An Alternative to an Exercise Bike

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If you enjoy riding an exercise bike and are considering purchasing one, you may wish to consider another option first. Do you already own a regular bike? If you do, a bike trainer may be a better route to go. This option can save you both storage space and money. A trainer is a stand you hook your bike onto that provides resistance either through the use of air, fluid, or magnetism. These units take up very little room when compared to an exercise bike.

There are three different types of trainers all with their own unique qualities. You will have to determine which of them is the best fit for your. Wind trainers use a fan to create resistance with the air. They are the least expensive, however a major downside is the noise generated as you pedal. Yet they work well for beginners as the resistance generated is generally on the lighter side. The harder your pedal the more resistance is gained.

Magnet trainers make a great mid level trainer. Comparable in price to a wind trainer, they fit better for a beginner to intermediate rider. The magnet trainers are very quiet compared to the wind and the fluid trainers but you do give up some quality in the resistance area.

Fluid trainers are considered the top of the line, because is reported to provide the most realistic feel to its use. They are the most expensive of all three and still have some limitations. Using a "fan" encased in liquid to create resistance, it is considerably more complex than it's counterparts which leads to more wear and tear over it's lifetime. Some models have been reported to leak.