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Exercise Bike Magnetic
Exercise bike magnetic resistance is what provides the load on most modern exercise bikes. An electro magnetic current provides the resistance that simulates the feel of actual bicycling.
In the past resistance for bikes came from one of two main methods. The most common was either from a brake pad or band. This was just a high friction surface that acted as a brake providing resistance. These resistance brakes constantly needed adjustment and wore out. The ride with a friction resistance was not smooth and didn't feel very realistic usually.
The other type of resistance in years past was the fan resistance, as used in the Schwinn Air-Dyne, introduced in the 1970's. You simply turn a fan with pedals to get resistance. These bikes must be pedaled faster to get more resistance. They are smooth to use but noisy. And the noise increases as the speed increases. Schwinn still builds the Air-Dyne along with an improved version. The Air-dyne is built like a tank and will last for decades.
Today most exercise bikes use some form of magnetic resistance. Whether the bike is a budget model or a top-of-the-line health club model the resistance system is usually an electronic magnet resistance.
Some bikes generate the magnetic feel by the pedaling action, but most must be plugged in to a 110 volt outlet. Along with smooth resistance, you get quiet for listening to music or playing games or watching videos. All helpful to fight the potential boredom of pedaling away on a bike.
Also the electronics on the more expensive bikes often are programmable to vary the magnetic resistance to simulate a bike ride. Resistance varies like hills or downhills or level terrain.
The electronic magnetic system is the very core of an exercise bike's functioning. If it fails, the bike is dead. Make sure you have a good warranty to cover the electronics of your bike. Repair may be expensive.
Exercise bike magnetic resistance produces a smooth, quiet ride on an exercise bike. Even inexpensive bikes are very useful with these new resistance systems.
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