We’re often asked about the Kettler spinning bike range.
Nothing strange there – Kettler are a well known brand and synonymous with
producing very high quality products, so we’d expect a lot of interest in their range of indoor cycles. The quandary is that the Kettler range of indoor cycles can be split into two distinct categories: fixed wheel spin bikes and free wheel exercise bikes. So when we’re asked about the Kettler spinning bike range we have to dig a little deeper into what is actually required of the bike.
The stock question that we have to pose is “do you want to stand up when cycling?” The answer to this question will point towards different bikes in the Kettler range.
The Kettler fixed wheel range, which can be categorised as spinning bikes, consists of the Speed 3 and the Speed 5. These are spinning style bikes and as such you can stand up whilst cycling without any issue whatsoever. The Kettler Racer series (the Racer 3 and the Racer 7) are free wheel bikes and are not really designed for standing whilst cycling – in fact if the resistance is too low and you stand and cycle it can be quite uncomfortable. So why is this?
With a fixed wheel bike the flywheel can’t spin any faster than you’re pedalling and so you always have some level of resistance to push against when pedalling – even if this is only the resistance caused by the weight of the flywheel. Providing the flywheel is heavy enough (we recommend 18kg and above) this will lead to a smooth ride whether standing or sitting. Free wheel bikes work differently.
Most outdoor bikes freewheel. Imagine that you’re cycling down hill – if you don’t change gear then you’ll hit a point where the wheel is spinning faster than you’re pedalling and at that point you might as well stop moving your legs because you’re no longer contributing to moving the bike. It’s the same sort of effect with a free wheel indoor cycle – the flywheel can spin faster than you’re pedalling at which point you’re not getting the exercise that you’re aiming for. To compensate, you need to up the resistance (like changing gear on your bike when cycling downhill) and then your legs will be back in synch with the wheel. All this is fine, but on a free wheel indoor cycle the over spin effect as described above is more likely to occur when you stand up because of the extra force you create on the downstroke of the pedalling action. A lack of stability in cycling soon occurs you’re then reaching for the buttons to change the resistance. It can be done and with practice you can become adept at preparing for standing on a free wheel bike, but overall it’s not ideal and fixed wheel bikes are better if you want to stand.
So, coming back to the Kettler range, our general advice is if you want to stand then go for a fixed wheel bike and if you’re happy sitting and cycling then the Kettler Racer 3 or the Kettler Racer 7 are excellent options.
