We have reviewed the best resistance magnetic exercise bike. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot of the top 5.
Contents
A magnetic exercise bike is a type of stationary bike that operates on the principle of magnetic resistance instead of the commonly used manual belt models.
It provides multiple levels of resistance that can be adjusted with the push of a button. These units usually have good LCDs that allow the user to keep track of exercise statistics.
Magnetic exercycles are very quiet and ideal for home use. For people who have a busy schedule, having one at home is a convenient way to train yourself.
In this article, we discuss what features you need to consider before buying a magnetic resistance bike for your home, and we will top it off with a set of recommended products based on our in-depth analysis.
How do Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bikes Work?
Before we begin, let us understand the principle behind a magnetic resistance bike, and why they are becoming the most popular variety of exercise bikes these days.
The “resistance” system in magnetic resistance bikes utilizes a flywheel that acts as a magnetic conductor placed between two powerful magnets.
Magnets attract each other. Anything that comes in between that attraction causes friction, and this friction is essentially the source of the resistance that the bike generates.
Now, the thing is – these magnets can either be just like the simple magnets that we used to get behind toy stickers for our refrigerators (only bigger) or, they could be “virtual magnets” made due to electromagnetic effects caused by the motion of electricity in wires.
When actual magnets are used, you get a manually controlled exercise bike. When electromagnetism is used, you get a digital resistance-controlled bike.
In a manual bike, resistance is increased or decreased by simply moving the two magnets closer to each other. When electromagnets are used, the resistance is altered by increasing or decreasing the flow of current.
In a manual resistance bike, there are usually fixed intensity levels in graded increments. With automatic resistance bikes, the levels can be increased or decreased by any amount using a tuning know or digital control panel.
Either way, you can control the magnetic resistance – and set it exactly as per your need. That’s what sets these bikes apart – you can not modify the resistance level in a belt-based resistance exercise bike.
You may also like Best Bike Trainers for Seniors and Beginners
What Features To Look For in Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bikes?
Now that we know how these bikes work let us also look at some important features that we should consider before buying one of them.
Magnetic Resistance
As the name suggests, the primary feature of these bikes is the resistance offered, which creates the necessary friction that allows you to exert force, thereby straining your muscles, causing them to flex and hence bringing you a wealth of health benefits.
Now, as already explained, a magnetic resistance bike may either have manual resistance or electromagnetic resistance. In either case, you will typically have a dial or button to control the level of resistance so that you can exercise at an intensity level that agrees with you.
In the case of manual bikes, the resistance selection will typically be through a manual dial or switch. In the other case, the selection will usually happen through a digital controller.
Non-Slip Paddle with Cranks
A secure footing with toe-caged pedals and adjustable straps is the gold standard of feet safety in an exercise bike.
The best exercise bike models use a 3-piece crank, meaning that the pedals are two separate components fixed to a central axle.
This assembly is more robust and practical to service and repair in the long run. Most low-cost exercise bikes have a 1-piece crank instead, that is susceptible to flexing and snapping if used for an extended period.
You may also like Best Hybrid Bike For Seniors
Seat/Saddle
Different types of bikes use different types of seats. An upright bike will have a seat similar to that of a standard bicycle, but broader and softer. Look for a bike that has air or gel-cushioned seats.
Spin bikes have seats like a sports bike, shorter and more streamlined. They are not very comfortable, since you are supposed to put your weight forward over the handlebars.
Recumbent bikes have broader seats with back support. Comfort, adjustability, and support are the most critical factors to look for here.
Flywheel
The flywheel is a large metal wheel under the seat in the back or the front of an exercise bike, depending upon the model. It is responsible for giving you the impression of an outdoor drive experience by storing energy to smooth out the cycling motion and support a consistent flow.
Heavy flywheels render a smoother ride and spin slower, while lighter alternatives are easier to push. Magnetic resistance exercise bikes often have large flywheels.
The heavier the flywheel, the harder it’s to turn the pedals, and therefore the more rigorous the workout becomes. However, they also make these types of bikes more expensive.
In general, beginners will do best with a flywheel weight of around 15–20 pounds, while more seasoned users may want to go up to 30 pounds or even higher.
Adjustability
A quality exercise bike will allow you to adjust the handlebars’ height and position as well as the seat. These adjustments can give a more comfortable riding experience as well as reduce the risk of injury.
Some bikes only allow for the seat’s alignment in four directions. The adjustability factor is essential for users that plan to work out intensely for long periods.
It makes the equipment more versatile and provides an efficient workout to many different people and enables different parts of the legs to be exercised.
Monitor Display
Purchasing an exercise bike equipped with a monitor display can help you keep track of your workout session. Many exercise bikes are fitted with a pulse sensor into the handlebars that will respond once you hold them.
Some units will come with few resistance options and necessary measurements. However, the best magnetic exercise bikes will have LED monitors that displays the appropriate workout statistics and performance data, which can be speed, calories burnt, time, heart rate, the distance covered, and more.
You may also like Best Bike For A 60 Year Old Woman
Best Resistance Magnetic Exercise Bike
#1 Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709
The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike with Resistance ME-709 is built with a 14-gauge steel tubing along with a powder-coated finish, making it both strong and stylish.
There are eight magnetic resistance levels on the bike, which uses a manual tension-mounted cable to adjust magnetic resistance so that you can customize your workout as per your current level of intensity.
The ultra-functional LCD screen also acts as an odometer. The panel display shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned in extra-large numbers for excellent readability, a feature that can be useful for seniors who want to use exercise bikes to remain fit.
The bike is equipped with an ergonomically designed high-density foam seat, along with foam covered handles that make your exercise experience very comfortable and stable.
The bike length can be modified easily between 26 inches and 31 inches so as to adjust the seat and pedal distance according to the length of your feet. The bike can carry a maximum weight of up to 300 pounds.
It has air-foam handles that provide better grip and support. The heavy pedals are designed to serve greater foot support while offering complete control. This bike is provided with adjustable foot straps for further safety.
There are transportation wheels on the bike base so that you can carry your bike easily and place it where you want to in your home.
Pros
- Eight resistance levels to customize your exercise
- LCD with time, speed, distance and calories burnt measurement
- Extra-large number display, easy to use for seniors
- Comfortable high-density foam seating along with foam-covered handlebars
- Weighted pedals and adjustable foot straps for safety
- Transport wheels for easy portability
- The bike length is adjustable – so that you can fit your legs comfortably
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
- This unit makes a clicking noise when in use.
- The LCD screen isn’t user friendly.
You may also like Best Electric Wheelchair Attachment Motor/Bike
#2 Exerpeutic Magnetic Upright Bike with Pulse
The Exerpeutic magnetic upright bike can be folded up and rolled away to almost half of its size after exercising, making it a very apt exercise equipment if you have space shortage or are living with others.
It has an 8-level manual magnetic resistance control system that allows the user to adjust the tension level for a workout that challenges their specific intensity scale.
There are hand pulse sensors on this bike, which help you monitor your heart rate while you exercise so that you can reach your target heart rate zone through methodical tracking.
The bike has a precision-balanced flywheel, large-sized footrests along with safety straps, which make it a very secure and reliable bike, with a smooth pedaling motion.
Another great feature is the 3-piece crank system, which makes the ride on this bike very smooth and safe.
The bike can adjust its height from 5ft. 3in. up to 6ft 1in., making it useful for a wide range of users. Similarly, it can support a maximum weight of up to 300 pounds, which is comfortable enough for most users.
The seat cushion has a large design, which can comfortably support riders of any size.
There is a large LCD display on the bike, which can show you distance, speed, time spent, calories burnt, and heart rate in clear, large-sized letters.
Pros
- Can roll up to almost half its size, very useful feature for space-saving
- Height is adjustable from 5ft. 3 in. To 6ft. 1 in.
- Heart rate monitor who uses hand pulse sensors
- A three-piece crank system which makes the exercise very smooth and safe
- 8 level manual magnetic resistance wire
- Precision-balanced flywheel, large footrests with safety straps
- LCD display for exercise KPI’s, with clear large-sized letters
- One year warranty period
Cons
- The warranty period is for the frame only. Other parts have a 90-day warranty.
- The speedometer is unreliable as per some users
#3 L NOW Magnetic Resistance Stationary Bike
The L Now has micro-adjustable magnetic resistance, which can be tuned to your desired intensity level exactly, using a large tuning knob conveniently located on the bike’s frame in front of the user. The same knob can also be used as an emergency stop button by pushing down on it, creating an additional safety feature that is not present on many other bikes.
The seat bracket on this bike can be adjusted to 10 levels, and the handlebar is adjustable to 6 levels, making it completely customizable as per your body frame. The bike can support up to a weight of 350 pounds.
There is a large screen LCD that displays key exercise statistics, as well as a holding tray for your phone or iPad at the head of the bike.
There is an ergonomically designed seat cushion, with a spring buffer that makes seating comfortable for a long session on the bike. The bike also has cage-like pedals with adjustable straps that ensure that your feet do not slip off the bike.
There are four horizontal adjustment knobs under the front and rear of the bike that ensure that the bike does not slip on any surface.
The bike also has two in-built transportation wheels so that you can move it around the house easily.
Pros
- Fully adjustable exercise bike with ten seat positions and six handlebar positions.
- Micro-tuned resistance levels, with a safety stop button in-built.
- Ergonomically designed seat cushions
- Large display LCD Monitor and Phone/Tablet Holder
- Caged pedals with safety straps.
Cons
- Slightly noisier as compared to other units.
- This product comes without a warranty.
You may also like Best Pedal Power Meters
#4 JOROTO Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike
The JOROTO Magnetic Resistance Exercise Bike has a solid build with a 35 pound chrome plater flywheel and 50mm frame tubes.The bike uses steel caged toe pedals with adjustable straps for additional safety. It can support upto 280 pounds weight.
The bike has four adjustment levels on the seat and handlebars (each) to customize it as per your body size. You can control the workout level using a micro-adjustment magnetic resistance knob that also doubles up as an emergency stop button.
The LCD monitor displays your time, speed, distance, and calories burned, and also has an attached phone/tab holder with it.
There is a one-year free replacement parts warranty on this bike, which can be a great option if you are unsure of the quality.
Pros
- Belt Drive & Bidirectional Flywheel, which make for a very “strong and silent” type of exercise
- Micro-adjustable magnetic resistance
- Wide, ergonomically designed seat cushion
- 4 Way Handlebar and seat adjustment
- Caged-toe Pedals with adjustable straps
Cons
- The seat may become loose after repeated use.
- The petals are fragile.
- No safety features.
#5 Exerpeutic 2500 Adjustable Recumbent Exercise Bike
This is a high end magnetic resistance recumbent bike for people who want to exercise along with work.
The bike has 14 magnetic resistance levels along with a step-through design for easily getting on and off it. It can support weights up to 250 pounds, heights of 5 ft. to 6ft., and has a functional LCD display to capture your exercise statistics. There are adjustable floor stabilizers on this bike, which make it extra safe for any surface.
As far as comfort is concerned – the backrest can be reclined to 3 different settings, and the seat is a 3.3-inch thick one, made from air foam. The seat is covered with a breathable fabric and uses aerodynamic healthcare technology to remain cool and comfortable even after a long workout session. There is an infinite slider with which you can adjust the seat as per your comfort level.
From a “getting work done” perspective, this recumbent bike features a large-sized desktop, which is fully adjustable in height and tilt and can hold a weight of up to 44 pounds, which is perfect for your laptop or tab. Additionally, there are two cup holders built into the desktop for carrying your coffee.
The chair connects via Bluetooth to the My Cloud Fitness App, where you can track your workout sessions and plan your exercise using three preset exercise levels.
The bike also has transportation wheels on the front, for easy portability within your home.
Pros
- Large size Desktop adjustable both in height (36.5in to 41in) and tilt (up to 30 degrees)
- 3.3 inch Extra Thick Airsoft Seat with infinite adjustability
- Bluetooth Smart Cloud Fitness app connectivity for tracking your exercise via phone or laptop
- 3 Angle Adjustable Backrest
- 14 Level Magnetic Tension Resistance
- Quiet Operation.
Cons
- Difficult to assemble.
- Bearings may begin to fail with use.
- The seat is wobbly.
You may also like Best Electric Conversion Kits for Bicycles
Conclusion
Magnetic resistance exercise bikes have several advantages over simple physical resistance bikes. You can adjust your resistance and hence exercise intensity to any setting you want easily. Magnetic resistance bikes are much quieter and require very little maintenance, unlike physical resistance bikes whose pads you have to change very regularly.
As there is no physical touch involved between the flywheel and the resistance creator, there is very little wear and tear in these bikes.
Most magnetic resistance bikes are also equipped with emergency stop buttons, digital monitors for exercise statistics measurement, adjustable seats and handlebars, and other safety features.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best resistance magnetic exercise bikes. There are two recumbent bikes (Exerpeutic 2500 and Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike), two indoor cycling bikes (L NOW Exercise Bike and JORROTO), and one upright bike (Exerpeutic Upright Bike).
The choice of which type of exercise bike is best for your regimen is very subjective and is the topic of a whole other article.
However, In our opinion the L NOW Exercise Bike Indoor Cycling Bike Belt Drive Smooth Magnetic Resistance Stationary Bike (S5) is the best indoor exercise bike (with its best in class adjustability and safety features) and the EXERPEUTIC 2500 Bluetooth 3 Way Adjustable Desk Recumbent Exercise Bike is the best recumbent bike (with its excellent work as you play features) amongst our choices.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the upright exercise bike, Exerpeutic Folding Exercise Bike, 8 Levels of Resistance Stationary Bike, Bluetooth tracking & Tablet Holder options available which is also a very good space saver, while being a reasonably priced, high feature exerciser.
And, if you are looking for more bike options, you should read best electric tricycles for seniors, best road bike for older riders and best bike for arthritis.
