WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EXERCISE BIKE AND A SPIN BIKE?
These two cardio fitness training machines may seem similar, but they are actually quite different. Discover how.
Interested in having a bike at home and want to invest in cardio-training equipment? If so, you have 2 options, a spin bike or an exercise bike. Are these two machines really that different?
From their design to how they are used, these two machines are actually quite different. Discover the components that make these bikes different.
FLYWHEEL
The spin bike differs from the exercise bike by its flywheel and fixed gear. Flywheels are very heavy and difficult to get moving, which also means they are hard to stop once in motion. “With a fixed gear, the pedals and wheel work together. Because the pedals are driven by the flywheel, the pedals will not stop moving once you cease pedalling: you must control the flywheel by gradually braking, using the force of your legs to slow the pedals”, explains Frédéric, Domyos coach.
PEDALS
The pedals on a spin bike are somewhat special because they are equipped with clips that attach directly to your cycling shoes. This guarantees optimal grip so that you can surge forward while pedalling. Because exercise bikes do not always have clip-in pedals, the intensity and speed of your pedalling is limited as your foot does not always have the best grip and can slip off the pedal. But in any case, exercise bikes were not made for this kind of workout!
ADJUSTMENT
Exercise bikes are easier to adjust for the simple fact that you are seated. As for a spin bike, you must stay comfortable while changing positions, even while standing up on the pedals (like when the cyclists you see on TV climb hills).
WHICH BIKE FOR WHICH TRAINING?
In short, exercise bikes are recommended for endurance sessions and should be used from a seated position. Spin bikes, which closely resemble traditional road bikes, are better suited for customized workouts with acceleration, coasting, etc. Riding a spin bike requires you to vary your position to standing or leaning against the handlebars, like an individual time trial.
Depending on your goals, you are sure to find a bike that meets your needs.
