Indoor bikes have always been a gym staple, and this shows no signs of changing. But the way people use bikes is changing, along with the expectations they have for them.
"Indoor cycling, after going through years of 'sameness', due to customers not being prepared to invest in the right bikes and a lack of imagination on the part of those delivering classes, is now developing breadth and depth at an amazing rate," says Duncan Black from Core Health and Fitness.
"There are now so many different options, from the 'rock star' instructor-led classes, to the gamified group display options, to sport-based training with multiple metrics," he continues. "I believe this is only the beginning of a new wave of training options that will drive a growth in popularity for indoor cycling that we've never seen before."
Serious cycling
The trend for training like an athlete has indeed taken off in a big way, taking the indoor cycling industry in some completely new directions.
"Indoor cycling has seen a shift," agrees Wattbike's Richard Baker. "It's more about sport-specific training, fitness goals and accurately testing, tracking and measuring performance. This has enticed a whole new consumer into the gym."
High expectations
While sport-specific training might not be for everyone, gym-goers, in general, are becoming more savvy in terms of the features they expect on a bike.
Precor UK's Steve Carter says: "Leaderboard technology and other metrics that can be displayed during classes are increasingly bringing an element of gamification and competitiveness to indoor cycling."
Along with this extra level of competition, consumers can now expect classes that are both entertaining and inspiring. "The instructor is key to the experience," explains master trainer Matt Gleed from Matrix UK. "Over the last five years, instructors have become rock star characters, driving the experience of the class. They’re not necessarily from a coaching background but they understand the motivation of calories burned and distances achieved."
Meanwhile, smart bikes are enabling gym-goers to ride virtually with friends and download training plans. "Connectivity is everything," says Baker. "Smart bikes and the desire for connectivity will only increase."
What's clear is that you have a lot of choices to make regarding indoor cycling and to make these decisions easier, we've rounded up all you need to know about the top bikes on the market.