Comparison Nordic Track GX5.0 vs USA Style SS-94L

— Vertical. Traditional riding position is similar to real bikes, with the saddle almost directly above the pedals. Exercise bikes of this type have a simple design and low cost, but they provide a minimum of comfort because the mentioned saddle practically does not differ in design from a bicycle saddle and may turn out to be uncomfortable. In addition, even a fairly comfortable saddle often causes discomfort during long workouts, and the vertical position of the rider creates an additional load on the spine. Nevertheless, this scheme is quite suitable for both amateur training and professional training and therefore has become widespread (mainly in the initial and middle price range).

— Horizontal. In exercise bikes with such a seat position, the pedals are placed far forward relative to the saddle. Strictly speaking, the athlete in them is rarely located in a completely horizontal position — in extreme cases, reclining (on his back). However, this term is commonly used. The main advantage of horizontal models is an increased degree of comfort compared to vertical ones. For example, instead of the usual bicycle saddle, such devices use full-fledged chairs (often also with an adjustable back). The rider experiences a minimum of unnecessary stress on the spine and uninvolved in exercise muscles. On the other hand, the cost of horizontal trainers is quite high, most often they are premium models....r>
— Portable. As the name implies, the main feature of such exercise bikes is their small size. By design, they are a set of pedals, load systems and electronics, enclosed in a common housing; there are no saddles and handlebars — accordingly, it is necessary to sit during the workout on some additional piece of furniture. On the one hand, this narrows the possibilities of training portable models are not designed for serious sports workouts, but for auxiliary tasks like keeping fit or rehabilitation. On the other hand, such a simulator is easy to install where there is no place for a full-size model, for example, in a cramped apartment or even a hospital ward. In addition, portable models allow you to train not only legs but also arms.

The maximum user weight for which the exercise bike is designed, in other words, the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the unit is guaranteed to work for the amount of time stated in the characteristics without the risk of breakage. This parameter should be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg over the calculated weight will not affect the device. Yes, most likely, the exercise bike will be able to work for some time, but it will experience loads exceeding the calculated ones, and at best it will fail earlier than expected, and at worst it may break at the most unfortunate moment, which is fraught with injuries. In addition, this case is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you will have to eliminate the consequences at your own expense.

The design of a system that creates resistance on the flywheel of an exercise bike and the corresponding load during training. The following options are currently in use:

— Mechanical. The operation of this system is similar to the brakes of a car: special brake pads are pressed against the flywheel, and by changing the force of pressing, the resistance to movement also changes. The advantages of mechanical load systems are simplicity and low cost, reliability, the ability to create high resistance for large loads, as well as autonomy — they do not require power, and the design can be done with a small battery for auxiliary electronics (see "Power source"). On the other hand, the pads, due to friction against the flywheel, create a certain noise, which can lead to inconvenience; they also wear out over time. The mechanical system is used mainly in inexpensive models of exercise bikes.

— Magnetic. In systems of this type, the resistance changes due to permanent magnets: bringing them closer to the flywheel or moving away from it, you can change the load during movement. Magnetic systems predominantly do not require a power source; at the same time, they provide smoother adjustment and practically do not create noise. At the same time, this variety is poorly suited for training professionals — it is not capable of creating a serious load (although it is usually quite enough for domestic...use).

— Electromagnetic. This type of system is considered the most advanced. The principle of their operation is similar to magnetic ones (see above). However, instead of permanent magnets, stationary electromagnets are used in this case. The load, on the other hand, changes due to a change in the strength of the current passing through the windings of the electromagnets: the stronger the current, the stronger the magnetic field and, accordingly, the higher the resistance to movement. Thanks to this, electromagnetic models can provide very high load levels, while maintaining one of the main advantages of classical magnetic systems — complete noiselessness. The main disadvantage is the need for a power supply, which is provided either by connecting to the mains or by installing a built-in generator (see "Power source"). These exercise bikes are quite expensive.

The weight of the flywheel installed in the exercise bike — a massive wheel, the rotation of which provides the movement of the pedals and creates a load on them. It is believed that the more weight, the better: a massive flywheel provides smooth movement and creates uniform loads that mimic natural ones as much as possible. This will be especially useful for athletes with a large body weight — from 100 kg and above — especially when working on vertical machines (see "Type"). At the same time, the cost of the entire device directly depends on the weight of the flywheel, and for home non-professional use it is not always justified to look for an exercise bike with a very heavy wheel.

The number of fixed load levels (pedal resistance during movement) provided in the design of the exercise bike. The more such levels provided in the design, the wider the possibilities for adjusting the load and the more accurately it can be adjusted to the requirements of a particular user. At the same time, the abundance of adjustments accordingly affects the price.

The number of training programmes provided in the design of the exercise bike. Different programmes have different purposes — strengthening the cardiovascular system, maintaining physical fitness, burning fat, etc. At the same time, the operation of the programme relieves you of the need to manually set and change the parameters — this is what the exercise bike does. Accordingly, the more training programmes a particular model has, the wider its capabilities and the more convenient the training. And in some cases, it may even provide the possibility of custom programmes .

Heart rate-dependent is a type of training programme in which the load is adjusted depending on the heart rate of the athlete. Simply put, you just need to set the desired rate — and the simulator will automatically adjust all the training parameters so that this rate is maintained for the required time.

The simplest version of the heart rate programme is the constant heart rate mode when the heart rate is maintained at the same level throughout the entire workout. However, there are other types of such programmes. As in the case of training, the wider this variety, the more opportunities you have to choose the best option for each specific moment.

iFit is a technology that provides access to a vast library of training programs designed for each specific machine and for specific fitness goals, as well as picturesque videos that allow you to diversify your workouts. Usually, iFit-enabled bikes are equipped with an LCD and when you start a workout, an HD video appears on the machine screen with views of the terrain along which the route will be laid. The video sequence is complemented by thematic audio compositions. However, the possibilities of the technology go further than conducting workouts to video clips. Advanced models, which are equipped with a large screen and a module for connecting to the Internet, allow you to use the potential of Google Maps. That is, the user can independently lay a route through the streets of some famous city.

— Handlebar controls. The exercise bike control buttons are placed on the handles of the exercise bike. With their help, you can change the load without stopping the workout. However, the control options in each model may be different.

— Fan. The exercise bike has a fan. This feature is useful for cooling during intense workouts, especially in warm weather.

— Bottle holder. The presence of a special rack in the design of the exercise bike, on which you can put a bottle or a glass. Thus, you will always have a supply of water at hand, and to replenish its amount in the body you will not have to be distracted from the workout on the exercise bike.

— Colour display. The presence of a colour screen in the design of the simulator. This feature does not affect the main features of the device. However, such displays are considered more convenient and pleasant to view than monochromatic ones. Some models may include various additional features designed to make workouts more interesting — for example, the ability to play DVD movies or virtual workouts (see above).

— Bluetooth. The presence of a Bluetooth wireless module in the exercise bike allows the exercise bike to be synchronized with the user's smartphone, tablet or laptop/PC. Thanks to data synchronization, the use...r will be able to control the results of training in a convenient form. Additionally, Bluetooth wireless communication can be used to download new training programmes to the on-board computer of the exercise bike and synchronize with the heart rate monitor via the ANT protocol.

— Wi-Fi. The presence of a Wi-Fi wireless communication module in the design of the exercise bike. The Wi-Fi interface was originally intended for connecting to computer networks (including Internet access), but more recently it has also been used for direct connection between different devices, without using a network. The specific features implemented using this module may be different. So, some exercise bikes can interact with training programmes installed on tablets and smartphones and transmit information to such programmes about the details of the training (distance travelled, calories burned, etc.), others allow you to update the firmware or change the settings remotely, etc. .P.

— USB port. USB itself is a universal interface designed to connect external peripherals to a computer or other control device. Actually, for the same purpose it is used in modern exercise bikes; but the specific application in different models may be different. So, USB can be used to connect heart rate sensors and other specialized accessories, to play music and/or video from a USB drive, to update the firmware using the same USB drive, etc.

— TV tuner. The presence in the design of the exercise bike of a TV tuner — a device designed to receive television broadcasts. This feature is useful for those who would like to be able to watch their favourite TV programmes, series, etc. during the training: usually, models with TV tuners also have colour displays and speakers (see below), which allows you to watch the broadcast directly on the exercise bike. However, tuners can be designed for different broadcast standards; therefore, before purchasing a model with this function, it is advisable to make sure that it is compatible with local TV broadcasts.

— mini-jack 3.5 mm (Aux). The 3.5 mm mini-jack (Aux) connector is designed to connect an MP3 player or a smartphone/tablet. Thanks to this, you can get the sound signal from multimedia devices to the speakers built into the exercise bike. Some models may additionally have a mini-jack connector for connecting headphones. The sound output to the headphones will allow you to train to your favourite music without disturbing other users in the same room as you.

— Speakers. The presence in the design of the exercise bike of its speakers. They can play music, the sound of a movie playing on the display (see "Colour display"), as well as various service messages — for example, a warning about exceeding the maximum heart rate.

— Tablet stand. Allows you to securely and safely mount a tablet with almost any screen size on the exercise bike. Thanks to this, the user can enjoy watching TV shows or movies directly during training. Usually, the stand is located under the main screen of the simulator. Advanced models are often equipped with a stand with the ability to adjust the angle of the tablet.