Upright Exercise Bikes

Riding upright exercise bikes in your home is the closest thing possible to actually getting out and pedaling a real bicycle. People have been riding bicycles for many years both as transportation and as exercise. It is one of the most effective workouts you can do because it strengthens and tones all areas of your body while burning up tons of excess calories.

There are many varieties of upright exercise bikes on the market today and they each offer something unique. No matter what your needs and fitness goals may be, there is something out there that will deliver the results you want within a price range you can actually afford.

If money is your primary concern, then an upright stationary bike may be your best pick out of all types of home fitness equipment. You can purchase very basic home cycles that retail in the $100 - $300 price range, but you have to put your expectations in line. These models will feature small consoles with very basic feedback information and they typically do not have the strongest frames and will therefore hold less weight than more expensive bikes. They also do not tend to come with many preprogrammed workouts, if they have any at all.

If you can afford to spend a little more, you can find a bike under the $1,000 price point that will serve you well for many years. In this price range you can expect preprogrammed workouts that deliver variety and magnetic resistance systems which allow you to increase the intensity without stopping the workout. You will also get built-in heart rate sensors on these models and larger consoles which are backlit for easier reading and which deliver more detailed feedback on your workout.

When you look at upright exercise bikes which retail over $1,000, you are looking at higher quality, longer-lasting machines designed to be durable through more intense workouts, with users weighing upwards of 300 pounds. Some of these will still have the same features as lower end models, but many will have more preprogrammed workouts, programs which work off of your active heart rate, and some will have chest straps for more accurate heart rate monitoring.

The higher end models also tend to come with more of the technological features, such as built-in speakers and MP3 player connections and optional TV screens. Some now have TV screens built directly into the console.

Most upright exercise bikes on the market right now are equipped with magnetic resistance and other technological advances that make them extremely quiet and smooth to ride. If you prefer to feel as if you are really riding a bike outdoors, then you may be interested in the Schwinn Airdyne bike. It is designed with the large, open fan flywheel on front and two moving arm handles. You ride it like old school exercise bikes, taking up the resistance with faster pedaling rather than the push of a button. It does come with a small console for basic reporting on the workout as well.

Some higher end models are designed for indoor race training and can be equipped with race style handlebars.

Of course, there is always the spin bike if you are interested in burning as many calories as possible through short, high intensity workouts.

But for the average user looking for a quality aerobic workout at home, upright exercise bikes are the perfect vehicle.

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