Exercise bike magnetic vs flywheel

To compare an exercise bike magnetic vs flywheel, you first need to know how they are alike and different.

Both magnetic and flywheel bikes have a flywheel of sorts. The big difference is that magnetic spin bikes use magnets to create the resistance you feel when you are pedaling, whereas plain flywheel bikes use mechanical friction to increase resistance when you are pedaling. Which is better? It really depends on what you want your bike to do.

Magnetic Resistance Bike

As mentioned above, a magnetic resistance bike uses magnets to create levels of resistance. There are some advantages to this method. They are as follows:

• They are extremely quiet
• A computer linkage usually controls changes in levels of resistance
• Because of the computer involvement, it is easy to add other programming to your exercise bike
• Magnetic resistance provides an easy transition from one level to another, creating a smooth ride

Have a look at Yosuda Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike L-010 as a reference of a great and affordable magnetic resistance bike.

Flywheel Exercise Bikes

With all those advantages, why would you want a flywheel exercise bike? That is a super good question, and the answers are as varied as the people who like to use flywheel exercise bikes. But here are a few to think about:

• Flywheel bikes require fewer electronics
• They use a belt or chain linkage to turn the flywheel
• Some models do not even have monitors – just the pedal and flywheel setup
• They depend on the weight of the flywheel to provide resistance
• Friction is used to create added resistance

 

Exercise bike magnetic vs flywheel, Which is Best?

As with many things, “best” depends a lot on what you want to do. If you like digital training programs, smooth variations in your ride change, and automatic record-keeping, then chances are you will enjoy a magnetic exercise bike. They are generally easier to connect to a program and some models can even be used interactively with an instructor. This can be a huge advantage if you are housebound for any reason and want to participate with others in an around the world bicycle tour, or to just have a personal trainer to give you that morning pep talk. Such connections to the Internet are not required to use an upright bike that has magnetic connections, but because it already needs an electrical connection, it is easy to add the digital component.

On the other hand, if you want to use an exercise bike in a venue without electricity or a digital connection when you are more likely to appreciate a bike that depends on a heavy flywheel or mechanical friction to provide resistance. Amazing as it might seem in our modern world, not everyone wants to be connected to the Internet or to the “Grid” as our ever more complex system of electrically powered appliances have come to be called. You can set your flywheel spin bike out on the porch of your ‘tiny house’, remote cabin, or even in a tent and pedal away, gaining all the benefits available from any exercise bike anywhere.

Let’s Hear It for Exercise Bikes of All Kinds

Whether you choose a magnetic resistance bike or a more mechanical flywheel spin bike, a stationary bicycle of any kind provides an option for a low-impact, cardio workout. Best spin bikes, which include the need to balance on an ordinary bicycle seat, will give the health-conscious user more of a full-body workout, especially when combined with some weight lifting or even with moveable handlebars.

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