- The Mini Exercise Bike

The mini exercise bike - the cutest way to get fit?

These days, you don't need a fancy gym contract or even lots of space to exercise to get fit and toned. With the age we are living in, technology is at its peak. This brings forward exercise equipment that is advanced and smart. Equipment that don't require lots of space and that get the job done.

One of these smart technological inventions is the cute mini exercise bike - a portable one stop all-over body toning tool. But you also have to be smart if you want to get the maximum use out of this new and innovative fitness tool. To help you do that, we will look at the benefits of using a mini exercise bike, the different types of mini exercise bikes, tips for buying a mini exercise bike and also a look at the most popular and the best mini exercise bikes that there is to buy. Let start!

Benefits of using a mini exercise bike

Looking at the benefits of a mini exercise bike will really help you to decide whether it will benefit you as an individual. Here are just a few of its main benefits:

  • Tones the upper and lower body - You will build muscle definition in both your upper and lower body
  • Small, compact and portable - This is one of the smallest exercise equipment pieces I've ever seen and you can take it with you where ever you go.
  • Multi-tasker - You can watch your favorite soapy while getting fit at the same time

Types

There are a few different types of mini exercise bikes. You get some that are smaller and more portable than others and then you get some that are a mini version of the normal exercise bike and lots other. Let's have a look at them.

1. Portable mini exercise bike

This exercise bike is a very small and sometimes more dainty version of the mini cycle exercise bike. It makes for easy portability, but it may not be as sturdy as the normal mini exercise bike.

2. Mini cycle exercise bike

This is the version I would rather prefer and buy myself. It is sturdier than the portable mini exercise bike, but on the downside, it is not that compact and portable. Most mini cycle exercise bikes have a digital display (where the portable one doesn't have) and the resistances are also adjustable.

3. Motorized mini exercise bike

This mini exercise bike is fully motorized. Meaning that a motor device drives the machine and that the speed is adjustable with an onscreen speed control.

4. Mini stationary exercise bike

This is similar to the traditional stationary bike, but only smaller (a mini version). It also has a seat, handle bars and LCD display.

Tips for buying a mini exercise bike

Here are a few pointers before you buy a mini exercise bike:

  • Research - Have a look at what other people say about the bike (I have a few mini exercise bike reviews further on), and compare it to other versions of mini exercise bikes before you make your decision
  • Budget - Draw up a budget and decide what is the amount you can afford. If the initial investment is a bit higher than you have money for, consider that it is an investment that will last you quite a few years. Consider a flexible payment plan (maybe by saving or just by putting it on your credit card on a budget option)
  • Room space - Choose a nice area for your mini exercise bike to be stored and used. The area should be well lit and should also enable you to exercise.

Most popular mini exercise bikes:

Here are the top 2 mini exercise bikes that are almost dominating the mini exercise bike market:

The magnetrainer mini exercise bike

What differentiates the magnetrainer mini exercise bike from the rest it the fact that it is driven by magnetic resistance to provide a smooth and efficient motion. The pedals have foot straps (to ensure your feet don't fall out) and the foot pads are also non-slip to make sure that you can maintain your peddling for longer.

The peddle arms are also padded for extra comfort. The most unique future is it's "options port" - you can plug it into your PC and track your progress, you can also plug it into your TV (you have to peddle to make sure there is an image on TV) or use it with your playstation (use it to enable you to play games). This feature makes for sure motivation and when you have motivation, you will surely succeed in your fitness goals.

Here are a few of the magnetrainer ER mini magnetic exercise bike's specs:

  • Product Dimension : 16 x 22 x 16 inches; 20 pounds
  • Maximum Speed: up to 170W
  • Display: Fully automatic, 5-function digital display
  • Special features: Wider front base for improved stability, uses magnetic resistance technology, velcro peddles can be bought and added seperately

Click here for more information about the genuine Magnetrainer ER mini exercise bike

Magnetrainer mini exercise bike review extracts:

  • "The machine provides a solid workout -- just like a recumbent bike at the gym" - Amazon.com
  • "My hubby, the avid bicycle rider is impressed with it" - amazon.com
  • "Rides extremely smooth - it glides and is great therapy after a knee arthroscopy, also!" - amazon.com
  • "Very pleased with the Magnetrainer." - activeforever.com
  • "This exercise bike is well made and very sturdy." - activeforever.com

The Sunny mini exercise bike

The Sunny motorized mini exercise bike looks as cheery as it sounds because of its bright and cheery coloring. It has a compact and light weight body and quiet DC motor drive. The speed control is done manually and the pedals are foldable. The Sunny mini exercise bike is also less expensive (at most stores) than the Magnetrainer mini exercise bike. Let's look at some of its specs.

  • Product Dimension : 18 x 18.4 x 16 inches; 35 pounds
  • Maximum Speed: Unknown
  • Display: Multi function LCD
  • Special features: Compact, 15 minute timer switch, quiet DC drive system

Click here for more information about the Sunny mini cycle portable exercise bike

Sunny mini exercise bike review reviews extracts:

  • "I agree with most of the people who bought this, it needs to have better feet ..."- Overstock.com
  • "I highly recommend this product for anyone with mobility problems. "- Amazon.com
  • "The MAIN problem with this cycle is its stability on the floor: it slides much too much..." Overstock.com
  • "The fully automatic pedal exercise machine is awesome." - Amazon.com

Best mini exercise bike?

Looking at the consumer reviews and the product specifications, the Magnetrainer mini exercise bike looks like the better choice. What I like most of it is the options panel - that motivates you to peddle. But it might just be too much for some people, the best mini exercise bike would be the best one for you as an individual - it's up to you to decide.

But before you make your decision, here is one more to have a look at before you do that. The Therapcycle mini exercise bike.

Therapycycle Mini Exercise Bike

The Therapycycle mini exercise bike is a lot more expensive than the other mini exercise bikes mentioned.

But as there is a direct correlation between quality and price, you hopefully get what you pay for. It's most unique futures it the pedals are interchangeable- either with normal pedals or Velcro pedals. It can also be used by amputees.

Here are its specs:

  • Product Dimension : 9 x 16 x 16 inches, 24 pounds
  • Maximum Speed: 170 Watts.
  • Display: Digital display
  • Special features: Interchangeable foot peddles.

Conclusion

The mini exercise bike is a great piece of exercise equipment. What makes it most attractive is the fact that it can exercise your upper and lower body. When you buy a mini exercise bike, make sure that it suits your personal needs (portability, stability, speed or all of those?).

And when you have made the decision to invest in one of these portable mini bikes, make sure that you use it. Schedule a regular workout time and find your personal motivators, whether it may be to have slimmer legs or just to be healthier. Finding that driving force will help you achieve your fitness goals.