Comparison USA Style SS-370 vs USA Style SS-350

The maximum user weight for which the exercise bike is designed, in other words, the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the unit is guaranteed to work for the amount of time stated in the characteristics without the risk of breakage. This parameter should be adhered to as accurately as possible, do not be mistaken about the fact that 3-5 kg in excess of the calculated weight will not affect the device. Yes, most likely, the simulator will be able to work for some time, but it will experience loads exceeding the calculated ones, and at best it will fail earlier than expected, and at worst it may break at the most unfortunate moment, which is fraught with injuries. In addition, this case is usually not covered by the manufacturer's warranty, and you will have to eliminate the consequences at your own expense.

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.

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.

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.

Adjusting the steering wheel usually implies the possibility of changing the angle of its inclination and, accordingly, the distance between the steering wheel and the seat. Thus, each athlete can set the distance that is most convenient for him in order to avoid unnecessary stress on his arms and back.

The type of power used in the exercise bike.

— Network. Powered by a standard 230 V power supply (in other words, a regular home outlet). Such power allows you not to worry about replacing or recharging "dead" batteries — the simulator will work as long as there is light in the house. In addition, it is suitable for models with any load system, even electromagnetic (for more details, see "Load System"), while such devices are much cheaper than similar generator ones (see below). The main disadvantages in this case are the dependence on the outlet and the need to use a network cable, which can limit mobility and get in the way. However, in most cases, these shortcomings do not cause significant inconvenience.

— Battery. The exercise bike is powered by replaceable batteries or batteries. The main advantage is the complete battery life of the device — it can be installed anywhere without worrying about the availability of sockets and laying the power cord. On the other hand, the power of the batteries is very limited, and they are only suitable for models with non-volatile load systems (mechanical or magnetic, see "Load System" for more details), where power is required only for the computer. In addition, the battery life is not infinite, and they need to be changed or recharged periodically (and in the case of batteries, only changed).

— Built-in generator. The exercise bike...is powered by its own built-in generator, which is driven by the rotation of the flywheel. In other words, when using such a model, the user himself generates the energy required for work. To turn on the generator simulator, it is enough to turn the flywheel several times. This type of food combines the advantages of the two above. On the one hand, it is autonomous, on the other hand, it has sufficient power even to provide energy to electromagnetic load systems (for more details, see "Load System"). Yes, and you won’t have to change anything, unlike batteries, because. the service life of the generator is comparable to the service life of the simulator itself. At the same time, this feature significantly increases the weight, and most importantly, the cost of the device, and therefore is found only in premium models.

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.