DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EXERCISE BIKE AND SPINNING BIKE

Do you know the difference between the exercise bike and the spinning bike? If you are thinking of buying a bicycle to exercise at home and you do not know the difference between a common static and a spinning one, in this post we will help you solve the doubt. There are a multitude of machines and devices to do sports without leaving home, but before choosing one, you must take into account which one is the most recommended for you depending on what you want to achieve.

A spinning bike is stationary, but a stationary bike is not intended for spinning sessions. There are big differences between the two and each one is specially designed for a type of training. One of the doubts that arise is, can you practice spinning on a traditional exercise bike? The answer would be no, since each of the bikes is designed to do a different type of exercise.

With the exercise bike you can practice a moderate cardiovascular training; while with the spinning bike the workouts are much more complete and similar to exercises on a mountain bike or road (mountain climbs, flattening quickly…).

In any case, it is important to know how to use either of the two bicycles correctly, this will allow you to do sports in the correct way and you will avoid any ailment and possible injuries at all times.

Today we tell you what an indoor spinning bike and a traditional static bike are like, their differences and why you should use each one for a type of exercise.

The 2 differentiating elements between the exercise bike and the spinning bike

1- Flywheel

The first big important point, and the main difference between a normal exercise bike and a spinning bike, is the flywheel or inertia wheel . This element is what accumulates the kinetic energy that is transmitted from the legs through the pedals. In this way, spinning bikes, thanks to the flywheel, better simulate the natural gesture that is made when pedaling; unlike on stationary bikes.

The inertia wheel is the one that gives the feeling of riding a road bike , and the most remarkable part when it comes to distinguishing it from a traditional exercise bike . This can be placed both on the front and on the back of the spinning bike, although the most normal thing is that it is placed where the front wheel would be. This flywheel is what makes the wheel continue to rotate thanks to inertia, even if you stop moving the pedals (the flywheel continues its movement by inertia when the momentum is no longer exerted).

In addition, the spinning bike has a belt transmission system , which connects the pedals with the flywheel and transmits the effort of our body to the bicycle. In contrast, in traditional exercise bikes, the pedals are directly connected to their only wheel.

2- Saddle and handlebar adjustment

Another difference between the exercise bike and the spinning bike is the regulation and position of the saddle and handlebar: their height, depth, etc. In the case of spinning or indoor cycling bicycles, the two elements are fully adjustable in all directions, in this way the most suitable and comfortable position for sports is achieved. On the other hand, in traditional stationary bikes you can generally only adjust the height of the saddle, and in some models, also the handlebar.

One more difference to note is that in spinning bikes the handlebars are usually triathlete and allow different positions , which provides extra comfort to exercise sessions. Stationary bikes for their part only have two horns.

Special attention must be paid to the posture adopted on each type of bicycle . The spinning sessions simulate an outdoor workout on a road or mountain bike. This, together with the possibility of adjusting both the height and the distance of the handlebar and saddle, allows you to have a position typical of a road bike and even perform the different movements that could be done on it, such as: pedaling standing up or making light swings.

The spinning bike becomes the ideal option for the training of professional athletes and cycling enthusiasts, due to its similarity to a road bicycle. 

Another reason why more and more people are encouraged to practice spinning is that you never get bored. Training on these types of bicycles allows you to vary the rhythms, do it while listening to music ... On YouTube you can find numerous videos of spinning classes to do at home , which can help you establish a routine. Give it all the imagination you want! Pretend that you are climbing the highest hill in your city or that you are participating in the cycle tour. This helps motivation to continue practicing sports and maintain an active and healthy life.

One of the great benefits of spinning bike or indoor cycle training  is the low impact it has on the joints , so anyone can practice it if they suffer from bone problems. Thanks to the flywheel, the force we exert on pedaling is smooth and does not emit any kind of impact on our knees. In addition, it can be a great ally in the recovery and rehabilitation of muscle injuries (always under the supervision of an expert).

The same does not happen in normal stationary bikes, as they do not have the help of inertia , the legs have to continue emitting effort throughout the pedaling. By constantly generating force, the joints are more punished than on an indoor spinning bike .

In the following table you can better observe the differences that exist between the two types of bicycles. In this way, you can better choose your next bike knowing what you want to achieve with each of them.

You no longer have excuses to get your next machine to practice sports at home! Now that you know the difference between the exercise bike and the spinning bike, you can stop by our ATAA Sports online store and see the different options we have in spinning bikes .