An Exercise Bike Alternative

Those of you who enjoy the exercise bike at the local gym and have considered buying one, might want to consider another option. Do you own a bicycle already? If you do, a bike trainer may be a better route to go. This can save you a lot of money and also a lot of storage space. A trainer attaches to your bike and uses air, fluid, or magnetism to provide resistance similar to biking. They take up very little room in comparison to a normal exercise bike.

There are three different types of trainers all with their own unique qualities. You will need to decide what works the best for you. Wind trainers use a fan to create resistance with the air that you work against. They are the least expensive, however a major downside is the noise generated as you pedal. Yet they work well for beginners as the resistance generated is generally on the lighter side. Resistance is controlled by how hard you pedal.

Magnet trainers make a great mid level trainer. The price is comparable to a wind trainer and beginners to intermediate riders may find this style practical. Quiet in comparison to a wind trainer, they don't quite match the same level of resistance that a fluid provides.

Fluid trainers are tht top of the line, feeling similar to riding on the road with your bike. However they are generally more expensive, and do have their own problems. Using a "fan" encased in liquid to create resistance, it is considerably more complex than it's counterparts which leads to more wear and tear over it's lifetime. Some models have been reported to leak.