design.
On top of that, users will benefit from a wide, soft, and adjustable seat, multi-grip handlebars, a digital monitor, a chrome flywheel, wheels for transportation, and much more besides.
4. EFITMENT Magnetic Bike – IC031
This magnetic spinning cycle from EFITMENT is one of the most popular magnetic spinning cycles on the market today.
It has an adjustable seating and handlebars, a 40 pound chromed flywheel, a fitness monitor, and device holder. Besides, EFITMENT has wheels for transportation, and this is a device that spin cycle enthusiasts will absolutely adore.
5. L NOW Magnetic Exercise Bike D808
And finally, last but certainly not least, we have the L NOW D808 Upright Magnetic Stationary Bike. The D808 is a sturdy, durable, and well-built bike in a stunning white, black, and yellow design that is very easy on the eye.
It is extremely quiet to operate; there are pulse monitors on the handlebars to monitor your heart rate, as well as a display to track your speed, distance traveled, cals burned, and much more besides. Resistance comes in the form of an 8 level magnetic tension control system to make the workout easier or harder, depending on what you’re looking to get from your training.
Spinning Bikes Buying Guide
Everything you need to know
Now that you have a better idea about which spinning 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 indoor bikes
Choosing the right indoor spinning cycle 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 bike.
Resistance
Here’s that word again. Yep, by now, you’ve probably noticed that the word ‘resistance’ is used a lot when discussing spinning cycles. 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.
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.
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 spinning cycle equipped with a water bottle holder is beneficial, so be sure to keep an eye out when looking to buy.
Flywheel
In terms of importance, after resistance, the flywheel is probably the most crucial feature to consider when looking to purchase a spinning cycle. Spinning 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 to 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 a 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 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.
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 bikes are more silent than chain-driven bikes, so bear this in mind.
What are the benefits of spin bikes?
In this section, we’re going to talk to you about why spinning 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 spinning 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 spinning, as long as you adopt the correct posture and technique, you’ll find that when you jump on a spinning 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.
Which muscles does spinning work, and does it promote weight loss?
If you’re looking to burn fat and lose weight, spinning is one of the best forms of exercise that you could wish for. Spinning is primarily an aerobic form of exercise that helps to increase your heart rate and burn calories as you perform it. If you want to shed those unsightly pounds, spinning is ideal. However, there are also anaerobic resistance-based benefits that can help to tone and strengthen the muscles. Primarily your quads, glutes, and hamstrings are all targeted when spinning, though it also works your core and your lats.
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 bike when it arrives. Remember, getting the 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 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, 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 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 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.