Exercise Bikes

Compared to riding a real bicycle outdoors, riding an indoor stationary bike can be pretty boring. The Capti exercise bike is the most recent to address that problem, by adding games and virtual rides to the mix.

As winter approaches in much of the world, many cyclists are faced with the depressing prospect of taking their riding indoors. Perhaps doing so wouldn't be such a drag, though, if they had something like the RoyalBees.bike to use.

Although it's definitely a good idea to use an exercise bike, motivating oneself to do so can sometimes be difficult. That's where the Playpulse One comes in, as it's an exercise bike with a built-in gaming system.

As any cyclist will know, there's more to the sensation of cycling than simply pedaling … you also lean the bike from side to side. Bowflex's new VeloCore stationary indoor bike replicates that experience, by letting you push and pull the bike to the left and right as you pedal.

The Peloton stationary bike and the Zwift online cycling platform are both popular, yet they're not entirely compatible with one another. That's where the Shift Smart Trainer comes in, as it acts as a resistance-adjusting bridge between the two.

Exercise bikes may offer a great form of exercise, but the things can get in the way. The Breakaway Bike is designed with that in mind, as it folds down into a package that's about the size of a carry-on bag.

The NEO Bike Smart from Garmin is an indoor trainer that is part exercise bike part virtual simulator.

​If you're a mountain biker, chances are you want to retain your core strength, coordination and sense of balance throughout the off-season. Well, that's why Lee McCormack created the RipRow. It's kind of like a pedal-less exercise bike crossed with a rowing machine, and the thing rocks … literally.

At Interbike 2017, Wahoo Fitness unveiled a new device for its indoor training system that recreates one of the more challenging aspects of riding: hills. The Kickr Climb attaches to other Kickr trainers and simulators, changing the grade of the ride to better simulate steeper inclines.

The health dangers of spending all day sitting behind a desk have become well known in recent years, leading to an explosion in the popularity of standing and sit-stand desks. Now the Deskcise Pro brings a standing desk and an exercise bike together in one integrated unit.

A little over a year ago, we strapped on a Gear VR, sat on a stationary bike and waxed philosophical about a future where virtual reality helps people forget that they're exercising. Today VirZoom is one of at least two companies demoing VR-based exercise products at CES.

VR headsets like the Oculus Rift and Gear VR are great for gaming and immersive 360-degree videos. But what about exercise? Though the idea isn't without its flaws, virtual reality could one day add an exciting new dimension to stationary workout machines. Gizmag investigates.