An exercise bike is one of the most used cardio machines in the gym. Users can do a high-intensity workout while keeping the impact on their joints to a minimum. As with every piece of equipment, finding the ideal exercise bike comes down to considering numerous factors. You’ll want to evaluate many areas, from the type of bike to the quality of your business’s budget. This guide explains how to choose the right commercial-quality exercise bike for your gym or fitness studio.
Understand Your Options
Before shopping for an exercise bike, you should know which type(s) you want for your fitness center. Each bike type offers distinct features, benefits, and user experiences that cater to different gym-goer profiles. The three most common options include:
Recumbent Bikes
Commercial recumbent exercise bikes have a slightly reclined seating position with a supportive backrest, making them ideal for individuals who experience back or joint pain. They also have a low impact on the knees and hips, making them an ideal choice for individuals who are recovering from injuries.
Upright Bikes
Upright bikes resemble traditional bicycles and offer a more conventional cycling experience. Their compact design makes them a practical option for gyms with limited space. These bikes also provide versatility, appealing to many users, from casual gym-goers seeking light cardio to dedicated athletes training for endurance.
Shopping Tip
TRUE’s Apex Upright Bike is an excellent example of a high-quality upright bike with features such as a low step-over height and a 15-position ergonomic and cushioned seat.
Consider Your Target Demographic
Different demographics, based on age, fitness level, and goals, prefer varying types of equipment. Recumbent bikes are popular due to their user-friendly design and supportive features, if your gym mainly serves beginners or older adults. Alternatively, upright bikes, appeal to experienced athletes or younger members pursuing high-energy workouts.
If your gym caters to a range of demographics, you may offer more than one type of exercise bike. This may mean having recumbent and upright bikes if your target demographic includes beginners and older adults.
Analyze Bike Features
As you research, closely review the product description and note what the display console will show users. Generally, this displays important information such as:
- Speed
- Distance
- Calories burned
- Heart rate
Buying an exercise bike with additional features, like TRUE’s Apex Upright Bike, gives gym-goers more incentive to use it. The more members use machines, the more likely they are to renew their membership and refer your gym to others, which means more profits for your business.
Pro Tip
Consider bike console options that allow users to alter their bike’s speed and resistance while also tracking health metrics.
Examine the Bike’s Build
Another key aspect of choosing the right commercial exercise bike for your gym is carefully examining the bike’s build. More specifically, evaluate components such as the seat and handlebar design.
Seat Comfort
The seats on your exercise bikes should be easily adjustable so users can make alterations as needed with minimal interruption to their workout. The seat design should also offer adequate support to prevent discomfort during extended workouts.
If you can see the bike in person, sit on it to determine how the seat feels. You should be able to sit on it for a minimum of a 15–30-minute workout without experiencing any discomfort.
Handlebar Design
The handlebar design is as important as the seat since it impacts the user’s posture and comfort. Similar to seats, some handlebars are adjustable, so users can change the distance or height according to their comfort. When sitting on the bike, users should be at an angle that doesn’t strain their arms or shoulders.
Evaluate Bike Quality
Assessing the overall quality of a commercial-grade exercise bike helps ensure its ability to endure heavy usage. Durability and brand reputation are two critical factors for long-term success.
Durability and Frame Material
Only buy commercial bikes made from high-quality steel alloys to ensure a sturdy frame. Lower-quality material may break down, become dented or scratched, and become an eyesore in your fitness center.
Brand Reputation
Choosing a reliable brand ensures peace of mind and access to support when needed. Manufacturers with a solid reputation in the fitness industry, such as TRUE Fitness, will produce high-quality products backed by warranties and responsive customer service.
Request Gym Member Feedback
One of the most important things you can do is find exactly what your gym members would like to see in the fitness center. Send surveys or talk to members when they enter the gym.
TRUE’s Stationary Bikes
TRUE Fitness offers several series of stationary bikes, and each includes machines that are ergonomic and mimic the motion of an actual bike. Our options for recumbent and upright bikes including the following:
Apex Bikes
The Apex series has the perfect options for any workout facility. Our Apex Recumbent Bikes feature a compact design, quick access controls, and a single stage drive system, ensuring comfort to users of all ages. This bike also features an ergonomic seat bottom with infinite reclining positions.
TRUE’s Apex collection also includes an upright bike that has 30 resistance levels, a single-drive system for smooth operation, and more. Like many of our machines, this stationary bike has front wheels so you can easily move it throughout your gym.
Gravity Series
In the Gravity Series, you’ll find our Gravity recumbent and upright bikes. The Gravity Recumbent Bike is a top-of-the-line machine with 30 resistance levels and an easy to recline seat. This exercise bike also features a multi-position handlebar design so users can adjust it according to their comfort levels.
Our Gravity Upright Bike is a perfect option for cyclists of all skill levels, making it an ideal gym machine. With multi-position handlebars, various workout options and an ergonomic seat, you can help gym members get in the best workout.
Launch Series
TRUE’s Launch Recumbent bike is another wonderful option for a fitness center with limited space. This bike has a footprint of 72” L x 30” W x 54” H. Likewise, the Launch Upright Bike is also compact, measuring at 44″ L x 26″ W x 58″ H. We’ve carefully created each product in this series to be the perfect option for budget-conscious facilities still looking for quality machines.
Contact Us
TRUE Fitness sells various stationary bike models with numerous console options. Since our founding in 1981, we’ve prioritized high-quality and user-friendly design. Contact us with any questions or browse our options online to see which models fit your budget and needs.