Indoor Bike Buying Guide - Part 2

Useful Adjustment advice for setting up your Indoor Bike

• Seat height: The seat height should be adjusted so that your leg is almost fully extended when the pedal is at the bottom of its stroke. You should have a slight bend in your knee at this point.
• Seat fore/aft: The seat should be adjusted so that your hips are in line with the pedals. You should be able to reach the pedals comfortably without having to reach forward or back.
• Handlebar height: The handlebar height should be adjusted so that your arms are slightly bent when you grip the handlebars. You should not have to reach up or down to reach the handlebars.
• Handlebar reach: The handlebar reach should be adjusted so that you can reach the handlebars comfortably without having to hunch over. You should be able to maintain a neutral spine while riding.
• Resistance: The resistance should be adjusted so that you can pedal comfortably but still feel a challenge. You should be able to maintain a conversation while riding.

 

 

Here are some additional tips for setting up an indoor bike:

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Take your time and make sure that you are comfortable with the adjustments before you start riding.
• If you are not sure how to adjust the bike, consult the owner's manual.

Once you have adjusted the bike, take a few minutes to ride it and make sure that you are comfortable. If you are not, make further adjustments until you are.

Here are some common problems that people have with indoor bikes and how to fix them:

• Back pain: If you are experiencing back pain, try adjusting the seat height so that your hips are in line with the pedals. You may also need to adjust the handlebar height so that you can maintain a neutral spine while riding.

• Knee pain: If you are experiencing knee pain, try adjusting the seat height so that your leg is almost fully extended when the pedal is at the bottom of its stroke. You may also need to adjust the handlebar reach so that you can avoid reaching forward or back too far.

• Numbness or tingling in the hands: If you are experiencing numbness or tingling in the hands, try adjusting the handlebar height so that your wrists are straight. You may also need to adjust the handlebar reach so that you are not reaching too far forward.

 

Different console types and digital apps for indoor bikes:

Console Types

• Basic Console: This is the most basic type of console. It typically displays the time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Some basic consoles may also have a heart rate monitor.

• Feature-Rich Console: This type of console offers more features than a basic console. It may display additional metrics, such as power output, cadence, and resistance level. Some feature-rich consoles may also have pre-programmed workouts or the ability to connect to a heart rate monitor or fitness tracker.

• Smart Console: This type of console is connected to the internet and can be used to access a variety of digital apps. These apps can provide you with live workouts, virtual rides, or training plans.

Digital Apps

There are many different digital apps that can be used with indoor bikes. Some of the most popular apps include:

• Zwift: Zwift is a popular app that allows you to ride in virtual worlds with other cyclists. It offers a variety of workouts, races, and challenges.

• TrainerRoad: TrainerRoad is a training app that uses data from your indoor bike to create personalised workouts. It is designed to help you improve your cycling performance.

•  Peloton: Peloton is a subscription-based app that offers live and on-demand workouts led by instructors. It also offers a variety of other features, such as a library of workout videos and a community forum.

• Strava: Strava is a social fitness app that allows you to track your workouts and compete with friends. It also offers a variety of features, such as segments and challenges.

The best console or digital app for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a basic console that simply displays your workout metrics, then a basic console may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a console with more features, such as pre-programmed workouts or the ability to connect to a heart rate monitor, then a feature-rich console may be a better option. If you are looking for a console that is connected to the internet and can be used to access a variety of digital apps, then a smart console may be the best option for you.

  

  3 main types of pedals for indoor bikes: flat pedals, toe clips, and clipless pedals.

• Flat pedals are the most basic type of pedal. They are easy to get on and off, and they can be used with any type of shoe. However, they can be less efficient than other types of pedals, and they may not provide as much power transfer. Typically what you would expect on an upright/recumbent & air bike.

• Toe clips are a type of pedal that has a strap that goes over the top of your shoe. This helps to keep your foot in place, and it can provide more power transfer than flat pedals. However, toe clips can be difficult to get on and off, and they may not be comfortable for everyone. Typically what you would expect on a "Spin " Style Bike

• Clipless pedals are the most advanced type of pedal. They have a cleat that attaches to your shoe, and this allows you to clip in and out of the pedal quickly and easily. Clipless pedals are the most efficient type of pedal, and they can provide the most power transfer. However, they can be difficult to learn how to use, and they may not be comfortable for everyone.Typically what you would expect on a "Spin " Style Bike

The best type of pedal for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use pedal, then a flat pedal may be a good option for you. If you are looking for a pedal that provides more power transfer, then a toe clip or clipless pedal may be a better option. If you are not sure which type of pedal is right for you, I recommend talking to a cycling expert or trying out different types of pedals to see what you prefer.

Here is a table that summarises the features of each type of pedal:

 

Weight Capacity

Ensure that the bike your considering is appropriate for your weight, but if you exceed that threshold, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the bike's maximum weight capacity.

 

Warranty

Ensure the warranty provided by most models and manufacturers (including the ones we work with) adequately covers you. This will guarantee a replacement part free of charge if there are any manufacturing issues such as cracked pipes, broken weld joints, or fraying cables.

If you need to understand more about styles of bikes and appropriateness, read our  exercise bike buying guide part 1 

or you just want to look at bikes straight away our  go straight to our exercise bike collections.