Do Exercise Bikes Come Assembled? This is a question that many people have when they are considering purchasing an exercise bike. The answer, unfortunately, is no. Exercise bikes do not come assembled and typically require some assembly before they can be used. This can seem daunting to some people, but it is actually a relatively easy process that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Well, do exercise bikes come assembled? Not exactly. Exercise bikes do not come fully assembled. Rather, most of them come pre-assembled. You will find that the frame already has the chain, crankset, and flywheel installed. So all you have to do is assemble the handles, pedals, saddle, display console (if your bike model has one), and the base stand.
While this may seem like a hassle, it is actually fairly easy to put together an exercise bike. Almost all manufacturers keep the exercise bike assembly procedure as simple as possible for users. But you can still make use of some exercise bike assembly guidelines. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of assembling an exercise bike and provide some tips.
Do exercise bikes come assembled?
Types of Exercise Bikes
- Upright bikes
You might be familiar with upright bikes like this one because it mimics the road bike. Like an outdoor road bike, upright bikes enable you to sit in an upright posture. They are also designed to allow you to move between sitting and standing positions. To access the handlebars, the pedals are placed immediately under your body, and a forward lean is encouraged.
Another important aspect is the saddle seat, which is small in size and allows your legs to move freely. The absence of back support is a disadvantage, though.
Most read: Can exercise bikes generate electricity?
Upright bikes are made in a variety of designs, some of which can be folded when you have limited space. Some feature movable handlebars that allow you to train your upper body while cycling. Most come with a monitor that keeps track of your speed, distance, and other important stats.
- Recumbent bikes
The recumbent bike segment is rapidly growing in the market thanks to its availability, minimal lower-back stress, and competitive price. It is distinguished by its broader seat and reclining posture, both of which provide additional support. It is also shorter in length than other types of bikes, which makes it much easier to get on and off. Keep in mind, like all other bikes you cannot find a recumbent exercise bike assembled.
Here are the recumbent bikes people recommended.
Also, the recline reduces joint stress since the pedals are further forward. These bikes commonly have a screen for entertaining yourself as you exercise, and a monitor that displays your stats.
The additional back support provided by the recumbent bike makes it the best choice for those new to physical exercise or those who need back support. The bike offers a serious cardio and lower-body workout based on your preferred speed, resistance, and workout time.
- Indoor bikes
Indoor bikes are designed for quick riding and calorie burning for individuals who wish to hurry through their training. These strong machines became popular with the phenomenon of spin models, so they are commonly referred to as spin bikes (trademark term).
Indoor bikes have built-in resistance knobs that allow you to change resistance with a single turn. That’s quite useful because it gives you more control over the cycle. The seats and handlebars are adjustable, allowing you to sit or stand while riding, just like on a road bike.
The pedal, a cage strap, or cleat clip-in shoes are additional features. The latter is especially handy for athletes practicing for longer distance contests. And with its freely rotating flywheel, this type of bike is the smoothest ride on the market.
- Air bikes
If you’re seeking a completely different type of biking adventure, an air bike may be for you. You can easily spot an air bike because the fan is situated close to the pedals. The fan is added on the air bike is to provide resistance while you cycle, so the harder you pedal, the more it blows.
The bike’s fan compensates for the lack of wind outdoors. The fan resistance makes the air bike perfect for HIIT exercises and maybe a wonderful way to diversify your cardio routines.
Assembling an Exercise Bike
Since exercise bikes don’t come assembled, here are some guidelines on assembling your next exercise bike.
Step 1: Plan ahead of time
The first thing that you must do before assembling your exercise bike is some preparation. You need tools, so read the instructions thoroughly and confirm that you’ve got everything you need.
Fair enough, most exercise bike manufacturers will provide the tools needed when you buy the bike. But they mostly only give a multi-function wrench and an Allen wrench. It’s recommendable that your toolbox has an adjustable wrench, an Allen wrench, a #1 and #2 Phillips head screwdriver, a rubber mallet, rubber gloves, a cordless drill, and a ratchet kit just in case. As you begin, it’s good to have someone to help! Assembling an exercise bike or any other machine requires extra hands.
Step 2: Install the stabilizer bars.
First things first; begin with installing the front stabilizer of your exercise bike. Ensure the bike’s wheels are spinning to the front while you do this. After you’ve completed the front stabilizer bar installation, you need to complete the rear stabilizer bar installation. Some bikes have alignment markings; if yours does, pay attention to them while mounting the stabilizer bar. That will align the two stabilizer bars, ensuring that your bike is perfectly straight.
Step 3: Seat post and saddle
The seat post is then installed. Consider holding the seat post in one hand while the other hand pulls the pop pin to easily slide the seat post into position. Some exercise bikes have the saddle pre-attached to the seat post, so there’s not much for you to do. If this isn’t the case, mount the saddle after making sure the seat post is secure.
Step 4: Handlebars
You will mount the handlebars the same way you did with the seat post. One hand holds the handlebars while the other pulls the pop pin. Then you can slide the handlebars into the frame of the exercise bike. If your bike has four aft handlebar adjustments, you may attach those bars using the adjustment knob. After that, you’ll be ready to go to the next stage.
Step 5: Pedals
Take a closer look at the pedals first to know which one is indicated right and which one is for the left side. The rule of thumb as far as pedal installation is concerned is to tighten them towards the front of the bike. Begin with the right pedal, tightening it in a clockwise manner. Then move to the left pedal and tighten it in an anticlockwise direction. That’s it.
Note: Before riding, make certain that the bike is firm on all four feet.
Step 6: Monitor
To begin with, make sure the batteries are properly installed in the monitor. Insert the batteries, switch it on, and then mount the monitor in the middle of the handlebars. Set it in position and tighten it up. Remember, monitors differ, so read the directions thoroughly before attaching it.
Step 7: Make proper adjustments
- Adjust your saddle height: Saddle height is more important than you might think. Not only does it increase your comfort during exercise, it also directly influences how you drive your heel. If you are too high, you can lose some leverage, and if you are too low, you might experience knee pain. So, when assembling your exercise bike, adjust the saddle height such that it is parallel to your height.
- Adjust the seat position: You want to make sure your knees are well aligned with respect to your feet. So, sit on the saddle in a riding position, with your hands on the handlebars and your feet crossed over the center of the pedals. Adjust the pedals to ensure they are level with each other.
Tips for assembling an exercise bike
You need some tools
Most of the time, tools come with wrenches that accommodate different sizes of nuts and bolts. But it’s always wise to have a toolbox at hand that has an adjustable Allen wrench, a screw driver, mallet, ratchet kit, and gloves because the assembly might require some grease.
Read the instructions
No, you shouldn’t go looking for the manual after getting stuck. Even professional engineers read all the manuals for every machine before assembling it. So read it well and don’t hesitate to call the manufacturer if you’re unsure about something. Make sure you have access to exercise bike manuals in any case of anything.
Pick some music and a good partner
An experienced product tester takes up to 2 hours to put together fitness equipment. And they need an extra set of hands most of the time. Being a first-timer, it will definitely take you longer. So play some music to kill the boredom and call a friend to help out.
Consider spending on assembly
Some exercise bikes cost an arm and a leg. You do not wish to waste your whole investment because of a mistake made during assembly. So, if you’re unsure about putting it together in place, it might be worth spending the extra cost for assembly.
Conclusion
Do exercise bikes come assembled? Exercise bikes do not come fully assembled. They are delivered pre-assembled by the manufacturer, so you have to take your time to finish the assembly of your exercise bike.
A well-adjusted exercise bike might help you get the most out of your training routine. Use these assembly tips to help you install your exercise bike and get it firm and balanced enough for your next cycling session. And if you can’t. Google exercise bike assembly service near me for quick help assembling one.