Load system
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 battery life — they do not require power, and the design can be done with a small battery for auxiliary electronics (see "Power"). On the other hand, the pads, due to friction against the flywheel, create a certain noise, which can lead to inconvenience; they also wear and tear 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 do not predominantly require power; 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 are able to provide very solid load levels, while maintaining one of the main advantages of classical magnetic systems — complete noiselessness. The main disadvantage is the need for a powerful power supply, which is realized either by connecting to the network or by installing a built-in generator (see "Power"). Yes, these trainers are quite expensive.Flywheel weight
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 with a minimum of jerks 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 "Planting"). At the same time, note that 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 a simulator with a very heavy wheel.
Load levels
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.
Country of origin
The country from which the product brand originates. The brand in this case can be described as a general designation by which the goods of a particular manufacturer are known in the market. The country of its origin does not always coincide with the actual place of production of the product: to reduce the cost of production, many modern companies transfer it to other countries. It is quite normal for products, for example, of an American or German brand, to be made in Taiwan or Turkey. Contrary to popular belief, this in itself does not lead to a decrease in the quality of the goods — it all depends on how carefully the brand owner controls the production. And many companies, especially large and "famous", monitor the quality very zealously — after all, their reputation depends on it.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready to work state. It is important to note that in fact more space is needed for comfortable and proper operation of the simulator.
