There are distinct advantages to be had from using an exercise bike indoors. You don’t have to worry about hills; it doesn’t matter what the weather is doing; you can wear anything you like without worrying what you look like, and you can pedal at a constant pace for ages without stopping.
But what about cycling out of doors on a proper bicycle? There is nothing quite like it is there? If you have ever tried it you will know that it has much to commend it. You can enjoy the hills and slopes that might be awaiting you around the corner; you can become fitter by challenging yourself to try different routes, and you can enjoy watching the scenery go by.
As you can see, both forms of cycling have their advantages. They have their disadvantages too though, so we should look at both to form a fair picture of what to expect in each case.
The main disadvantage of using an exercise bike is that you aren’t going anywhere. You might be clocking up the miles but you are still in the same spot you were in when you started. Some exercise bikes aim to dispel this by providing a screen which gives you a colour representation of a route you are cycling on. The only downside of these is that they cost a lot of money and they still can’t provide the wind in your hair!
There are disadvantages to getting out and about on your bike as well. What if you get caught out in a storm or it suddenly becomes very windy? This can be a nightmare if you happen to be riding into the wind – it takes you ages to get anywhere and it can be very demoralising.
There is also the fact that however far you cycle, you know you have to turn around and complete the same distance back home again. It is very easy to get caught up in enjoying the ride, only to realise you have a long way back. With an exercise bike you can get off and you’re home whenever you want to be!
Another disadvantage is the potential hazard of getting a puncture. Even if you think ahead and you have a puncture repair kit and all the necessary stuff with you, you will end up with the task of mending that puncture before you can head home.
Of course there are negatives to everything in life, so we must focus on the positives. And as far as the cycling is concerned the biggest positive of all is the fact that you are getting fitter with each ride you go on – whether it is static or not.
Many people use a combination of the two types of cycling to make the most of it in all. They use a static exercise bike to keep up their stamina and make sure they can do more when they hit the road on a real bike.
And as a combination, you really can’t beat either of them.