How to Choose the Right Indoor Spin Bike for Your Riding Style

Indoor spin bikes are among the most popular pieces of at-home exercise equipment today. They're a great entry-level machine for beginners and can help to improve cardiovascular health without causing excessive joint strain. In addition to the health benefits, these incredibly versatile pieces of gym equipment offer a variety of low-impact, high-intensity, and rhythm workout styles to choose from.

Like all exercise equipment, indoor cycling bikes have unique features and benefits optimized for different cycling styles. Choosing the right bike is critical for getting the best results from your workouts.

In today's article, we'll provide some simple tips that will help you choose an indoor spin bike that matches your cycling needs and style so you can get the most out of every ride!

What Type Of Rider Are You?

Whether you bike to the beat of the music, race in performance-oriented classes, or enjoy a variety of workouts on your bike, there's an indoor bike for every cycling style. Which one do you identify with most?

The Rhythm Rider

Your ideal ride includes upbeat, high-energy songs that have you pedaling to the beat of the music. You're less focused on metrics and let the build-ups and beat drops of the music be your guide. You're on the bike to get your heart pumping and are looking for a smooth ride that lets you really ramp up those rotations per minute.

Best Spin Bikes for Rhythm Riders

Spin bikes for rhythm riders should have a comfortable seat and maintain an even cadence for a smooth ride. You'll want a bike that allows major resistance changes with a simple touch so you can adjust your difficulty and cadence with the beat of the music. The handles should also be versatile to accommodate the range of rhythm hand positions comfortably.

Our recommendations: Schwinn ACP, Stages SC2

The Performance Rider

You're driven by data and love a good challenge. You're focused on your cadence and resistance, seeing how hard you can push yourself to increase your power output. Whether you're riding alone or in a class, you're constantly working to improve your performance.

Best Spin Bikes for Performance Riders

The best spin bikes for performance riders will offer the ability to adjust resistance quickly. They’ll have a heavier flywheel, providing you with greater resistance to make the ride more challenging. You'll want a bike with a sturdy frame designed to handle a high-performance ride in and out of the saddle.

Our recommendations: Schwinn AC Power w/Console, Stages SC3, Keiser M3I

The Combo Rider

You enjoy both high-intensity workouts and low-impact rhythm rides or, you live with someone who has a different indoor cycling style than yours.

Best Spin Bikes for Combo Riders

If you're a combo rider or have some different cycling styles in your household, there are indoor cycling bikes that will give you the best of both worlds. You'll need a bike that promises a smooth ride with a quick response shifter and a heavy flywheel. Whether you're up for a groove ride or ready to tackle some hills, the right bike can do it all.

Our recommendation: Schwinn ACP

Purchasing at-home gym equipment is an investment, so choosing the right type of indoor cycling bike for your riding style is an important decision to make. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of your riding style and the type of bike that will help you get the best ride possible.

If you are still unsure which one will work best for you or want more information on a specific bike, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to help you choose your ride. Happy cycling!