When it comes to getting your indoor cycling fix, you have many different options. You could have a spin
They are both fantastic choices but provide very different indoor cycling experiences. In this article, we will discuss both options and tell you how to pick the correct
- What Is An Air
Bike ? - What Is A Spin
Bike ? - Comparing An Air
Bike And A SpinBike - How To Choose An Air Or Spin
Bike ?
The Quick Answer
- The air
bike is ideal if you are looking for a very high-intensity short workout with much more upper body. Unfortunately, it lacks resistance adjustment options and is incredibly noisy when up to speed.
- If you are looking for a
bike to sit on for longer periods at lower intensities, giving a more traditional experience, the spinbike is the better way to go. The only drawback is you don’t get as much upper body as an airbike .
What Is An Air Bike ?
An air
Unlike many other types of indoor bikes, you also have handles that you can use to help spin the fan. This gives you not just a lower-body workout but also an upper-body workout. Air bikes are not often used when it comes to standing, but some people do.
Air bikes generally don’t have resistance dials. The air is the resistance, so the faster you go, the harder it is to continue. At slower speeds, it’s fairly easy to move. It’s incredibly difficult at high speeds, and the resistance is endless, and so are the noise levels when you get up to speed.
Air bikes are not designed for applications like Peloton or JRNY. They are generally used in circuit classes, crossfit gyms, and you wouldn’t often spend more than 20 minutes on them as they are used for intervals more than anything else.
What Is A Spin Bike ?
A spin
Spin bikes create resistance using the flywheel. Friction versions use a brake pad, while frictionless versions have a magnetic system that uses eddy currents. Spin bikes are very quiet, and even under heavy resistance, they feel silky smooth and make barely any noise.
Spin bikes come in many shapes and sizes. You can get very basic bikes, which will give you an okay workout, and all singing and all dancing machines that take you into interactive online classes, and even the
The Peloton is a great example of an interactive spin
Comparing An Air Bike And A Spin Bike
So now you know what an air
Here’s what you need to know.
Price
The first thing to mention is the price. Air bikes generally cost around $300 to $600, while spinning bikes cost anywhere from $100 to $3500. This comes down to availability and technology. Some spin bikes are more basic. Others are incredibly advanced.
Size
Air bikes take up a fairly large footprint and are typically heavy. Spin bikes generally are much smaller and lighter, making them easier to move. You also require less space when working out on a spinning
Choice
When it comes to choice, you will probably find around five different air bikes from the bigger brands. There are hundreds, if not thousands, to choose from with spinning bikes. If you want more options, spin bikes offer much more.
Resistance
The resistance on an air
Muscles Worked
Both bikes work many muscles, but a spin
Intensity
When it comes to intensity, a spin
Interactive Capabilities
When it comes to interactive capabilities, you are very limited when it comes to air bikes, and there are next to no applications that can give you a special workout. When it comes to spin bikes, there are so many options, from Peloton, JRNY, iFit, and many more.
Some bikes also can automatically change resistances for you while riding, and others can even incline and decline through online classes, giving an amazing experience simulating outdoors.
Noise
Air bikes are incredibly noisy. It’s not something you can use to its full capacity without the neighbors knowing. Spin bikes (especially those with magnetic resistance) are incredibly quiet, and many people choose them if they live in apartments or very close to others but love to train at home.
How To Choose An Air Or Spin Bike ?
When it comes to picking between an air or a spin
Step One: The Essentials
The first factor you’re going to need to check is how much you want to spend. If you want to spend less than $300, an air
Then you have space. It’s a good idea to check where you plan to put the
Then, noise is finally on the essentials list. If you need a quiet
Step Two: What Experience
Next, you need to consider the experience you want from the
If you are looking for a mix of high and low-intensity workouts, the spin
Then, we have an upper body workout. If you want to push your upper body just as much as your lower body, you might want to consider an air
Step Three: Testing
Finally, the last thing to do is test. Local gyms in your area will have a lot of equipment for you to use. I recommend getting a day pass and trying both an air and a spin
A Spin Instructor’s Opinion
As a spin instructor and personal trainer for many years, both air bikes and spin bikes are excellent. In my experience, air bikes are fantastic for short, quick interval workouts or as part of a circuit.
If you want a
A Final Note
Both air bikes and spin bikes are going to give you an amazing workout. As a user of both, I highly recommend them. Thanks for taking the time to read our article, and hopefully, you now know what you want.