Why are exercise bikes so popular?
Simple, convince and the aerobic workout they provide. Exercise bikes can be set up anywhere in your home allowing you to watch TV, listen to music, read a book, or while watching your kids. They make sitting in front of a TV take on a new meaning! Because of the immense popularity of exercise bikes, there are several to choose from. So how can you determine what type of bike you need with all the different options? Here is a buyer's guide to exercise bikes:

There are 3 basic models of exercise bikes; the upright bike, the recumbent bike, and the spinner. The differences between the bikes are the different ways they sit. The upright bike looks like a traditional road bike. The upright bike has a small seat with foot pedals that are directly below you. You do not have a back support with an upright bike. Some upright bikes provide different handle bars that you can use for gripping when you are pedaling.

Because of back pain, many people are purchasing recumbent bikes. Recumbent exercise bikes have a nice lounge chair-style seat that provides support to your entire back. The pedals are directly in front of you instead of directly below your feet. It is basically described as driving a car. You sit with the pedals and the "wheel" in front of you. The "wheel" of this bike is actually handle bars or hand grips.

The last bike is called a spinner. Spinner bikes are not commonly found for sale as home exercise equipment. Many gyms purchase spinner bikes and offer spinning classes. Spinner bikes are designed to exercise your butt, hips, thighs and calves. Many people who use spinner bikes burn up to 1,000 calories in an hour. Spinner bikes allow you to sit or to stand. If you stand, you actually exercise your abs, back and arms. This is why so many people enroll in spinner classes.

Which bike should you purchase?
Now that you know your options, you need to make a decision as to which exercise bike you should purchase. Anyone you talk to will provide you with a different opinion about which type of exercise bike is better. Most people who like stationary bikes will tell you they provide a better workout from a treadmill or any other piece of cardio exercise equipment. The main reason for this claim is the different muscle groups a stationary bike can work compared to a stair climber or a treadmill.

If you have back pain, you may find it hard to lean forward to grab the handlebars. Upright bikes generally do not have comfortable seats; they are still called "banana chairs" and may take your back side some time to get used to. This is why many people prefer a recumbent bike. Recumbent bikes have handle bars that are arranged like the wheel or a car, or they have handles that are attached to the seat of the bike, allowing you to put your arms straight down and grab the bars while you pedal. Again, it depends on who you talk to. Some riders claim that recumbent bikes provide you with a slower, less intense workout.

There isn't any official statement from the Department of Health or from medical professionals as to which bike is better to use. It all depends on your personal preference.

Important features about exercise bikes:
Since you have already decided you would like to purchase an exercise bike, you need to take a few details into consideration.

First, adjustable seat height is extremely important. The seat height should be easy to adjust and moveable for any size user to be comfortable using it. If you purchase a recumbent bike, be sure your back is completely supported and comfortable.

Second, the foot pedals should be easy to reach and wide enough for your feet. They should also have a strap that keeps your foot in place when you are pedaling. There have been several injuries to back, legs and shoulders due to feet slipping off the pedals.

Third, select a bike with enclosed or shrouded spokes and chains. This is for not only your protection, but for those in your home. Children and animals can get fingers, noses, etc. stuck in the spokes and chains when you are pedaling. You might also have a shoelace come loose and get caught in the chain, causing serious injury to you and possibly breaking your bike.

Fourth, look for added features. The bikes monitor should be easy to read and reachable for you. During your workout the monitor should be easy to use so you can make adjustments. Most monitors will provide you with your speed, time, calories burned, distance, and even heart rate monitors.

Fifth, the bike should be stable when you ride it. If you notice the bike rocks or teeters when you sit on it, don't buy it! A heavier front wheel does mean you will have a more stable ride, but moving the seat might not be easy.

Sixth, a bike that has a one year warranty and includes labor; points to a good purchase. The warranty with a labor commitment is extremely important; this means the place you purchase the bike from will not only deliver the bike, but will set it up for you. That way you don't have to worry about missing a bolt or screw somewhere. Another benefit to a good warranty is being able to have a repair man come and fix the bike if there are any problems.

Always try it before you buy it!
Don't just trust the opinions of experts and others. Exercise equipment is completely dependant upon your opinion. You should avoid the trendy exercise equipment and be sure you are going to actually use your investment. Comfort should be your number one priority when selecting a piece of exercise equipment. If you are uncomfortable when using the equipment, chances are you won't continue using it on a daily or weekly basis too long. If the exercise bike is going to be a household investment, then everyone who will be using the bike needs to try it before you purchase it. Some users who are overweight may need a larger seat or will prefer a recumbent bike compared to an upright bike. The frame should also be strong enough to support a larger user.

Another thing to consider is the amount of noise the exercise bike makes during use. A small repetitive sound may be overlooked when you are trying the bike, but when you get home, that noise drives you absolutely insane. Look for models with variable magnetic resistance because they tend to provide quieter, smoother operation.

Unless you have used a particular exercise bike before, it is not a good decision to buy a bike through a catalog, from television, or online. You always want to try the bike before you buy it. If the prices are cheaper online, then go to your local retail store to see if they have the same model in stock that you can try out. Many gyms offer a two week trial and you can use their bikes for free. Use the exercise bike for at least 10 minutes. Ten minutes on a bike will give you a good determination of how comfortable and sturdy the bike is.

Once you have decided on the particular exercise bike you would like, you need to compare prices at several different stores. Some sporting goods stores overprice their exercise equipment compared to mom and pop stores. There are also discount exercise equipment stores who sell floor models. If you purchase a discounted floor model exercise bike, be sure it doesn't have any problems and that it still comes with a warranty. Factor in the cost of delivery too. The higher-quality exercise bikes tend to be quite heavy and the cost of delivering the bike may be more than you expected. You must also consider the cost of installation if you aren't prepared to set up the bike yourself. Most exercise bikes aren't hard to set up but if you aren't tech savvy, you are better off hiring someone to do it for you.

Be sure you have adequate space for your new exercise bike, and a rubber mat is also advisable to protect the floor below the bike.