Whether you're training for your next big race, or you're just hoping to step your game up on different terrains local to you, there's nothing this indoor bike can't help you with. Though they get less press than their brawnier siblings, exercise bikes are often where most fitness progress is made. Unlike treadmills, rowing machines and even cross trainers, exercise bikes are an ideal way to get a sweat on at any ability level. Whether you're considering slotting an exercise bike into your home gym or just your front room, there's no telling what kind of fitness buff you are: everyone from absolute beginners to Tour De France participants can get a lot from this simple piece of equipment. The centre console gets an upgrade too and takes on a much more elegant look with added bluetooth functionality. This allows connectivity to the iConsole app which brings with it a plethora of new features. This worked well for us although some people have had connection issues with the app with other bike models – the IC400 PRO worked well for us when connected to the app though. The IC300 PRO comes with an aluminium bottle which stores perfectly in the drinks holder that is conveniently located to the side of the front wheel. This is generally well positioned but if you are at maximum height on the saddle it is a bit of a stretch to reach the bottle.

Flywheel and Drive Belt– The flywheel and drive belt are key components of any spin bike and as such you should look for bikes with high quality flywheels and smooth but strong drive belts. Flywheels come in a variety of weights but it is not always the case that the heaviest flywheel is best (although this is a good rule of thumb) so always look for something that is smooth running and ideally not too loud. The same applies to the drive belt which can either be a belt or chain. Chain belts tend to be stronger but are often noisier whereas standard belts are smoother and quieter. The dial that controls that resistance is nice and responsive – and the resistance level is displayed on the screen on your app. It’s very quiet too, even when spinning at full speed. Apex Rides MembershipBoth will help tone your legs and particularly your calf muscles and both offer one of the most low impact cardio workouts available. Certainly, if you compare a spin session to a 30 minute run on a treadmill then you will not only cause less impact to your joints but you will also burn more calories. Advantages and Disadvantages Of Spin Bikes

Certified trainers take your exercise all around the world, controlling your machine's resistance for you along the way with the help of 16 different levels of resistance. Cons: Very expensive | You need a JRNY membership to access streaming apps (which you'll still need to pay for)

The build quality of this spin cycle is exceptional and all of the touch points are well made and comfortable to the touch. The seat and handles are of course adjustable and the dimensions of this unit are such that users of all sizes should be comfortable using it. There is a maximum weight limit of 135kg which is about standard for home use indoor studio cycles and this bike can even be used in light commercial settings. It is also one of the most sturdy bikes we tested thanks to the design of the frame and the heavy duty feet. Pros: Unique high-intensity sessions for shorter workouts | Sleek design | Touchscreen with quad-speaker setup Every aspect of the IC300 is comfortable and the riding experience is enjoyable and challenging as you would expect. It is worth pointing out that this is one of the quietest bikes we tested which makes it ideal for home or flat use where lower noise levels might be important. The ride quality is exceptional – and without a doubt better than any of the other models we tested with only the JLL IC400 Pro and JTX Cyclo 6 getting close – but to be fair, the IC2 is a more expensive model and I guess you get what you pay for. The smoothness and balance of the ride is mainly due to the perimeter weighted flywheel and this leads to more enjoyable and efficient workouts. It is a common misconception that spin bikes are the same as exercise bikes. This is simply not the case and although there are of course many similarities between the two, there are also some key differences. Spin bikes tend to require more effort and force from the user than exercise bikes and they don’t have the same level of versatility as an exercise bike (that often comes loaded with extra gadgets and the ability to change various settings) but they do help you to burn more calories if you really push yourself.