In this exercise bike buying guide we will explain the different types of stationary exercise bike that are purpose built for use in a gym or at home.
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This buyers guide will help you choose the best exercise bike that's right for you and will hopefully answer most of your exercise bike questions.
When used properly an exercise bike can give you an effective cardio workout that's suitable for any level of fitness. They are also an ideal piece of equipment for use in the home as they can be stored away quite easily, unlike other larger pieces of fitness equipment that can dominate the room. Compared to other kinds of home fitness equipment, bikes are also relatively quiet.
In gyms, exercise bikes are very popular, both for group exercise classes but also on the gym floor where they are a favourite of members who aren't confident running on a treadmill or using a rower.
Due to the low weight-bearing nature of the exercise, the chances of being injured on an exercise bike is much lower than other fitness equipment The strain placed on the hips, knees and ankles is not as strenuous as other exercises like running or weight lifting.
As well as preventing injury, exercise bikes can also aid in the recovery from injuries. Again, due to the low weight-bearing nature, in most cases the user can continue to exercise their cardiovascular system without overloading their muscles.
At Origin Fitness we stock every type of exercise bike currently available on the market:
Every type of exercise bike essentialy does the same exercise, but we've taken a closer look at the features and characteristics found in the three different types of bike to help you distinguish between them and to understand the differences.
Flywheel - To give the rider a similar feeling to riding outdoors spin bike manufacturers leave the rotating flywheel open, unlike on other types of bike, in order to simulate the rolling motion. As the pedals turn, the perimeter weighted flywheel creates momentum which again gives the user a realistic riding experience.
Body Position - The first thing that you will notice when comparing the three kinds of exercise bike is that the body position on each is very different. When riding an indoor cycle, the seat and handlebars are close to level with each other meaning the rider's body has a lower, more aerodynamic profile that mirrors the riding position of a road or mountain bike.
Pedals - Adding to the realistic feel is the presence of dual sided or SPD pedals. Dual sided pedals come as standard on most indoor cycles, meaning you can either securely fasten your feet to the bike using the tight toe straps, or with the SPD clips on cycling shoes. The SPD system allows the user to physically attach their feet to the bike allowing them to transfer more power to the pedal and activate their hamstrings more during a pedal stroke.
Resistance - Resistance is applied on spin bikes by either friction or magnets. Magnetic resistance is increased by moving the magnets closer to the wheel and creating drag. Friction resistance is the more common of the two, and simply works by turning a knob which presses down on the flywheel like the brakes of a real bike.
Indoor cycles are commonly found in studios and areas of a gym that are used for group exercise classes. In some facilities the bikes are only available for use during instructor-led sessions, simply because a first time user might not realise that they cannot stop abruptly like on an upright or recumbent exercise bike. This type of bike is the machine of choice for cyclists, athletes and individuals who are looking for something on which to do some serious training.
Body Position - On an upright bike the shape still looks quite like a normal bicycle, however the handlebars tend to be higher up than the seat meaning the rider's body position isn't quite so low profile. This can often be comfier for people who aren't used to riding crouched over for long periods of time. Seats also tend to be slightly larger and comfier than on spin bikes, which are purely built for performance.
Braking - The crucial difference between the experience on an upright or recumbent bike and an indoor cycle is that you can stop pedaling immediately rather than having to be in a constant rotation that is consistent with the flywheel speed. It does mean that when you pedal hard on an upright or recumbent it can feel like the flywheel is moving faster than the pedals.
Technology - Upright exercise bikes often require power from a mains outlet which isn't always ideal in garages or sheds, where many people have their home gyms. What it does mean, is that upright and recumbent bikes have much more advanced displays and user interfaces. Where an indoor cycle just has a resistance knob, upright and recumbent bikes have displays which to control your workout. The displays generally show; time, distance, cadence, calories, heart rate and some even have preset workouts built-in.
Resistance - On upright and recumbent bikes, resistance is changed electronically using buttons on the console, normally these are simply 'up' and 'down' options to cycle through the available resistance levels. The resistance that makes pedaling harder is usually created by using magnetic pull.
According to Gymetrix, a leading gym equipment analysis company, upright exercise bike are in 1.98 times greater demand than recumbent cycles and over 2.5 times greater demand than indoor cycles. This tells us that the upright is the most popular type of the three bikes for use on the gym floor (not accounting for usage during spin classes). Some would say that for use at home, the upright offers more flexibility, you can use it for an intense training session, but it's also safe for other members of the family to use. Compared to many indoor cycles, uprights are also quite quiet which makes them more suitable for home use. People who want a more forgiving piece of equipment might want to choose an upright bike.
Body Position - Last but not least is the recumbent bike. Probably the most distinctively shaped of the three types of exercise bike. You will notice a recumbent bike has a seat with an upright back to it, similar to a chair. The pedals are out in front of the user rather than directly underneath. This body position makes recumbent models ideal for people who are less mobile or who have lower back problems.
Recumbent bikes are often ridiculed by avid spin class goers and the super-fit, but what they probably don't realise is that using them can have significant benefits. Recumbent bikes are actually very good for building leg strength, because the back and upper body is supported, the legs are isolated and have to work harder without the support of trunk and upper body movement. For this same reason, recumbent bikes are ideal for people with injuries because there are fewer muscle groups involved and for many people allow them to exercise without pain. Finally, recumbent bikes are comfortable to ride which, some experts say, means you're more likely to get back on it when struggling for motivation.
For each of the kinds of exercise bike we have looked at there are two further categories; home and commercial. The expectation on gym equipment is that light commercial equipment is designed to withstand up to 6 hours use per day, however, for anyone who expects usage greater than this we would always recommend full commercial equipment. The materials and build quality used in commercial bikes is generally higher than home models, so these command a higher price. For an entry level home indoor cycle, prices would normally be between £200-£500, for a premium model this could be from £500-£800. For commercial spin bikes, you would be looking at a price somewhere in excess of £700.
Upright and recumbent bikes start around the same price, with the cheapest models of each available for around £400. Premium commercial models of these bikes can be much more expensive though, often in excess of £.
One alternative to buying a brand new exercise bike, is to look at refurbished or ex-demo models. Even for home users looking for a good quality bike, a refurbished indoor cycle or exercise bike can be much more cost effective and are often better quality pieces of equipment.
If you do decide to buy a refurbished or ex-demo model, it's important to ask what work has actually been done to the bike during the refurbishment. When Origin Fitness refurbish a spin bike, we take all of the components off the bike and make sure all the parts are in working order. If we find any parts that are damaged we replace them. When required, we also sand blast all metal parts to remove as much of the cosmetic wear and tear as possible.
Kennywood offers a diverse array of rides and attractions, making it a perfect destination for both new and returning visitors. Our rankings take into account various factors such as intensity, age suitability, and the kind of experience you're seeking. From high-speed roller coasters to gentle kiddie rides, and from water rides to classic flat rides, Kennywood's extensive lineup ensures every guest has a memorable visit.
Keep reading to discover our top picks and create your own ranking by trying all our rides yourself!
Phantom&#;s Revenge is a must-ride for thrill-seekers visiting Kennywood. This iconic roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 85 miles per hour and features a unique design with a second drop that's larger than the first. Experience intense thrills and adrenaline on this top-rated ride.
Sky Rocket launches riders from 0 to 50 miles per hour in just three seconds, with inversions and airtime hills that offer a thrilling experience from start to finish. Satisfaction is guaranteed for those looking for maximum speed!
Black Widow is an intense ride that swings riders 146 feet above the ground, delivering a unique and exhilarating experience. As the giant pendulum rotates counterclockwise, riders reach a height of 146 feet and experience moments of pure weightlessness. If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, Black Widow is a must-try!
SwingShot catapults riders back and forth at high speeds while reaching heights of up to 90 feet, providing intense G-forces and a heart-pounding ride. As you soar through the air, you'll experience the thrill of weightlessness and the rush of wind in your face!
Spinvasion offers a unique and terrifying experience as riders hang from their carts, spinning and swinging high above the ground. The combination of dizzying spins and sweeping motions creates a sense of weightlessness and exhilaration, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers.
The company is the world’s best spinning swings ride supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Thunderbolt, a classic wooden roller coaster, combines the nostalgic charm of wooden tracks with intense drops and sharp turns, delivering an exhilarating ride. Its timeless appeal and thrilling twists make it a perennial favorite for thrill-seekers.
The Lil&#; Phantom is perfect for young thrill-seekers, offering a scaled-down roller coaster experience that's just right for kids. This junior coaster provides gentle thrills, making it an ideal introduction to roller coasters for the little ones.
A classic ride at Kennywood, the Turtle provides gentle, family-friendly fun. Its whimsical, rotating motion and smooth ride make it a hit with visitors of all ages, offering a delightful and nostalgic experience.
Cranky&#;s Drop Tower is a kid-friendly free-fall ride that offers just the right amount of excitement for younger visitors. It&#;s a gentle drop tower that provides a thrilling yet manageable experience for children.
Crazy Trolley offers a charming and nostalgic experience as it takes riders high above Kiddieland on a 20th-century replica trolley. This mild ride provides a gentle yet delightful adventure, offering both kids and families a chance to enjoy a whimsical journey through the air.
The Whip is a timeless classic, providing a fun and fast-paced ride that has been a Kennywood staple for generations. Riders are taken around a track in a series of quick, sharp turns that offer a delightful and nostalgic thrill.
Auto Race is a vintage ride that lets you take the wheel of a miniature car as it races around a winding track. This classic flat ride combines gentle excitement with the fun of steering your own vehicle, making it a hit with all ages.
The Merry-Go-Round at Kennywood is a beautifully crafted carousel that offers a charming and relaxing ride experience. With its intricately designed horses and delightful music, it's a must-try for families and those looking to enjoy a piece of amusement park history.
Diesel Drivers is perfect for young visitors who love trains and vehicles. This ride offers kids the chance to drive their own mini-train cars around a track, providing a fun and interactive experience that's sure to bring smiles to their faces.
Pittsburg* Plunge is a splash-filled adventure perfect for cooling off on a hot day. This water ride takes you on a thrilling descent, ending with a massive splash that&#;s sure to soak everyone on board. It's a refreshing and exciting way to beat the heat.
For a wild water adventure, hop on Raging Rapids. This ride simulates a white-water rafting experience, complete with splashing waves and rocky passages. It's a fun, immersive ride that promises to cool you down while delivering plenty of excitement.
For a more leisurely water experience, try the Paddle Boats. These charming boats allow you to paddle around a serene lake at your own pace, offering a relaxing break from the thrills of the park. It&#;s a perfect activity for families looking to unwind and enjoy some calm on the water.
The Kangaroo is a classic Kennywood ride dating back to the last century. This unique, bouncing ride offers a nostalgic experience that&#;s both fun and exhilarating. The Kangaroo&#;s timeless charm and gentle thrills make it a must-try for visitors looking to enjoy a piece of Kennywood&#;s rich history.
For a spooky and atmospheric adventure, don't miss the Old Mill. This dark ride takes you through eerie scenes and unexpected twists, providing a delightfully chilling experience. The Old Mill's blend of history and haunt makes it a hidden gem that's perfect for those looking to add a bit of spookiness to their day at the park.
Journey with Thomas is a delightful train ride, perfect for young children and fans of Thomas the Tank Engine. This gentle ride takes kids on a scenic tour around the park, providing a fun and relaxing experience while they enjoy the sights and sounds of Kennywood.
The Whippersnapper is a mini version of the classic Whip ride, tailored for the youngest visitors. This ride offers mild thrills with its quick, circular motions, making it an exciting yet safe adventure for little ones who are eager to experience the fun of amusement park rides.
Arrive at Kennywood when the park opens to beat the crowds and maximize your time. Early arrival allows you to head straight to the most popular rides before lines build up, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Purchase your tickets online in advance to save time and avoid long lines at the entrance. This also ensures you can take advantage of any special offers or discounts available. Get your tickets here!
Plan your route ahead of time by starting with the most popular attractions first. Use a park map to identify the rides you want to experience and create an efficient path to minimize walking and waiting times.
Consider using a Speedy Pass to skip regular lines on select rides, bringing snacks to avoid food lines, and taking breaks during peak hours when lines are longest. Use the park's app for real-time updates and tips.
Now that you know all about the top rides at Kennywood and how to make the most of your visit, it's time to experience them for yourself! Buy your tickets today and get ready for an unforgettable day filled with thrills, fun, and memories.
FAQs
Kennywood boasts over 40 rides, including thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, classic flat rides, and water rides, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
The opening times for rides at Kennywood can vary, but typically the park opens at 10:30 AM. It's best to always check the opening hours page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Closing times for rides at Kennywood usually depend on the season and day of the week. It's best to always check the opening hours page for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Weight limits vary by ride at Kennywood. It&#;s important to check each ride&#;s specific guidelines posted at the entrance or on the park&#;s website to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Most rides at Kennywood do not allow bags. It&#;s recommended to use the provided lockers to store your belongings safely while you enjoy the rides.
Kennywood's first ride was the Old Mill, originally opened in . This classic dark ride has undergone several renovations but remains a beloved part of the park's history, offering spooky fun for visitors.
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