Exercise Bike Terminology
Flywheel
The flywheel is a weighted metal disk which is usually located at the front of the exercise bike that stores the momentum as you pedal.
The size of the flywheel is important as it will determine the exercise bike’s maximum resistance. A bigger flywheel will also provide a smoother riding experience.
Resistance
Exercise bikes use different types of resistance to simulate the sensation of riding an actual road bike. The different types of resistance include friction, magnets or air. Magnetic resistance is increased by moving the magnets closer to the flywheel and creating drag. Friction or infinity resistance works by turning a knob that puts pressure on the flywheel, just like the brakes on a road bike. This type of resistance is commonly seen on indoor cycling bikes. Air bikes do not have gears or resistance levels. The resistance on air bikes is created by a large fan at the front of the bike. As you pedal faster, the more resistance is created and the harder your workout becomes.
Heart rate monitor
There are 2 types of heart rate monitors; hand sensor monitors and wearable monitors. Hand sensor monitors come with the majority of fitness machines and monitor your pulse through the handgrips. They are good a guide but are rarely very accurate. Wearable monitors such as heart rate chest straps and watches are generally much more accurate.
Target heart rate training can be used to assist goals ranging from fat burning and weight loss to maximum aerobic capacity development. A target heart rate zone is selected before working out based on the users individual goal. A heart rate strap or watch will then monitor your heart rate, giving you real-time feedback so you can maintain the right level of effort to stay in your selected target zone. Many fitness machines link to chest straps or watches and auto-adjust resistance levels to help keep you in your target heart rate zone.