Mini exercise bikes are a popular choice with people who don't have the space or money for a regular one. They weigh fifteen pounds or less, and are usually about twelve inches tall. They're made to be used while sitting in a regular chair, and thus lack the wheels, seat, and other parts that you'd associate with an exercise bike.
They're just the pedals and some mechanisms. Some are extremely minimal (and cheap) offering just the pedals themselves. Others offer more complicated mechanisms and different levels of resistance. Most have a display screen to tell you how long you've been "riding" and estimate calories burned and distance traveled.
A mini bike isn't going to give you the same kind of workout you'd get on a regular exercise bike or on a bike outside. The angle of use is different and different muscles are being worked. However, that doesn't mean it's not an effective and inexpensive way to add some exercise into your day.
Small enough to be used under your desk at work, these bikes are very portable and easy to store. They also cost very little, running the gamut from about thirty dollars to a couple hundred. But how do you make sure that the mini bike you're buying is one that'll work well for you? Here's a look.
The best mini exercise bikes are sturdy and have some weight to them. Extremely inexpensive models may rock or shift as you use them, making them annoying or difficult to use. A good bike should also have some mechanism to give you resistance - one that won't wear out.
A simple pad on the wheel, like the ones used to brake real bicycles, will eventually wear down and stop providing the resistance you need. Better models will cost a little more, but they'll also last longer and work with fewer problems, making them a better choice in the long run.
A good mini exercise bike will be easy to move around, not too complicated to store, and simple to start using. It should have pedals that move freely and easily, and a display (if present) that's easy to use. You don't want to spend all your time trying to figure out how to work the exercise machine, after all. If you have the opportunity, try out a bike of the model and brand you're thinking about buying before you make your purchase.
That'll help you understand how it feels to work out with this machine, and decide whether it's the right one for you. Careful shopping can help you get most of the benefits of a full sized exercise bike, without the bulk or inconvenience. Don't buy the first one you see - shop around for a while first. It's worth it.
