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On those cold rainy days, getting on your bike might not be the most glamorous way to get in a good ride. Good thing there’s a gadget that enables you to bring your bike inside and still get a decent workout.
Stationary bike stands are made so that you can use your bike indoors without it going anywhere. Typically bike trainers can be used by cyclists who wish to improve their speed and stamina. A stationary bike stand allows those to have the comfort of their own bike all while trying to get a customized exercise similar to that of a gym exercise bike.
Because there are so many different types of bike stands, you might be wondering how you are going to choose the best bike stationary stand for you and your needs. Use this guide to help you find the one that’s right for you.
Types of Bike Stand Trainers
There are 5 different kinds of bike trainers that are categorized by resistance type. Before you buy a stationary bike stand trainer you should figure out what kind of trainer you are hoping for and what each one does.
Fluid Bike Trainers:
Fluid trainers use magnetic flywheels and fluid chambers to get resistance. This makes it so quiet that you can barely hear it, yet leaks might be a downfall of this kind of trainer.
Wind Bike Trainers:
As the name might imply, this bike trainer contains a fan that is affected by the way the cyclist pedals the bike. This running fan can cause a lot of noise, but it provides a more realistic experience similar to being outdoors.
Magnetic Bike Trainers:
A magnetic bike stand uses a magnetic flywheel that forms resistance for the back tire. These stands are super quiet but are often susceptible to breaking.
Centrifugal Bike Trainers:
These type of bike stands use pressure plates to create resistance. Unlike other stands the resistance can be changed.
Roller Bike Trainers:
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Roller trainers of cycling rollers are rolling bars that allow you to operate the bike and not move, but have both wheels spinning instead of just the back.
What to Look For
When most people consider buying a bike trainer they look for a few different things. Generated resistance, portability, noise, compatibility, warranty and durability.
1
Resistance
With the different kinds of stationary bike trainers the amount of resistance that is produced will be different for each model.
No matter the brand, type or style you should be constantly getting a decent resistance from the stand.
2
Portability
Many people look at size and how portable a bike trainer is. While some bike stands don’t take up much room there are some that are pretty large.
Some even fold up to maximize where you take your bike stand. So before you buy one ask yourself if you will leave it in one place or will it travel with you.
3
Noise
Some models are quiet. Others are extremely noisy. If you mind the noise, you should probably pick a bike stand that is less noisy. Another thing to look out for is the amount of vibration that the trainer causes.
4
Compatibility
It might go without saying that the stationary stand must be able to fit your bike’s tires and the bike itself.
5
Warranty
This might not be as important to some cyclists as it is for others. When looking for a stationary bike stand you might want to consider purchasing one with a good warranty, especially if you are paying an arm and a leg to get it.
6
Durability
You are probably looking for a decent bike trainer. With that being said, you should find that it is sturdy with good balance and a heavy duty feel to it. The more sturdy and heavy the materials are the more likely the stand is to last longer.
DIY Bike Stand
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There are ways that you can make a DIY stationary bike stand so that you don’t have to go out and buy one. With a few pieces of scrap wood and two bicycle pegs you can create your own bike stand for stationary riding in just a few minutes.
You should be comfortable with the bicycle stand that you choose to purchase. Before picking out a trainer to spend your money on, you should definitely take a look at some stationary bike stand reviews to see what other people have to say about the product. No matter the cost you should pick one that provides everything you are looking for so that you won’t regret your purchase.
One thing many cyclists love about stationary bike stands is that you can make your ride fun. All you have to do is buy a stationary bike stand right for you, grab a book or set up your stand in front of the tv and start your workout.