Choosing an indoor bike is one of the best decisions you can make if you are a cycling lover, if you love the sport and if you want to make the most of your time at home. The indoor bike allows you to save time, without the need to organize each outing, plus with it you can improve your marks on the bike and improve your fitness in general. However, not all indoor bikes are the same or offer the same features, so it is important to take into account a number of tips to know exactly which indoor bike to buy, especially if you are looking for a cycling simulator. Let’s get to it!
Which indoor bike to buy
There are many aspects to consider when buying an indoor bike, especially because there are many different models and, obviously, we all want our home cycling simulator to offer the best performance, but also to be available at a fair price. In this section we talk about the main features and characteristics that you should take into account to know which indoor bike to buy so that you can get the most out of it -and for many years-.
Indoor cycling power
Indoor cycling simulators allow us to work our legs and endurance as if we were on a road bike or a mountain bike. Power in indoor cycling has to do with the maximum force that the legs are capable of applying in each pedal stroke and at a given cadence -and, of course, in a specific period of time-. Although it is not the maximum you can generate, it is the maximum that can be maintained. That is why it is important that indoor bikes have adequate resistance and offer high power to be able to work without problems when practicing indoor cycling. Generally, a professional cyclist tends to produce between 200 and 300 W on average during a four-hour stage, however, a good indoor model (bicycle) can provide up to 2000 W depending on the revolutions per minute. Do not choose an indoor bike with lower performance.
Indoor bike with automatic resistance
When talking about indoor cycling, bicycles and their different models, we can find two types of resistance, the magnetic and the friction. The most modern is the magnetic one, since it is more durable, silent and ensures a progressive braking -so we recommend that you always keep this feature in mind-. Also, opt for an automatic resistance -available only in the most modern and intelligent bikes on the market-. This will allow you to adjust the resistance strength automatically according to your training goals so that you can reach the intensity you want without having to modify it yourself throughout the session.
Smart indoor bike with great simulator compatibility
Automatic resistance is essential when choosing a smart indoor bike, but you should also make sure that the model is highly compatible with the different cycling simulators, either through Wireless ANT+ connectivity, Bluetooth or through the FTMS protocol. The simulators are used to simulate – as the name suggests – through the television that you are riding a route with your bicycle and that your vehicle adjusts to the necessary resistance in each section of the route. Some of the most popular indoor cycling simulators are Zwift, Bkool, Rouvy, TrainerRoad, Kinomap, Thesufferfest, Bestcycling and Fulgaz. The more compatibility your bike offers the better.
Indoor low noise bike
This has a lot to do with the resistance of the indoor bike. As we mentioned, magnetic bikes are quieter. However, not all of them are the same, as other aspects such as the type of belt and the transmission system, in general, have an influence. Opt for a model that guarantees a low noise level, especially if you have neighbors below.
Indoor cycling bike with electronic gearing
It is essential that your indoor bike model has a gear shift, regardless of whether it has an automatic resistance or not. However, this gear change can be mechanical or electronic. The most modern bikes have an electronic shifter in the form of buttons integrated into the handlebars that allow the user to change from one gear to another easily and adjust the resistance at any time.
Indoor cycling or spinning?
When it comes to indoor cycling or spinning, there are differences between the two, as the conditions and the effort to be made in each session vary. However, the bikes used are the same. This is not the case with the indoor or stationary bike. In a comparison between an exercise bike vs indoor cycling, the latter will always be the winner since the exercise bike is a basic model for exercising at home. On the other hand, an indoor cycling bike allows you to use it according to your needs, both for fitness and for professional indoor cycling.
Indoor cycling: bikes that promote correct posture
Last but not least, opt for a model that favors a correct posture. Ideally, indoor cycling bikes should be V-shaped and the height of the saddle and handlebars should be adjustable for each person. This will make it possible for anyone to use them without any problems.
Best brands of indoor bicycles
If you are looking for a hybrid between cycling and fitness; a smart bike with great connectivity and compatibility; silent; and with the best resistance, transmission system and power, then ZBike is your best option. This model meets all the features we have explained in this article, it has also been manufactured with the best materials in the world of cycling -it weighs only 50 kg- and equipped with the latest technology to ensure maximum performance. On the other hand, its calibration system provides very reliable power data -with a margin of error of no more than 2%- and it has other features such as the possibility of charging your smartphone thanks to the USB port. And what’s more important! You will find it at a fair and very competitive price.