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You can burn more than 600 calories an hour with a stationary bike workout depending on the intensity of your workout and body weight, according to Healthline. That makes indoor cycling and spin classes one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. Should you use cleats on an exercise bike?
Not only are we endorsing this product after testing, but it is also given a ‘best buy’ award by the Independent thanks to its incredible build quality. It has a relatively small footprint which makes it ideal for use at home (dimensions are 120.5cm length x 63cm width and a maximum height of 126cm), it features a 7kg flywheel which is actually incredibly high performance and has up to 32 levels of resistance. You get 30 days of membership to the Echelon live classes and on-demand classes (as well as the app and all that comes with that) when you buy the bike and you can extend this if you wish – which you probably will want to do as the software is incredible and very motivational. There are plenty of all-singing, all-dancing exercise bikes in this round-up but if you want a solid spinning machine to see you through your sessions, without having to shell out on a monthly subscription, this is the one for you. The Echelon Connect Sport is one of the most impressive budget spin bikes we have tested. It compares incredibly well on price to other models on this list and has access to class leading software and has some of the most advanced hardware at this price point. There are a couple of concessions you need to make compared to their pricier models (mainly there is no touch screen or SDP pedal compatibility) but if you are just on the lookout for a high quality bike that will last for home use then you needn’t look much further than the Connect Sport.
It is built to a commercial standard, but it is very much designed for home use. It has WiFi and bluetooth connectivity, an impressive 14 inch HD display that is adjustable and rotates for the perfect viewing angle and the bike can be controlled automatically by the trainer if you so wish.
The centre console that comes supplied with the bike is one of the better that we saw although it is still simple by design. This is no bad thing as it keeps the cost down and allows you to easily display your own mobile device or tablet above it and use the bundled KinoMap app for live or pre-recorded training sessions and lots more besides. There is a pulse rate monitor built in to the handle bars and this can be displayed on the console but one feature that does set this apart from some of the other models is that it is compatible with standalone heart rate straps. Still not sure what to look for? Take a look at these common questions and you will be spinning in no time. Spin Bikes Vs. Exercise Bikes The flywheel is one of the lightest to make our top 11 list and weighs just over 8kg. This is certainly at the lower end of what we would be happy to recommend but to be fair it performs well and offers a smooth and fluid ride. When using this bike it is very quiet in operation so there should be no issues with using it while other members of the household are in bed or if you have neighbours to consider. Not all spin bikes come with a screen, and the features that are available on the display vary from bike-to-bike.The classes on the Apex platform are courtesy of top London spin studio Boom Cycle and are nothing short of exceptional. The instructors are experienced, edgy and fun. We love how they don’t take themselves too seriously and aren’t as corny as those you’ll find on, for example, Peloton. The production feels high quality, and it can be very immersive if you’re casting on an Apple TV. It doesn’t quite have the same effect on a 9-inch iPad or tiny iPhone, though, unfortunately. Every aspect of the IC300 is comfortable and the riding experience is enjoyable and challenging as you would expect. It is worth pointing out that this is one of the quietest bikes we tested which makes it ideal for home or flat use where lower noise levels might be important. The length of the IC400 is pretty much the same as the 300 with a total length of 120cm when fully adjusted. The maximum height is greater with a total maximum height of 141.5cm and a slightly greater width of 54cm. These different dimensions don’t really impact on the usability of the bike and it is just as well suited to users of all heights just like the IC300. One of the key differences is that the 400 sports a gel seat cover which provides extra comfort to the already well padded saddle. There is also the addition of SDP compatible pedals which means you can use dedicated cycling shoes to clip in if you wish. This is a significant upgrade over the IC300 and although not all users will appreciate this upgrade it will make a big difference to dedicated spin cycle and road/mountain bike enthusiasts.
The flywheel is 15kg which is less than some of the other models we tested but it did perform well for us. It is not quite as smooth as the JLL models but it is not noticeably jerky either. In fact, we had some very enjoyable rides on the SB500 and the level of challenge afforded by the magnetic resistance was impressive. This bike has a two way chain driven system which may explain why the ride is not quite so smooth as the belt driven systems we tested but it should also mean longevity will not be an issue with this model. The pedals seem well made and have foot straps to keep your feet in place and the pedalling action was smooth with nothing out of the ordinary. The main issues with spin bikes surround overuse. The bikes themselves will have no issues with being used every day but the human body does need rest and so unlike brisk walking which is a great form of cardio, hard core spinning should not be performed every day of the week. Instead, you should aim for a weekly routine of 3-4 spin sessions per week at the most and then supplement this with a lighter form of cardio such as walking. Will I Lose Weight By Spinning? If you’re wondering how to assemble a spin bike, today we will help you understand what you need to do to put it together and start working out ASAP. The good news is that most spin bikes come pre-assembled, so you’ll find that the frame will already have the chain, crankset, and flywheel installed. This means you’ll only need to add the handlebars, pedals, seat, display console (if your model has it), and the base stand. Connectivity: ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth for tablet/smartphone and heart rate monitors | Display: N/A | Weight: 44kg | Size: L100 x W50 x H112cm The Apex Bike is undoubtedly a good alternative to Peloton, and the lower monthly subscription cost in particular is welcome, but the Peloton experience still reigns supreme. And if you’re looking for a bargain option for home spinning there are cheaper ways to go than the Apex.Interactive training: If you need a little motivation to get you spinning, look for a bike with on-demand training options that allow you to tune in to live spin classes with your favourite instructors and even compete with fellow riders in real time. Often, you'll have to pay a membership fee, but some bikes come with a year free when you sign up.
Another noteworthy upgrade over the original is a new rotating 23.8-inch HD screen, which makes it even easier to switch between cycling and floor-based workouts. Apple Health fans will also be thrilled to hear that it plays nice with the Apple Watch too — not only does this conveniently keep your workout stats in one handy place, but you can compare your daily activities with friends and family for that all-important competitive edge.
This connected spin bike is cheaper than Peloton and worth considering – but if price is your chief concern, you can find cheaper options
However you choose to while away your time on the saddle, you'll also benefit from an LCD monitor to display your workout stats. If you’re in a smaller space and need to shift things around before and after each session you’ll also be pleased to hear it’s got built-in wheels too, making life after a brutal HIIT session a little easier.
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