Exercise bikes have been some of the most popular fitness machines for many years, found in many gyms and homes alike. The health benefits of riding a bike are well-known, and no doubt this has contributed to the popularity of the exercise bike as well. But before you buy an exercise bike for your home workouts, there are a few things that you should know in order to make the right decision.

First of all, exercise bikes come in two different varieties. The first is what you are probably most familiar with, as it resembles a normal bicycle with the wheels removed. The second type is called a recumbent bike, and rather than sit on it as you would a normal bicycle, you actually said in it instead. Some are not sure which type of exercise bike would be best for them, but generally speaking, either one will do a fine job of giving you a cardio workout at home. The biggest advantage of the recumbent exercise bike is that it could be a more comfortable fit for those who have back problems.

Other than that, it's probably best to visit a local sporting goods store and try out she type of exercise bike to see which style works best for you. Is the upright bike more comfortable for you, or the recumbent bike? The answer to that question is entirely up to you and your preference.

Now that you have settled on whether your exercise bike will be either upright or recumbent, it's time to start looking for the most important features to buy. Perhaps one of the single most important considerations is whether an exercise bike can be adjusted to fit you comfortably. Believe it or not, there are models on the market that fit the average person very well, but do not adjust well to someone who does not fall in that average category. So make sure that the exercise bike you buy has plenty of adjustment room for you.

Also be sure to actually test drive any exercise bike that you are serious about purchasing in person before you actually buy it. This is the best course to take with many consumer items, and exercise bikes are no exception. There are wide differences in exercise bike designs, and that means what fits one person very easily and well, may not work at all for someone else, and the only way you will know that a model will work for you for sure, is to actually use it yourself and give it a test drive.

While you test it out, ask yourself if you feel comfortable using it. Does the see fit you well? If not, can you replace it out with a different one until you find one that will work well for you? Can you read the display comfortably? Does it give you all the information that you would like to have while you are exercising? How solid and stable does the bike feel? Does it seem to run smoothly, and quietly?

It's not a bad idea to try out several exercise bike models, and get your own personal impressions from using them. After collecting all that information, you can decide whether to purchase it locally, or perhaps save money by simply ordering it online. But by that time he will have plenty of information that will help you find the best exercise bike for you.

Thad Pickering writes on many consumer related topics including fitness. You can find exercise bike ratings and the best exercise bike by visiting our Home Fitness website.