If you take a proper look at indoor cycle bikes, you’ll most likely see varying flywheel sizes. The flywheels of some exercise bikes are heavy and up to forty pounds or more, while the flywheels of others are as light as eight pounds or even lower.
A heavier flywheel is not better on an exercise bike. Although it helps you maintain momentum throughout your ride and keep the pedals in check, it is still important for you to research the quality of the flywheel and what works best for your bike before making any purchase.
Read on to find out more about the flywheels of exercise bikes, their differences in weight, their effects and other factors concerning flywheels especially in ways they affect your ride.
What Is A Flywheel Of An Exercise Bike?
You probably have heard of a flywheel on an indoor exercise bike and could be wondering what that meant? A flywheel is a motor or instrument by which most fitness equipment creates leverage for you to function as you pedal or push against it.
Ellipticals, upright bikes, and other workout bikes often utilize flywheels as a fraction of their mechanical structure although it’s hard to even take note of them because they’re most of the time covered.
On the other hand, it is very easy to point out a flywheel on a cycle bike because it is the round disc placed at either the back or the front of the bike.
Flywheels are either connected by a belt (belt drive) or chain. It works in such a way that when you work on the pedal, the chain moves, this, in turn, makes the flywheel spin and pushes the bike forward enabling you to ride the bike.
Flywheels come in various weights varying from light to heavy. It is nevertheless very crucial to know that the weight of flywheels do not have any form of impact on the level of friction or resistance you experience when cycling on an indoor cycle bike.
How Much Does An Exercise Bike Flywheel Weigh?
The weight of an exercise bike flywheel varies. It is however mostly grouped into the lightweight flywheel and heavyweight flywheel.
The lightweight flywheel usually weighs about 10LB or less, is light enough to be very fast and generate lots of momentum. It requires less energy to pedal and requires less energy.
The heavyweight flywheel on the other hand usually weighs about 30LB or more. Sometimes about 40LB – 40LB. Although it is heavier on the joints, it is usually best for producing a very smooth and continual momentum.
Some heavy flywheels weigh even more than 40LB, only very few of them do though.
Is A Heavier Flywheel Better On An Exercise Bike?
No. A heavier flywheel is not better on an exercise bike. This however does not imply that a lighter flywheel is better on an exercise bike. The needs of the user involved in the workout and the build-up of the bike have to be considered when purchasing flywheels.
Both heavy and light flywheels can provide a smooth, significant, riding experience just the way you prefer. It is very important to check out the qualities and reviews of any bike before making a purchase.
A weight of 30LB+40LB is usually recommended for a heavy flywheel if you need to experience that sturdy feel, especially on exercise bikes for 500lbs or a little less. If however, you need a lightweight flywheel, ensure you make proper research and purchase what fits your needs and budget.
It is also important for you to know that while some lightweight flywheels are designed to reduce the cost of production, they might negatively affect your riding and workout experience. The same goes for heavyweight flywheels, some heavyweight flywheels create undue pressure and reduce the smoothness of the workout experience for you. Ensure you look critically and choose the best.
How Does Flywheel Change Your Workout Experience?
The flywheels on exercise bikes usually work in pairs with some kind of resistance technique. It could either be resistance generated from friction (mostly created by a sort of strengthened leather belt directly placed on the flywheel) or resistance generated by magnetic force (mostly generated when some sort of magnetic force is applied to the flywheel).
The level of resistance applied to the flywheel has a high effect on your workout. It is what makes your workout feel easier or harder. If you feel drawn towards finding a bike that will provide you with an intense workout, the resistance system is one of the most crucial factors you would need to analyze.
On the other hand, however, the general concern about flywheel is its capacity to build and retain velocity, contributing to the total quality of the ride for you as a user.
You can however find bikes on the market such as the Exerpeutic Gold 525XLR that is designed to improve your indoor cycling, move fast and help you maintain momentum making it a great choice for you without having to worry about flywheels.
Whether you love to ride an upright bike, a cycle bike, or any other kind, the weight of the flywheel is an important factor you should consider.
In Essence
You can have a tremendous workout experience with both an exercise bike that has a heavyweight flywheel or one with a lightweight flywheel.
The heavyweight flywheel can be desirable for you if you want to experience that sturdy feeling while the lightweight flywheel can be better if you want to go easier on yourself. Also, heavyweight flywheels are best if you want to maintain continuous momentum while riding.
Always remember that the intensity and resistance of your workout are independent of the weight of your flywheel. Choose what suits you best, attends to your needs and is not out of your budget.