You often come to the gym and see different looking bikes on the gym floor but what are the differences between your standard spin bike and a bike erg? Are you using the best bike for your needs?

Spin Bike

  • Uses weighted flywheels with magnetic friction resistance – adjustable via a knob
  • Smooth ride
  • Good for high intensity work and favored for studio style classes
  • Great for out of the saddle work
  • Data varies depending on model of spin bike
  • Makes less noise that the bike erg

Bike Erg

  • Uses air resistance with a damper setting (the damper is the gears). When you ride faster you encounter more wind resistance and have to push harder
  • Precise/consistent data
  • Road bike feel
  • Good for tracking performance
  • Connects to apps like Zwift
  • Makes more noise

Choose a Bike Erg if: You are a competitive cyclist, triathlete or data driven athlete looking for a precise power monitoring (watts), high endurance and training consistency.

Choose a Spin Bike if: You enjoy studio style classes, require varied high intensity workouts, want to stand up more frequently or prefer a quieter magnetic resistance system.

Ultimately, the best option depends on whether you are looking to replicate the feel of outdoor cycling or train your ‘engine’ through precise, trackable power output (bike erg).

Blog by Kim Sevier – Personal Trainer (KS Fitness)