by Robert Cooper

Created on: August 18, 2008   Last Updated: August 28, 2008

When I first started riding a bicycle for exercise it was relatively pleasant. Even though I wasn't used to extended physical exercise, pedaling the bike was by comparison, easy when compared to jogging or aeorobics. The ever changing scenery made it less monotonous and took my mind off of the work part of this exercise. It was great at first, then came rainy days. The coming of winter ultimately left my bike dormant in the garage.

So began my search for the perfect stationary bicycle. Riding through the neighborhood, I couldn't believe it ! Just when I needed it, someone put a perfectly good stationary bike in the trash on pick-up day! Loading it into my vehicle, I hurried home to try it out. It was chain driven, it had a kitchen timer mounted with a bell, and last but not least a
speedometer. The tension was adjustable by means of a caliper that would bind the wheel. I hopped on and started pedaling. There were visions in my head of me riding away despite the thunderstorms and blizzards that were blowing outside and not even the muggers could get me here safe in my living room. Suddenly I realized that this " herky jerky " feeling was not what I wanted from MY stationary bike. Off to the exercise bike store I leaped, starting where I thought the price would be reasonable only to find that the brand new reasonable priced unit didn't feel like a " real " bicycle either.

Reluctantly, I cruised to a local specialty shop where I found a pricey trio just waiting for me. First was a space age looking creation that resembled the new prone type bicycles with everything from heart rate meter to trip computer. Next were the units that resembled racing bikes designed to train bike racers. Really pricey! Last but not least, were the stationary bikes that use a large fan for resistance. I fell in love. The seat was real comfortable, it had optional handles to work your arms and shoulders, a trip computer, the fan also blows on you like you're riding, and the best part was the resistance felt just like riding my beach cruiser. The faster you pedal, the harder it gets. After doing more research (shopping), I found that most retail scenarios are similar and you get what you pay for when it comes to stationary bicycles.

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