Indoor Cycle

An indoor cycle is the ideal fitness machine if you want to improve your fitness, burn calories and preferably do so from your own home, whenever it suits you. An indoor cycle is suitable for beginners who want to start cardio training and for advanced cyclists who want to train intensively or stay in shape over winter.

The main selection criteria when buying an indoor cycle are the pedal system (fixed gear or freewheel), the braking system (magnetic or brake pad), the adjustability of the saddle and handlebars, the flywheel weight and the maximum user weight. A magnetic braking system is maintenance-free and quieter than a brake pad system. A fixed gear system is standard on indoor cycles and makes out-of-saddle training easier. If you also want to track training data or ride with apps such as Zwift, then an indoor cycle with a training computer or connectivity is the logical choice. And always pay attention to the maximum user weight: choose a bike that is well above your own body weight.

Why train on an indoor cycle?

Indoor cycling is an intensive cardio workout in which you burn a lot of calories in a short time and build endurance. The number of calories burned depends on your weight, the training intensity and the duration of your workout, but indoor cycling is one of the most effective forms of cardio for calorie burning and improving fitness.

A major advantage compared with sports such as running is that indoor cycling is a low-impact workout. The cycling motion places hardly any stress on your joints because there are no impact shocks to absorb. This also makes it suitable for athletes with knee problems, people who are overweight or those coming back from an injury.

In addition, you always train indoors, regardless of the weather. Whether it is raining, freezing or too hot to ride outside, your indoor cycle is ready. For road cyclists and mountain bikers, an indoor cycle is also an excellent way to stay in shape during the winter months.

Which indoor cycle suits you?

The right choice depends on your training goal, your experience level and which features are important to you. The scenarios below will quickly point you in the right direction.

You are just starting with indoor cycling and want to get started at home without a major investment: Choose an entry-level model with a magnetic braking system, adjustable saddle and handlebars, and a fixed gear system. Easy to use, quiet and maintenance-free. You do not need extra features to train effectively.

You want to track your workouts and train in a results-driven way: Choose an indoor cycle with a training computer. It shows your heart rate, speed, distance, calories and RPM. This way, you can see exactly whether your endurance is improving and perform targeted interval workouts.

You want to train with Zwift or other cycling apps: Choose an indoor cycle with Zwift compatibility or Kinomap connectivity. The resistance then automatically adjusts to the route profile you are riding. This makes workouts significantly more challenging and varied.

You are a road cyclist or mountain biker and want to stay in shape outside the season: Choose a high-end indoor cycle with a rear-mounted flywheel, V-belt drive and a realistic ride feel. A rear-mounted flywheel also reduces rust formation caused by sweat, which is a practical advantage during intensive use.

You have knee complaints or joint problems: Indoor cycling is already low impact in principle, but pay extra attention to a correct Q-factor between 140 mm and 170 mm. Outside this range, the chance of knee strain increases. Also check whether the saddle and handlebars are sufficiently adjustable for your height and riding position.

What should you look for when buying one?

Pedal system: fixed gear or freewheel

Most indoor cycles have a fixed gear system: the pedals keep moving as long as the flywheel is turning. This makes out-of-saddle training easier and ensures a constant pedalling rhythm. A freewheel system allows your pedals to stop while the flywheel keeps spinning, similar to a road bike. That is more comfortable in the event of cramp or muscle fatigue, but less suitable if you want to train intensively while standing.

Braking system: magnetic or brake pad

A magnetic braking system is now the standard on quality indoor cycles. It is quieter, maintenance-free and offers more precise resistance adjustment than the older felt brake pad system. A brake pad system wears over time and makes more noise. For home use, a magnetic braking system is by far the most pleasant choice.

Flywheel and ride feel

The flywheel largely determines how smooth and realistic the pedalling motion feels. In the past, the rule was: the heavier the flywheel, the better. Thanks to modern technology, the weight itself matters less than the flywheel’s rotational inertia. If you train intensively and sweat a lot, then a bike with a rear-mounted flywheel is the better choice. This prevents rust formation caused by sweat dripping onto a front-mounted flywheel.

Drive system: V-belt or chain

A V-belt drive is quieter, smoother and maintenance-free. A chain drive is slightly cheaper but makes more noise and needs oiling periodically. For home use, especially if you live in an apartment or do not want to disturb others, a V-belt is the logical choice.

Adjustability and comfort

Check whether the saddle and handlebars are adjustable both horizontally and vertically. A correct riding position helps prevent injuries and makes training more comfortable. Some models are only suitable up to a certain body height. Always check this in advance. Also pay attention to the Q-factor: the optimal value lies between 140 mm and 170 mm for an efficient pedalling motion without knee strain.

Maximum user weight

Every indoor cycle has a maximum user weight. Always choose a model that is well above your own body weight. If you weigh 100 kg, choose a bike with a capacity of at least 120 kg. A bike that is used right at the edge of its capacity wears out faster and is less safe.

Dimensions and storage space

Indoor cycles with a front-mounted flywheel are generally more compact than models with a rear-mounted flywheel. Most models have transport wheels so you can easily move or store the bike. Measure your available space in advance and compare it with the dimensions of the machine.

Our advice: Do not choose the heaviest flywheel, but the best rotational inertia. And always choose a magnetic braking system over a brake pad system, even if the brake pad model is cheaper. The difference in comfort and maintenance in everyday use is significant.

Indoor cycle or exercise bike?

An indoor cycle and an exercise bike look similar, but they are designed for different purposes. On an exercise bike, you sit upright, like on a regular bicycle, and the system has a freewheel. On an indoor cycle, you lean forward in a sporty position, similar to a road bike, and most models have a fixed gear system.

Do you want to train intensively, build endurance and push yourself to the limit? Then choose an indoor cycle. Do you want a comfortable, accessible cardio workout where you sit upright and can also read a book or watch TV? Then an exercise bike suits you better.

Who is an indoor cycle suitable for?

• Beginners who want to start cardio training at home and build their fitness step by step.
• Advanced athletes who want to train intensively, do interval workouts and push their limits.
• Road cyclists and mountain bikers who want to stay in shape outside the season or get through the winter.
• Athletes with joint problems who are looking for a low-impact cardio workout without shock loading.
• Athletes who want to lose weight and are looking for an effective and varied way to burn calories.

An indoor cycle is less suitable if you are looking for a relaxed, comfortable cardio workout in an upright seating position. In that case, an exercise bike or recumbent bike is the better choice.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about indoor cycles

What is the difference between an indoor cycle and an exercise bike?

An indoor cycle has a sporty, forward-leaning riding position similar to a road bike and is designed for intensive training. An exercise bike has an upright seating position, a freewheel system and is more comfortable for light to moderate cardio training. If you want to train intensively and build endurance, then an indoor cycle is the right choice.

Can I lose weight by doing indoor cycling?

Indoor cycling is one of the most effective forms of cardio training for burning calories. How many calories you burn depends on your weight, the intensity and the duration of your workout. For the best result, combine regular indoor cycling workouts with a healthy diet.

What is a good Q-factor for an indoor cycle?

The optimal Q-factor lies between 140 mm and 170 mm. Within this range, your pedalling motion is most efficient and the strain on your knees is minimal. A Q-factor that is too narrow or too wide can lead to discomfort or injuries during prolonged training.

What is the difference between a fixed gear system and a freewheel system?

With a fixed gear system, the pedals keep moving as long as the flywheel is turning. This is standard on indoor cycles and makes out-of-saddle training easier. With a freewheel system, the pedals stop when you stop pedalling, similar to a road bike. That is more comfortable in case of cramp, but less suitable for intensive standing sprints.

Is an indoor cycle suitable for knee complaints?

Indoor cycling is a low-impact sport, which means the joints are loaded much less than during running. If you have knee complaints, it is important to adjust the bike properly to your height and choose a Q-factor within the optimal range. In case of serious knee complaints, always consult a physiotherapist before starting.

How much space do I need for an indoor cycle?

As a general guideline, allow for a floor space of around 1.2 by 0.6 metres for the bike itself, plus enough surrounding space for a safe and comfortable training position. Models with a rear-mounted flywheel are generally slightly longer. Most indoor cycles have transport wheels for easy moving and storage.

Need help choosing?

Would you like to buy an indoor cycle but are you not yet completely sure which one best suits your wishes and needs? We are happy to help you further. You can contact our indoor cycling specialists by phone at +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our store in Volkel, the Netherlands.