Getting the right stationary bike for HIIT isn’t complicated. While alternatives available on the market seem to be really abundant, we need to separate what works and what doesn’t. In order to accomplish this, we have a few suggestions for you.
HIIT, which stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, is a popular way to achieve massive fitness results. This training methodology implies less time and more effort, demanding people to go to their limits.
Lately, bikes have become a great way to practice HIIT. But doing it outdoors can be problematic. Like we said before, this type of training implies great intensity and if we do that on a bike, it means that we will go really fast. Going top speed on a bike can be really dangerous, even if we have the right security equipment.
Because of this, exercise bikes that we can use at home are becoming the most convenient option. This way, we can train without leaving home and ignore weather, cars, and any other agents can make more difficult our training. Now it’s time to have clear ideas about which is the best trainer for HIIT.
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Hiit Bike Reviews
In order to help you further, we have some suggestions about our favorite products. One of the followings can easily be the best stationary bike for HIIT. At the end, you and your needs will be the judge.
Keiser M3i Indoor Cycle Review
If you dedicate a few minutes to research on the internet about the best stationary bike for HIIT, the Keiser M3i will appear more than once. This exercise bike is one of the favorites, mainly because of the great quality build and features. Some can say that it’s quite expensive but there are reasons for it.
The Keiser M3i offers outstanding quality and high durability, even if you dedicate to heavy HIIT training. Its design is modern, attractive, and quite menacing. Both handlebar and set are totally adjustable, offering plenty of comfort during training.
A notable feature of the Keiser M3i is its Bluetooth connectivity with smartphone apps, allowing to track and share real-time data. The resistance is created by a highly-efficient magnetic system, so both beginners and seasoned users will make a good profit.
Pros
- The highest quality available in the market.
- Built-in computer with Bluetooth connectivity.
- Striking appearance.
- Totally silent.
Cons
- One of the priciest alternatives.
- The lack of a rolling base makes moving it uncomfortable.
LifeCORE Fitness Assault AirBike Trainer Review
The Fitness Assault AirBike from LifeCORE is a more accessible alternative in our list, costing half in comparison with the Keiser model. This stationary bike works with an air resistance mechanism which results interesting, also including upper body training capabilities.
The air resistance mechanism consists of a 25-inch steel fan enclosed in grills, which creates, according to the maker, unlimited resistance. While the word “unlimited” seems to promise a lot, we have to believe that the Fitness Assault AirBike can provide a real challenge, no matter our fitness level.
The built-in computer tracks and shows relevant data, also allowing us to program workouts. But we are looking the best trainer for HIIT, so we are probably going to use our own workouts.
Pros
- Unlimited air resistance mechanism.
- Complete built-in computer for tracking and workout programming.
- High-quality materials.
Cons
- Most users argue about the uncomfortable seat.
- The mechanism’s chains seem to be highly susceptible to receive damage.
- No connectivity with other devices.
Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright Exercise Bike Review
As the most affordable entry in our list, the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright is an outstanding option that many consider as the best stationary bike for HIIT. Despite only costing a quarter of the Kaiser model’s price, the AD6 Airdyne Upright provides a good quality build and a decent appearance.
Just like the previous alternative, this exercise bike uses an air resistance mechanism that offers unlimited resistance for our workouts. In the case of HIIT workouts, this is especially convenient.
The AD6 Airdyne Upright allows us to work the upper body as well, being a benefit for some. It includes a monitor for us to track things like speed, time, distance, watts generated, and calories burned. A nice thing is that we have a water bottle holder on front.
Pros
- Silent mechanism.
- Fully working monitor for tracking relevant data.
- A great value for its low price.
- Includes a water bottle holder.
- A rolling base for further convenience.
Cons
- No connectivity with other devices.
- Short people will find it uncomfortable.
- A knocking sound may appear after weeks of heavy use.
Comparison
To be fair, we cannot compare the Keiser M3i with the LifeCORE Assault AirBike or the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright. The latter models are more accessible and aim a less demanding public, while the first alternative on our list is simply the choice for the hardcore. Because of this, we will leave the M3i outside the comparison.
LifeCORE Assault AirBike vs the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright
If we dig into the technical details, we will notice that both models are really similar. Things like the appearance are the obvious dividing line between the two bikes. But in general terms, we are getting the same. In fact, we can see how users of both models are complaining about how uncomfortable the seat is, which is curious.
Another thing to point out is how tall you are. If you are average, both models may suit your needs but if you are shorter, the AD6 Airdyne Upright may not be a good idea after all. On the other hand, the price could be a game-changer. The Schwinn exercise bike cost way less than the Assault AirBike: almost half of its price.
Buying Guide: Criteria You Need to Know
Don’t have a single doubt about it: having an indoor exercise bike is simply amazing. And when you combine it with HIIT training, results can be overwhelming. You don’t have to spend multiple hours working out or away from home. These inconveniences are immediately eliminated when you choose to have the best stationary bike for HIIT.
But before investing any money, you need to have a good idea of which ones are your best alternatives. There are some basic criteria to consider.
- Price: When it comes to exercise bikes, the price is really important. This factor often defines the durability of the bike. While cheap bikes can offer a good workout, they break faster, maybe after a few months of heavy use. Notice that HIIT is pretty hardcore, so we need quality.
- Warranty: Again, we need to feel secure during our training. HIIT is a really intense activity, so reliability is a key feature. Before buying any stationary bike, check if the seller offers any warranty.
- Resistance: Most exercise bikes have resistance systems to make workouts more dynamic. While you make progress in strength and stamina, increasing resistance becomes fundamental in order to break plateaus.
- Display: Having control of your HIIT training sessions implies gathering valuable data. Modern exercise bikes include all kinds of displays as well. Here, we need a display that is easy to use and shows valuable data, like heart rate, speed, revolutions per minute, distance, and calories.
- Weight Limit: If the stationary bike is going to be used by someone who is heavy, pay attention to this is a factor. More often than expected, people buy a bike while ignoring this detail. Then, they find themselves unable to use it for safety reasons.
With this information at hand, you can make a smarter purchase. Often people rely on the sellers’ argument but this is not a good idea. First, there are some store sellers that will tell you anything in order to close the deal. Next, purchasing online put all the responsibility on your hands but also is way cheaper.
Conclusion
For those users looking for the best stationary bike for HIIT, this short guide can be useful. We basically review exercise bikes in three different price brackets, always considering the key features. The first one is clearly aiming to a demanding audience, willing to pay a lot of money for the best equipment available. The other two define more affordable alternative that can equally provide a quality training.
Nevertheless, if you are on a budget, the cheaper alternative, which is the Schwinn AD6 Airdyne Upright, will suit all your needs. As we mentioned before, the price could determine how durable the bike is. It’s really important to have this fact in mind, mainly because the intensity and aggressiveness HIIT workouts involve.
