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While buying an indoor cycling bike, you should consider all of its specifications and buy the one that best suits your needs when performing exercise at home.
One of the most important specs is the flywheel weight. As a beginner, you might find it difficult to choose the right flywheel weight.
This article will help you discover what a flywheel is and why it's so crucial to consider when buying a spin bike.
In an exercise bike, a flywheel is the large round disc-shaped mechanical device that is attached to the pedals by a chain or belt. The flywheel stores rotational energy and ensures smooth operation. As you pedal the flywheel rotates
Besides controlling the rotation, the flywheel weight also affects the resistance and inertia of the bike.
In other words, the flywheel weight is a vital component of a spin bike. Let's learn why flywheel weight matters, and what factors should be considered when choosing a spin bike's flywheel weight.
To simulate smooth pedalling and give the feeling of a road while riding, a flywheel must contain a certain amount of kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is a function of mass and speed.
Flywheel physics states that a flywheel will store twice as much energy if the weight is doubled while the speed is kept the same.
The heavier the flywheel weight, the smoother the operation. A heavy flywheel produces more power at a steady rate, which ensures safe movement. When selecting flywheel weight, heavier ones are recommended as opposed to lighter ones.
When the flywheel is heavier, the movement feels smoother and less jerky. With a heavier flywheel, you can generate more resistance and momentum, and be closer to the feeling of travelling uphill during your workout.
For indoor bikes, the recommended flywheel weight is about 18-20kgs, whereas the weight can be around 20-22kg for commercial bikes.
Lightweight flywheels require minimal effort to start. However, they lack the inertia to produce smooth pedalling. The result can be stressful on the joints, which can lead to injury.
On the other hand, lighter flywheels do help promote hamstring and glute recruitment during pedalling which makes your legs pedal faster.
After comparing all of this, we can conclude that bikes with heavier flywheel weights are comparatively better than those with lighter ones.
Heavier weight flywheels ensure:
Flair Fitness are one of the leading fitness equipment specialists in Ireland, starting from a small unit in Derry with a handful of spin bikes. We have helped set up more spin studios throughout Ireland & Northern Ireland than any other fitness equipment supplier, we pride ourselves on being Ireland's No. 1 supplier of indoor and spin bikes.
Flair Fitness have a excellent range of indoor cycle bikes and spinning bikes with flywheel weights between 18 - 22kg currently in stock which you can find here on our website. You can call into our showroom to view the full range in person where one of our knowledgable team can help guide you in getting the perfect bike for you.
Alternatively you can call us with phones lines opened from Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm and a memeber of staff will gladly answer any questions you have.