I like it cause its more upright riding and it can be lowered. I dont like cruisers and this will be my first bike. I heard it was a good beginners bike. I need a bike to ride on the xpressway and not have the bike winding out and also riding for hours at a time and long distance.
Posts Tagged ‘Buying’
I’m a girl looking at buying a Suzuki GSX650F, has anybody heard anything about this bike,good or bad.?
01
May
5 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
I’m thinking of buying a used 10 speed Schwinn road bike, would that be good for racing?
18
Apr
I have been doing several Sprint Triathlons recently and am tired of people zooming by me because they arent using a heavy mountain bike with road tires on it.
7 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
i am buying an exercise bike?
04
Apr
i am buying an exercse bike what do you think i should go with an upright or a recumbent???
6 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Looking at buying a road bike; need some help?
18
Mar
I badly need a hobby and I’ve caught the biking bug. I want to upgrade from my Target bought Schwinn and invest in a real bike. I plan to ride mostly on weekends when I can. For the bicycle enthusiasts out there, is there really a huge noticeable difference between a $500-800 bike and a $1500 bike? I want to get some exercise and go fast because I’m tired of getting passed on the trails by other people riding these expensive bikes in their spandex shorts. I want to be one of those people!
I’ve visited my local bike shop and I like the Trek and Giant bikes that I saw and there is quite a vast price range there. The people working at the bike shop will probably try to up sell me and talk about all the extra features and I really have little knowledge about bikes, so I was wondering if you really do get what you pay for and if spending a few hundred extra dollars is really worth it. Thanks.
2 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
I was thinking about buying a schwinn ditch, is this a good bike?
17
Mar
I saw it at costco for 260 dollars. Is this a good price? Does Schwinn still make good bikes like they did a long time ago? Would I be better off spending a couple of hundred dollars more at the local bike shop, on a Trek?
6 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Buying an Exercise Bike
02
Nov
If you are conscious of your physical fitness, yet you don’t want to spend time in the gym, you can just have your regular workout routine in the comforts of your home. One of the ways to have an effective workout routine at home is to have your own exercise bike. When shopping for one, you can read the tips below.
Set a budget
The first thing that you should consider when you plan on buying this equipment is to allocate a budget. You can have some of these machines at an affordable price. However, if you want a home exercise equipment of excellent quality, you should set a considerable amount of money for the budget. Usually, an exercise bike of a trusted brand is expensive, yet buying this would prove to be more practical in the long run.
Consider comfort
One of the ways that could make you stick to your regular fitness activity schedule is the comfort your workout equipment provides. So choosing one that can provide comfort is beneficial. There are various types of workout bikes to choose from. There is the recumbent, the upright, and the spinner. The first one has a a back support where you can recline while pedaling. The second is like the mountain bike in which you really have to sit upright while you do the exercise. The spinner, on the other hand, is the newer version which can give an experience close to riding a real bike. You also have to take into account the adjustability of the seat, so you can adjust it depending on your height. The resistance is also a factor. If you have enough money to spare, it is best that you choose a bike that has a magnetic resistance for an excellent and quiet operation.
Take into account other built-in equipment or parts
Aside from the bike itself, you also have to consider other built-in features such as the heart rate monitor. This is very helpful in keeping you updated on how your fitness activity progresses. Choose one with a quality display console so you can easily monitor your heart rate, exercise time, and calories burned.
In buying a piece of fitness equipment, you have to visit specialty stores and try on the machine for a few minutes so you will know if it would be comfortable for you to use it. You can also buy a rubber mat to protect your bike and your carpet or floor.
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What to Consider When Buying an Exercise Bike
14
Oct
If you’re thinking of buying an exercise bike, here are a few things to look out for to ensure you get a machine best suited to your needs and budget.
You can spend anything from £75 right up to £6,000 when buying a bike so you can imagine there’s quite a difference in specification and features. But even if spending under £100 it’s still a waste if you buy the wrong machine. If you’re not comfortable with it, if it fails to excite, or you get bored on a basic bike, you’re not going to use it! Your bike then becomes a bulky clothes hanger gathering dust in the corner.
And if you want to sell it on eBay don’t be surprised if you get only a fraction of what you paid for it because you’ll be up against many others who bought the wrong bike and never used it.
You then need to decide your main objective for buying a bike and consider whether it’s the right machine for the current shape you’re in.
Types of Exercise Bike
You have a choice between three types of bike:-
1. Upright bike – standard bike with conventional cycling position, takes up little space and delivers a good cardiovascular workout.
2. Recumbent bike- sit in a horizontal position, more comfortable, better than upright for unfit, overweight or those recovering from illness or injury. Takes up more room than upright.
3. Spinning bike – for faster fat-burning, higher intensity workouts and interval training, also used by outdoor cyclists for out of season training.
The upright bike takes up the least amount of room and is generally less expensive as there’s less complex machinery involved. Many consider the recumbent bike to be more comfortable as you can lean back in the seat and the horizontal position may be suitable for those recovering from injury or are over-weight. A recumbent bike is quite a easy way to do some light exercise at lower levels of resistance, it’s also easy on your back.
The more recent spinning bikes (or racers) are designed for high intensity work-outs and tend to cost more, although there are now more affordable spinners coming onto the market. These machines can be great for increasing fitness whilst burning fat.
Types of Resistance (braking systems)
To provide a varied and challenging workout, a bike needs to have the ability to change the resistance on the pedals. This can simulate going up hills or coasting along in 5th gear. There are three main ways to do this.
1. Air – a fan builds up a flow of air and as you pedal faster it increases the resistance. The one disadvantage of this system is that you can only alter it by changing speed and therefore if you slow down so does the level of resistance.
2. Mechanical – friction is increased usually with a band around the flywheel which can offer high resistance and a tough workout. However, this needs to be altered by manually turning a dial and the system can suffer from wear and tear with regular use.
3. Magnetic – the most versatile braking system operated by pressing a button that alters the position of magnets to increase resistance. The main advantages are ease of use plus pre-set programmes can control the level and be used by heart rate control programmes to keep you in the fat-burning zone.
Pre-set Programmes
Most exercise bikes now come with pre-set programmes. These can take you through different types of sessions and will vary the resistance for set intervals to simulate hill climbing and interval training. More recently heart rate controlled programmes have become popular as they’re an effective way to increase fitness and ‘burn fat’. They work by varying the resistance level according to your heart rate (measured by polar chip or hand grips). If your rate drops below a certain level (based upon your age, weight and sex) the resistance increases, if it gets too high it lowers it.
Motivation is key to your success and the inclusion of a good selection of pre-sets on a bike help to vary your workouts and keep you coming back. So as a general rule the more programmes the better. Don’t forget to check the bike’s dimensions to see if it will fit through your doors and in the space you have set aside for it.
Conclusion:
If you do a bit of research and have a clear objective for using an exercise bike then you’ll get the most suitable machine to achieve your goals.
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Get On Your Bike – Bicycle Buying Guide
08
Oct
Bicycles can be used for a number of purposes, including recreation, fitness, transportation and sports. If you are planning on purchasing a new bike, consider the terrain you will be riding on as well as your body weight. Are you finding it difficult to choose a new cycle? Go through this buying guide for exhaustive information on bicycles and make the right choice.
What types of bicycles are available?
Different types of bicycles, such as BMX, road, racing, touring, comfort, kids, womens, tandem and more, are available for sale. Here is an in-depth look at some popular models.
Road Bikes:
Road bikes are built for paved roads. They have thin tires, dropped handlebars and lightweight frames made of aluminum or carbon. The majority of these cycles have 21 speeds. Sport bikes, touring bikes, racing bikes, triathlon bikes, cruisers and choppers also fall under this category.
Mountain Bikes:
Mountain bikes are durable enough to withstand serious off-road racing. Sturdy frames, strong brakes, flat handlebars and 26-inch wheels make these bikes highly popular. Their low gears assist you in off-road racing, especially when going uphill and riding through mud. These cycles are heavy and can withstand rough handling. In a few models, the front suspension and rear suspension offer comfort, even while riding over uneven ground.
Comfort Bikes:
These bikes are good for beginners. Comfort bikes come with adjustable vertical handlebars, comfy seats, 26 inch wide and low pressure tires and suspension forks. They are made for short rides on well-maintained bike paths.
Hybrid/Cross Bikes:
These all-purpose bicycles combine the features of road and mountain bikes. They have a wide gear ratio, upright handlebars and narrow tires. Their frames are lightweight, making these perfect for pavement riding and minor off-road racing. Hybrid/cross bikes usually come with mudguards.
Recumbent Bikes:
If you cannot handle the physical strain associated with traditional bicycles, consider recumbent cycles. These bikes can go fast and provide comfortable seating. However, they do have some pitfalls. They are expensive compared to most standard bikes and their transportation by car may prove to be more difficult as well, especially long wheelbase models.
BMX Bikes:
BMX (Bicycle Motocross) bikes owe their invention to the popularity of motocross dirt bike racing. These bikes can be ridden through woods or around dirt-tracks. Though BMX cycles resemble mountain bikes, their wheels and frames are comparatively smaller. These bikes are suitable for kids and young riders. BMX racing bikes are built for racing on dirt tracks. BMX freestyle bikes are designed for doing tricks whereas BMX dirt jumping bikes are made for getting airborne on dirt tracks.
Chopper Bikes:
These bikes are based on chopper motorcycles. Chopper bikes feature wide rear tires, large cushioned seats and extended handlebars. These bikes are not recommended for off-road racing.
Womens Bikes:
Womens bicycles are smaller, designed to suit the build of the average woman. They have narrow handlebars, short top tubes and wide saddles.
Kids Bikes:
Is your child pining for a bicycle? Compact bikes with small frames are ideal for children. These bikes are easy to ride and durable. Many kids bicycles come with training wheels attached. Other cycles give you the option to attach separately sold training wheels. Go for kids bikes with spoke guards and coaster brakes that allow children to stop when pedaling backwards.
Tandem Bikes:
Do you want to make cycling more fun? Get a tandem bike that accommodates two or more people at one time.
What are other factors to consider when purchasing a bike and getting into the rewarding sport cycling
Frame Materials:
Frames are made of different materials depending on the type of bicycle.
Steel
The most commonly used frame material is steel. Chromoly (chromium-molybdenum steel) is lighter than carbon steel, but both are strong and durable.
Carbon Fiber
These strong and lightweight frames offer a good ride.
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most rugged, durable and costliest frame materials you can get.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a stiff and strong material. Aluminum frames are good for riders looking for lightweight bikes.
Suspension:
Hybrid, comfort and mountain bikes feature suspension forks. Forks assist you in riding over rough tracks more easily and comfortably.
Wheels:
Wheels play a vital role in bikes. Single-alloy hubs with rubber axle seals, few spokes and sealed bearings are recommended. Stainless steel spokes and aluminum rims are lightweight and rust free.
Gears:
Gears are crucial to ride on uneven surfaces. On flat surfaces, only 3 or 4 gears are needed. When it comes to hills and challenging terrain, a bike with a 21, 24 or 27 speed drivetrain is necessary. Go for bikes with gears that are easy to shift.
Brakes:
Most bikes are equipped with either rim brakes (V-brakes), linear brakes or hub brakes. Disc brakes, the latest brake type, provide brilliant braking and low maintenance, but are expensive.
Seats:
Look for anatomical shapes, flexible frames, gel padding and cushioning springs in your seats.
What accessories are available for bicycles?
If you are getting a new bicycle, you should check out the following accessories. Some accessories are absolutely necessary, while others are strictly for your own convenience.
Helmets:
Helmets are vital accessories to avoid head injuries. They come in kid and adult sizes as well as many colors.
Locks:
Protect your bicycle from theft with a bike lock. Locks are highly recommended if you plan on leaving your bicycle in any public area unattended.
Flat Kits:
For long rides, it is wise to carry a flat kit and a small frame-mounted pump to fill your tires with air. The kit should include a new tube, basic patch kit, tire iron, wrench, rag and small seat bag.
Pumps:
To fill your tires with air whenever you need, buy bicycle pumps.
Computers and Monitors:
A cyclocomputer is a digital speedometer that shows speed, distance and time traveled during your bicycle ride. High-end models come with GPS functions and can measure your heart rate and power output.
Mudguards:
Keep yourself and your bike clean with mudguards.
Baskets and Panniers:
Attach baskets and panniers to your bike to carry heavier loads.
Covers/Storage:
Protect your bicycles with cycle covers and storage solutions, such as lightweight aluminum storage stands.
Carriers:
For small cars, carriers (also referred to as bike racks) that attach to the roof are ideal. For big cars, like vans an SUVs, use carriers that attach to the rear of your vehicle.
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Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Does Body-building Supplements Really Worth Buying .i Have Just Joint A Gym And They Recumbent To Have Supplem?
02
Oct
What is recommended protein powers, mass gainer, or Fat powers.
4 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Thinking About Buying A Recumbent Tricycle?
28
Sep
Actually, I am “considering about thinking about” buying a recumbent tricycle. To be honest, I know absolutely nothing about it ( not even sure if that is how you call that type of bike) except for its brilliant style. So any suggestions? Maybe prices and brand recommendations?
3 Comments
Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Elliptical Exercise Equipment – What is important to consider before buying
23
Sep
Buying elliptical exercise equipment can sometimes get confusing. Here are 3 key features to look for when buying your elliptical to keep things simple and avoid buying a lemon.
buying exercise elliptical equipments. There are so many different brands and types of ellipticals out there – it can get confusing! How do you know which one is best for you and how do you avoid buying a lemon?
If you want quality a elliptical trainer be prepared at least to spend $800. Why this? Because most ellipticals under this price point just aren’t built to stand up over the long haul.
Example: My $400 elliptical that I bought from a department store several years back lasted 3 months – 4 if you count the last month it was used as a clothes hanger in my living room.
After 3 months it developed a loud squeaking noise that couldn’t be fixed – no matter how long or hard my handyman husband worked on it.
If I’d been smart enough to spend a bit more, I’d probably still have the elliptical today. In the end it was a huge waste of money and time.
So the bottom line is this: If you’re really serious about getting in shape, you deserve to invest in a piece of exercise equipment that’s going to last you – so be ready to spend a bit more on your elliptical trainer. When you think about how long your elliptical machine will serve you, the long-run savings look pretty good.
2) Who Are You Buying It From?
While there are lots of places the sell elliptical exercise equipment – both online and off, make sure they have several years of experience and a solid return policy. There will be a smooth transaction and shipping for a company which has experience in selling elliptical equipment
A solid return policy also gives you peace of mind when buying your elliptical. Giving an eliptical a trial run at the store is a no-brainer; however, you may find that although it seemed great at the store, your arms and/or hips are hurting after a week of usage. You want to know that you can return your elliptical without a hassle.
Well reputed elliptical store provides you 30 days money return policies to prove their best practices. As always, examine closely before you make a purchase.
3) Training of the TorsoTorso
The beauty of an elliptical trainer is that it offers you a total body workout.
Whereas treadmills and recumbent bikes tend to work mainly the lower body only, ellipticals offer you a chance to burn calories and build strength using upper body arm handles. This means more calories burned in less time.
Surprisingly enough however, not all elliptical trainers offer upper body arms with their units. Make sure you choose an elliptical with upper body workout arms included if this is an option you want.
Upper body arms generally don’t add to the cost of the machine; however, some of the cheaper models may exhibit some disparity between the arm and leg movements. This can result in injury or a less efficient workout.
Rule of Thumb: You should not have to lean over to use the upper body arms.
Keep these things in mind and you’ll save yourself time and loads of frustration!
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Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Exercise Bike Buying Guide
19
Sep
Buying an exercise bike? An exercise bike is an excellent way to build fitness, lose weight and get fit. Plus they’re convenient and one of the most comfortable to burn calories in the comfort of your own home.
But how do you choose the best one? This buying guide will show you what to look for when shopping so you can find the best exercise bike for your needs – while avoiding the lemons!
First, ask yourself which class of exercise bike you would like. There are 2 general classes of exercise bikes:
1) Recumbent Bikes
Recumbent bikes are the newer exercise bikes on the market with the chair-like or bucket seats. Your body is placed in a semi reclining position and your legs angle out in front of you to reach the pedals instead of hanging down as on an upright bike.
2) Upright Bikes
These are also called “Stationary bikes” although this term is now becoming a catch all term for both upright and recumbent bikes. These are the traditional exercise bikes that have been around for years and are similar in form to traditional outdoor bikes.
An offshoot of the standard upright bike is the ‘Dual Action’ Stationary bike. These bikes have movable bars or levers on arm handles to incorporate your upper body into the workout.
Know what you want before you start comparing different exercise bikes. Personally I’ve owned both and after a while upright exercise bike seats just don’t feel too comfortable if you know what I mean. But the choice is yours.
The next thing you need to decide on is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for your exercise bike?
There are really 3 price categories:
1) Under $500
2) Between $500 – 1000
3) $1000 +
Under $500: While there are some above average exercise bikes under $500, don’t expect to get a top quality machine for this price. If you don’t plan on using your exercise cycle much or if you’re on a budget, this may be a good price point for you.
Between $500 – $1000: Unlike treadmills or elliptical trainers, you can usually get a very solid, higher quality exercise bike for your home in this category.
Most exercise bikes in this category offer magnetic resistance and high grade consoles that give you feedback on your workout. You should also expect several built-in workout programs, foot straps and heart rate monitors.
$1000 +: These exercise bikes are either the cream of the crop for the advanced home exerciser or they are commercial grade for the health club. Examples of bikes in this category include spinners and commercial bikes like Life Cycle, Kettler and Star Trac.
Always remember that with exercise bikes – in general – you do get what you pay for so try to spend the most that you can and get a high quality machine that will last you.
These are really the 2 most important features to decide on: the type of bike and the price you can afford. Here are a few more features you should know about when choosing an exercise bike.
Resistance
There are several different types of resistance you’ll find in your exercise bike
1) Direct Tension – offers you a manual adjustment of resistance
2) Air – resistance is provided by pedaling against the airflow of a fan blade
3) Magnetic Resistance – this is the most sophisticated type of resistance allowing magnetic currents to create and track the resistance. It generally allows for a greater variety of workout levels.
Magnetic resistance is generally viewed as the best option since it tends to be quieter and provides a more even feel when pedalling.
Workout Options
Most exercise bikes give you information on speed, distance traveled, and time of the workout. The more sophisticated you go, you’ll also find things like total calories and fat burned, resistance level, heart rate and program mode.
You can also get exercise bikes with numerous preprogrammed workouts and information storage as well as iFit compatibility and Interactive Disc players.
It really depends on your personal preferences whether you choose a bike with 10 preset programs and an ultra high tech computer display or one with just a simple display.
However, keep in mind that in general, the higher priced bikes have more sophisticated options and are built with higher quality materials.
Warranty
Exercise Bikes come with a variety of warranties from 90 days to lifetime warranties on different parts of the bike. For example, parts and labor may be covered for 6 months, electronics for 1 year and the frame for a lifetime. In general a longer warranty is indicative of a higher quality machine.
Final Note: It is also important that you decide how much you are planning to use your exercise bike. For example, if you are new to exercising and not sure you’ll use your exercise bike much, you might want to save some money and go with a more economical model.
If however you plan on using the bike a lot and/or are a regular exerciser, invest a bit more and get a machine that will last. Look for a high quality brand that is highly rated and gives you good value for your money.
By keeping these tips in mind when buying your exercise bike, you’re much more likely to find one that best fits your workout needs.
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Posted in Best Recumbent Bike
Exercise Bikes Buying Guide – Put Your Mettle to the Pedal!
14
Sep
Exercise bikes are one of the most popular home fitness machines on the market. These bikes give you an effective workout and promote a healthy lifestyle. You will have fun, enhance your fitness routine and burn calories with exercise bikes. They are also referred to as stationary bicycles, indoor bikes or studio cycles. They work your legs, lungs and heart while limiting the impact on your knees and leg joints. Exercise bikes are available in several different designs. Due to the cost involved, you will most likely purchase only one exercise bike for several years to come so read the following buying guide and make an informed decision.
What are the factors to keep in mind when buying an exercise bike?
Smart shopping is required when buying home fitness equipment because it is normally a long-term investment. Check whether the bike offers a comfortable seat and a well-balanced flywheel. Also make sure that you can vary your workouts with adjustable resistance options. The exercise bike should have a sturdy frame and a wide range of seat heights. Finally, check whether the bike comes with a good warranty and free repair services.
What are the different kinds of exercise bikes available?
There are three different types of stationary exercise bikes: upright bikes, recumbent bikes and dual action bikes.
Upright Bikes:
Upright exercise bikes are similar to traditional bicycles. These bikes have tiny saddles where you sit with your back unsupported and pedal. Upright bikes occupy very little space. They give you a good lower body and cardiovascular workout. You can even stand up and pedal with an upright bike.
Recumbent Bikes:
Recumbent bikes have a laid-back seating style. The chair-like or bucket seat allows you to lean back for a more comfortable ride. This seating arrangement is good for people with back problems, as it provides lower back support. The pedals are located toward the front of the bike, making the seated position similar to the one that you adopt while driving. These bikes work your hamstrings and gluteals. They also promote efficient blood flow throughout the body. Some recumbent bikes have a recline feature that allows you to adjust the angle of your seat accordingly. They are ideal for overweight persons. If you are not a bike enthusiast, recumbent bikes should be your choice.
Dual Action Bikes:
Dual action or elliptical bikes have movable bars as arm handles. You can increase the overall aerobic intensity of your workout by moving your arms and legs at the same time. Dual action bikes are ideal for those looking to tone both their upper and lower body.
What kind of resistance do you need?
Exercise bikes use friction-based, electro-magnetic or air-resistance mechanisms. The kind of resistance you can choose depends on your budget. Bikes with friction-based resistance, like a caliper or fabric brand brake, are low-priced, but they offer only limited programming. Bikes with air resistance use a fan to produce resistance. The fan also provides a cooling effect. These bikes last longer, as they are free from friction which causes wear and tear. Air resistance bikes are very rare. However, the Schwinn Airdyne is the most popular model of this kind.
Bikes that use electro-magnetic resistance are smoother. These models are usually more expensive, but they provide quieter operation. You can benefit from their pre-set programs and heart rate monitors as well. Try to select a bike with automatic resistance settings, as it will be safer to use.
Do bikes require power to operate?
Most bikes are self-driven and do not need mains power to operate. You can use an exercise bike for about six hours a day. These models last longest if only one or two persons use the same machine. If more than two people use the same bike, it is advisable to purchase a model that requires mains power to drive them.
How much space do these bikes occupy?
Exercise bikes are usually small and occupy minimal space. You can opt for fold-away bikes that can be stored in racks when not in use.
Do you want to monitor your workout?
Most exercise bikes provide information on speed, distance traveled and length of your workout. Do you want to know the total calories you burnt, the program mode or the resistance level? Some advanced models give you all this information along with your pulse and heart rate. Pre-programmed workouts and information storage are offered by sophisticated exercise bikes only.
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Posted in Best Recumbent Bike