Stationary bicycle equipment are perhaps the most popular pieces of exercise machinery in today's fitness centers. Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, the exercise stationary bicycle is suitable for users regardless of their level of fitness.

Whether you are purchasing for your personal use, have a high usage fitness center or a hotel/office gym that gets less traffic, consider the following when purchasing fitness stationary bicycle equipment:

1. Does the bike meet my needs and/or the needs of the people who will ride it?

2. Has the stationary bicycle machine I am purchasing received good reviews?

3. Can the exercise stationary bike machine handle the amount of traffic it will receive?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what type of stationary bicycle equipment meets your needs

When selecting a workout stationary bike for you or your business. fitness levels and medical conditions are just a few factors to keep in mind. Then there is the question of what type of bike. The method of resistance, seat position and padding, even whether you want a recumbent or perhaps an exercise spinner model, or all points to ponder before reaching a purchasing decision.

I recommend: Fitness websites offer food for thought regarding stationary bikes and take into consideration your level of fitness or that of your clients. The Bodybuilding Tips Guide and the American Senior Fitness Association address the needs of body builders and seniors respectively.

Read the reviews about stationary bicycles

There is no point in recreating the wheel when purchasing a exercise stationary bicycle. Go online and see what others have to say about the model you are considering before making a purchase. It may save you a lot of grief in the long run.

I recommend: Exercise Equipment Review's website offers brief pros and cons of various stationary bicycles written by fitness experts. Epinions.com includes product reviews by users who purchased particular models.

Select stationary bicycles designed for the appropriate amount of use

Stationary bikes and training spinning machines for the home gym are not necessarily built to withstand the rigors of the fitness facilities. Be sure whatever brand and model you choose can handle the pounding you anticipate it getting.

I recommend: Compare brands at places like the Exercise Bike Superstore -- which provides detailed information just about every type of stationary bike out there. Precor offers commercial lines designed specifically for moderate and high use fitness facilities.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Good warranty coverage and customer service technical support are essential for fitness center owners and managers. Something is bound to break where high usage electrical machinery is involved -- appropriate warranty and customer support will give you peace of mind when it does.