Do you want to buy an exercise bike but don’t know which type to choose? You might wonder if a rear-wheel or front-wheel exercise bike is right for you. This blog post will discuss the differences between these two types of bikes and help you decide which one is best for your needs.
Key Summary:
- Front-wheel bikes are a more traditional model with more options for comfortable positioning.
- Front-wheel bikes tend to require more maintenance
- Rear-wheel bikes are less popular but require less maintenance
How Does a Rear Wheel Stationary Bike Work?
A rear-wheel exercise bike has a flywheel in the back and pedals in the front. When you pedal, the flywheel turns, and resistance is created. This type of bike is often called a “spin bike” because it gives you a similar feeling to riding an actual bicycle outdoors.
The Advantage of a Rear Wheel Bike
The top advantage of a rear-wheel bike is that it requires less maintenance. This is primarily because the sweat from a bike user doesn’t drip directly onto the flywheel, which can lead to corrosion if the wheel is not consistently kept clean.
Are There Any Disadvantages to a Rear-wheel Bike?
There are no specific disadvantages of the rear-wheel bike when comparing its use. The biggest reason bikers decide not to use a rear-wheel bike is because of the way it looks. Most of us are accustomed to seeing front-wheeled bikes in a sea of treadmills and stair steppers at our local gyms and cycling classes.
How Does a Front Wheel Stationary Bike Work?
A front-wheel exercise bike has a flywheel in the front with the pedals behind it. There are two different bike types with a front wheel bike: an upright bike and a spin bike. An upright bike can be more comfortable for beginners not concerned with carryover from outdoor bike riding. The front-wheel spin bike is what you classically see in cycling gyms.
The Advantage of a Front Wheel Bike
The main advantage of a front-wheel bike is that it simulates an outdoor biking experience more accurately (or some people say). When you ride a front-wheel bike, you need to put more effort into pedaling since the weight isn’t evenly balanced. People often refer to this as “cycling with resistance.”
Are There Any Disadvantages of a Front-Wheel Bike?
As already mentioned above, maintenance can be a concern. The sweat and grease from your hands can (and will) drip directly onto the flywheel, leading to rusting and corrosion over time if the flywheel isn’t cleaned regularly. Thus, it’s important to take the time to thoroughly clean your wheel between workout sessions.
Different Types of Exercise Bike Resistance
There are two main types of resistance that you’ll find with exercise bikes: friction and magnets.
Friction-based bike resistance is the most common type that you’ll see. It’s created by rubbing brake pads against the flywheel. The advantage of this type of resistance is that it’s typically the most affordable. The disadvantage is that it can create more noise and wear out over time. This type is more common in front-wheel than rear-wheel bikes.
Magnetic bike resistance is created by using magnets to create resistance. The advantage of this type of resistance is that it’s typically quieter than friction-based resistance. The disadvantage is that it can be more expensive. Both wheel styles can utilize magnetic resistance for a smooth ride.
So, Which Types of Bike Should You Choose?
The answer to this question is ultimately up to you. If you are looking for an upright bike that requires less forward-leaning, then you’ll want to opt for a front-wheel model. If you want to stimulate a workout experience that is similar to road biking, either wheel option can offer this.
Ultimately, choose a bike that fits your unique needs. Don’t forget to factor in budget, space, and the bells and whistles you’d like included on your bike. Then make a choice that works best and keeps you motivated to ride consistently!
Leave a Reply