At ExerciseBike.net, we value truth. We seek to provide valuable information that helps consumers choose between exercise bikes to find the one which best fits their needs. We have also committed ourselves to being clear about how we review the bikes on our site. Over the years, each person on our team has brought a slightly different fitness background to the table, and our diversity in specialties helps generate a balanced approach to providing the best guidance in matching you with the right bike for your goals.
Exercise Bike Reviews You Can Trust
Over the years, the Internet has become flooded with unreliable fitness reviews. We strive to provide a useful alternative. Most importantly, our exercise bike reviewers have no stake in the ratings they assign. We aren’t swayed by corporate partnerships, affiliate relationships or advertising deals. Whether we offer a two-star or five-star review, our compensation doesn’t change. There is a clear distinction between the advertising and editorial/research/review teams.
The Ways We Review
Our review team relies on their own experience, research, and yes, critical thinking. Like any good product analyst, they know better than to just repeat the messages offered in sales brochures. Our fitness professionals consider multiple variables for each bike they review. Once published, each review is subject to change based on new customer feedback, manufacturer updates, recalls, and more.
Our review guides are centered on real-life experience(s) with the products.
- Hands-on reviews
- Research-based reviews
- Manufacturer headquarters visits
Regardless of the review method, we strive to share an informed analysis of how a given exercise bike works in the real world – from day one of ownership and down the line. Is assembly a hassle? Is this bike fine for a smaller user but not for taller folks? Is it durable enough for an active family? Does it squeak? We’ll do our best to let you know. We take measures to make your shopping experience as informed as possible, enriching each article with plenty of reputable links to relevant material including peer-reviewed articles and suggestions for alternative machines suited for particular needs not met by the product being reviewed.
We use an outline to standardize our bike reviews and help shoppers make comparisons. Our reviewers rate each product based on specific criteria related to design and performance. The ratings also consider each model’s value compared with other bikes in its price range.
- First, we consider an exercise bike’s essential components. We are interested in factors such as the sturdiness of the bike, the type of resistance used, and the cushioning of the seat.
- Next we consider the electronics. This includes screen size or device holder, and the quality of any built-in or integrated workout programs.
- Our reviews take “extras” into account. For instance, some but not all bikes have automated inclines, sound systems, Internet connections and other features beyond the essentials and standard workout programming.
- After we have a pretty solid impression of a product, we consider its price and warranty.
- Finally, the editor compares their draft review with other online feedback. What have customers written? What have other experts written? Sometimes these posts confirm what’s been written. Sometimes they lead to more research and a revision before the review is published.
Our criteria have evolved with the fitness industry. For example, the resistance levels and and built-in workouts that earned five-star reviews several years ago have become ho-hum today. With ExerciseBike.net, you can count on getting reviews that are relevant. We take an exhaustive approach… to keep you from being exhausted.
Hands-On Reviews
Whenever possible, we provide hands-on reviews complete with photos and videos to give you a real-life look at exercise bikes you’re considering buying. This gives you a unique perspective of the delivery process, assembly, and insider information based on our experience trying out features like built-in programming, app integration, and proprietary attributes that make each exercise bike unique.
As we assess a new product that makes it to our doorstep, we carefully assess all pertinent details that matter as you shop. Let’s take a look at the process:
- Detail of console including built-in programming, special tech, app integration, and accessories
- Durability projection based on warranty, weight capacity, resistance type, and feedback
- Notation of particular experiences using the exercise bike whether it be positive or negative feedback
Obviously our own test runs can’t tell the whole story. How will a machine hold up over the next few years? Will it provide good value or be dragged to the curb? Will it suit a single person but not a whole family? Our exercise bike reviews are rounded out with information including consumer reviews from multiple sources, other exercise bike experts’ contributions, the product’s specs list, our knowledge of the brand, the product’s price, competitors’ alternatives, and more.
Research-Based Reviews
Whenever possible, we personally test the bike we review. However, the fact remains there are hundreds of models on the market. We take pride in the collective expertise of our team, but there aren’t enough of us to personally test every exercise bike available.
With that being said, our team spends countless hours researching those products that aren’t delivered at our doorsteps. Here are the steps we take:
- Scour the manufacturer’s website to gather current specs
- Interpreting product specs and other information to project who would best benefit from the bike
- List out pros and cons
- Reach out to customer service via phone or online chat to clear up any questions and assess responsiveness
- Seek out online reviews from verified customers to assess what people are saying based on their experiences
- Compare the product with other available models
We make it our goal to remain unbiased, and that’s why our team carefully considers every piece of information we gather to provide our professional assessments, making efforts to provide both positive and negative aspects.
Visits to Manufacturer Headquarters
We have had the opportunity to visit most major exercise bike manufacturers’ corporate headquarters to get an understanding of their marketing and sales processes. During our plant visits, our team gets regular demonstrations of the internal equipment and electronics testing facilities, Quality Assurance departments, call centers, showrooms, and more to evaluate their processes. During a typical visit, we’re provided:
- Facility tour
- Opportunity to ask detailed technical questions and gain insights into plans for future products before they hit the market
- Ability to try out dozens of models side-by-side for on-the-spot comparison review
- Access to disassembled products to allow an inside-look under the hood
- All the time we need to gather photos and video clips to allow our readers to join us in our travels
Exclusive factory tours from the manufacturers gives us unique insight into how a machine is created, quality checked, and prepared for delivery. We’ve had the opportunity to evaluate the packing, shipping, and logistics from some of the most efficient in the business.
Best of all, our visits allow us to network with top executives of fitness corporations. This helps us to stay in-the-know with the latest updates, model releases, and new tech so you’re always up-to-date.
Product Updates
In order to keep up with changing demands and keep their products relevant, manufacturers continually update old products and introduce new ones. While it would be easy to post a review and never revisit it, we take careful measures to keep our reviews updated.
Some of the aspects that are often updated in the ever-changing world of treadmills include:
- Tech features including app integration and advanced built-in programming
- Capabilities like resistance levels
- Price
- Design
To ensure we offer you the best chances of getting a great deal on the exercise bike on which you decide, we provide links to multiple retailers when possible.
