Commercial Stationary Bike – Definitive FAQ Guide

Have you been looking into venturing in the retail or distribution of commercial stationary bikes? The market for it is very hot right now that it guarantees a profitable business.

However, you have to understand first what you’re getting into before dipping into the pool. 

That’s what this FAQ guide was created for. 

We aim to give you all the information you need to establish a solid business plan. Be informed on the market drivers of commercial stationary bikes, how and where to buy them with incredible discounts, and many more.

Let’s get right into it!

Table of Contents

1. What is the market trend of commercial stationary bikes?

Commercial stationary bike demands are rising right now. Here are some of the market trend facts as compiled by ResearchandMarkets.com.

1. The increasing health consciousness of individuals and the hectic lifestyle drive the use of commercial stationary bikes in fitness studios.

2. Manufacturers have been more innovative in the commercial stationary bikes they make. This enables suppliers and retailers to cater to more diverse users.

3. Commercial stationary bike market growth has been supplemented by the rising purchasing power and rise of lifestyle diseases that encourage robust cardio exercise.

4. Recumbent and upright bikes have the majority of the market share for commercial stationary bikes.

5. Gym/health clubs are one of the largest sectors to purchase commercial stationary bikes. This is followed by recreation areas in hotels and business establishments.

6. North America is the leading importer and user of commercial stationary bikes.

These market trends are valuable information on your target market, its demographics and location. These facts prove that there is potential profit in selling, trading, and marketing commercial stationary bikes.

Figure 1: Bike Market Demand Forecast by Regions

2. What are the types of commercial stationary bikes I can sell?

There are four general categories of commercial stationary bikes.

1. Upright
2. Recumbent
3. Indoor Cycling
4. Dual-action

Understanding the specifications and features of each would help you in marketing commercial stationary bikes.

Upright Commercial Stationary Bikes

Upright bikes are 80% closer to an outdoor bike. They are named so because the user has to maintain an almost vertical position when exercising. 

Figure 2: Upright Bike by Yanre Fitness, EB2000 model

Here are some of its features, design breakdown, etc., of upright commercial stationary bikes.

Purpose

• Improve endurance
• Muscle toning
• Body conditioning
• Recovery from a lower-body injury

Design

• Smaller seats like an outdoor bike
• Slicker and slimmer than recumbent bikes
• Handlebars are higher than the seat level
• Handlebars are also farther that allows user to lean forward
• Designed for the user to be in an almost standing position while working out

Features and styles

• Adjustable and padded seats
• Pre-set program profiles for different workout levels
• LCD multi-function monitor for time, distance, speed, calories and other metrics
• Real-time record of metrics
• Multi-grip handlebar
• Ergonomic pedals

Dimensions and weight

• Average Size: 40in long x 20in width x 4ft height
• Weight: 60 – 80kg

Recumbent Commercial Stationary Bikes

Recumbent bikes are made for a more relaxed exercise. The user sits comfortably rather than lean forward when using the exercise bike.

Figure 3: Recumbent bike by Yanre Fitness, EB3000 Model

Below are the specifics of a recumbent bike.

Purpose

• For a more gradual and lesser impact injury recovery
• For building strength bit by bit
• Weight loss
• Cardio with lower impact on muscles and heart

Design

• With a wider bucket seat
• The seat can be moved forward or backward
• Full back support
• Hand grips on the side of the seat
• Wider in size than upright bikes
• Pedals are further forward for ease of pedaling
• Operated from a horizontal position

Features

• Large size padded seat
• Full backrest support
• Non-slip pedals
• Hands-free workout
• LCD display with speed, time, distance, burned calories and other metrics
• Hand pulse system

Dimensions and weight

• Average Size: 75in long x 30in wide x 50in height
• Weight: 80 – 100kg

Indoor Cycle Commercial Stationary Bikes

Otherwise known as a spin bike, the indoor cycle bike is very close to an outdoor bike. It is essentially a stationary replica of the conventional bike.

Figure 4: Spin Bike by Yanre Fitness, SP-6511 Model

Features and other particulars of the indoor cycles are laid out below.

Purpose

• For HIIT training
• For spin bike classes
• Perfect for peloton training
• For full-body workouts
• Induces the feeling of an outdoor bike

Design

• Outdoor bike seats
• Handlebars are farther away so users can lean forward
• The rotating flywheel is open
• Flywheels are weighted
• Seat and handlebar levels are almost the same

Features

• Designed like an outdoor bike
• Adjustable seats and handlebars
• Can have a brake system resistance
• Systems were geared to imitate an outdoor bike feel
• Anti-slip pedals

Dimensions and weight

• Average Size: 48in long x 26in wide x 38in height
• Weight: 40 – 50kg

Dual-action Commercial Stationary Bikes

These commercial stationary bikes provide lower and upper body workouts. Dual actions come with movable handlebars for upper body exercise while pedaling.

Figure 5: Dual-action bike

Purpose

• Full body workout
• Weight loss
• Low impact cardio workout

Design

• Design is more similar to an upright bike
• Seat with pedals beneath it
• Movable handlebars
• The seat can be moved up or down
• Lockable handlebars

Features

• Thick, cushioned seats
• Adjustable height
• LCD displays for heart rate, speed, distance, calories burned and other measurements
• Large pedals with safety straps
• It can be portable and foldable

Dimensions and weight

• Average Size: 39in long x 27in wide x 48in height
• Weight: 30 – 40kg

3. How do I choose the right commercial stationary bike for my gym?

Here are some of the considerations to think about when choosing the right commercial stationary bike for your gym.

1. Comfort
2. Adjustability
3. Usability
4. Maintenance
5. Salvageability
6. Storage space
7. Portability
8. Resistance
9. Drive Mechanism

Let’s dig into what you should be aware of the above factors.

Figure 6: Ergonomically designed stationary bikes help in proper posture cycling

Comfort

Find commercial stationary bikes that are/have:

• Ergonomically designed. These bikes are geared to take care of the user’s posture. So, your gym members can enjoy pain-free cardio exercise and training.

• Padded seats. Most commercial stationary bikes would have gel or foam cushioning to ease the bottom of the rider. Seat cushions can also supplement the padding of the seats.

• Grip enhanced handlebars. Handlebars should be geared for maximum grip. They are used for stability, especially on high-intensity workouts. They are also a form of safety equipment for your users.

• Security enhanced pedals. Since stationary bikes are meant to be driven in moderate to very fast cycles, the feet should always be firmly attached to the pedals. This prevents unnecessary accidents from happening.

• Built-in accessories. Accessories such as bottle holders, device holders, and LCD monitors that display essential metrics (heart rate, speed, distance, etc.) greatly enhance the user experience of the bike. 

So, find commercial stationary bikes that have certain amenities for your gym users.

Adjustability

Choose commercial stationary bikes that have adjustable seats and handlebars. This is a must for commercial stationary bikes.

Look for bikes with consoles that are easy to understand and manipulate. Your patrons should be able to maximize the commercial stationary bike’s capacity with very minimal help or none at all.

Figure 7: Commercial stationary bikes with seat and armrest adjustments

Usability

Choose the commercial stationary bike that fits the demographic of your gym users. 

If you want athletic and HIIT trainees to use your bikes, go for indoor cycling or dual-action bikes. Recumbent and upright stationary bikes are for your users that want general fitness.

Maintenance

Check the maintenance guidelines of the manufacturer for the equipment. Research on how often it should be maintained. 

You must also know how much it would cost you to maintain the commercial stationary bike and how long will the maintenance work be.

These are essential in predicting your operating costs for the equipment. 

Salvageability

Like any other equipment, commercial stationary bikes are bound to be unserviceable after several years of usage. 

You should know how long you can use it for commercial purposes, how much you can get from its salvage value, and if there will be a market for it.

Most electronic enhanced commercial stationary bikes can still be sold for a higher bargain price than manually operated ones. But they can also be completely non-operable if they encounter a fatal blow and will render it non-saleable.

Storage Space

You should be able to balance the number of commercial stationary bike users in your gym to the number of bikes you can purchase and store.

Check what commercial stationary bikes can fit your space. And will also let all the users that want to exercise in them use it at any point in time. 

When calculating the space for the bike, consider adding one or two feet both ways for a safe cycling space for your users.

’Figure 8: Advisable spacing of indoor bikes

Portability

Factor in the movability of the equipment. As a general rule, the more portable the equipment is, the less weight and features it has. 

Electronic enhanced commercial stationary bikes tend to be bulky and heavy. Though there are usually transportation wheels built in them, they can still be quite hard to move. 

On the other side of the coin, very portable and lightweight commercial stationary bikes will have less or even inadequate amenities and functions for your users.

You need to balance this to provide the most suitable commercial stationary bikes for your users and your gym.

Figure 9 Commercial stationary bike with transportation wheels

Resistance

Resistance is the function of the commercial stationary bike to give a bit of a challenge to the user. There are four types of resistance a commercial stationary bike can have.

1. Brake resistance
2. Direct contact resistance
3. Magnetic resistance
4. Fan based resistance

Each type of resistance will affect the flexibility, capability, and user-friendliness of the commercial stationary bike.

Generally, magnetic resistance commercial stationary bikes are very quiet. They provide a more even feel in pedaling. However, bikes with this type of resistance tend to be pricier.

Direct contact and brake resistances are quite low-key but will need more regular maintenance work.

Drive Mechanism

The drive mechanism of a commercial stationary bike is classified according to the type of material used to connect the pedal and its flywheel. A commercial stationary bike’s drive mechanism system can be a:

1. Chain drive
2. Poly-V Belt drive, or
3. Toothed Belt drive

 Just like its resistance, the drive mechanism of a commercial stationary bike affects its maintainability, performance, and durability.

4. How do I choose the commercial stationary bike for my wholesale, distribution, or retail business?

Decide on the commercial stationary bike to sell according to these factors:

1. Target Market
2. Demand
3. Its price range
4. Shipping
5. Features
6. Supplier availability

Below is a guide on using these factors in selecting the right commercial stationary bikes to market.

Figure 10: Understanding your target market

Target Market

You have to know and understand your buyers if you want to gain something from selling commercial stationary bikes. Understand these details about your target market.

• Basic demographics – These are general details like age, ethnicity, gender, employment status, etc. Knowing these specifics of your target market helps you to better understand how to market and sell them.

• Psychology of your market – The interests, wants, and attitudes in buying drive the spending behavior of your buyers. So, pay attention to these details to better appeal to their wants and needs.

• Price sensitivity – Research where your commercial stationary bikes fall in line with your market’s budget. Is it on the high end or more economical businesses?

• Customer motivation – Figure out what makes your buyers spend money for commercial stationary bikes. Do they prefer quality over price or the other way around?

Demand

Whether you are a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer, your income will depend on the demand for your commercial stationary bikes. So do some more digging on the needs of fitness studios, health clinics, recreational areas, etc. 

Understand what features of the commercial stationary bikes they prefer and what price they are willing to buy them. Also, check their preferences in local and international brands of commercial stationary bikes.

Figure 11: Market share of recumbent and upright bikes

Price range

Know what’s the prevailing price range for each type of commercial stationary bike and its features. Then compare it to your purchase price plus other fees (shipping, import/export tax, warehouse fees). 

If you think you can sell it at the price range your customers are willing to buy and still make a profit, then it’s a good deal.

Shipping

Understand your shipping options and costs. Domestically sourced commercial stationary bikes are shipped faster, easier and cheaper. However, the equipment can come with a very steep price.

Commercial stationary bikes from overseas are often cheaper. But shipping costs will be higher, and you have to deal with import/export processing. 

Features

Choose the commercial stationary bikes that fit your client’s needs, wants, and preferences. 

Keep in mind that the features of the commercial stationary bike are your selling points. They will be the reason why your customers want to buy the bikes.

Gyms that offer spin classes or peloton training would most likely want sturdier with more resistance bikes. Recreation areas would likely want recumbent or upright bikes. 

Supplier availability

There’s no use listing all the features that your clients want from a commercial stationary bike when there is hardly a manufacturer who makes it. It would be best to find the closest match.

5. Where can I get commercial stationary bikes with a big discount?

Discounted prices of commercial stationary bikes are the biggest when you source it out directly from the manufacturers. 

However, you should know that manufacturers will set an initial minimum order quantity of commercial stationary bikes to purchase. 

This is so to offset the cost of the discount they are willing to bargain. And also, maybe secure a long-term business relationship with you.

Figure 12: Manufacturer Distribution Channels

6. How can I buy commercial stationary bikes directly from the manufacturer?

Here are your options on purchasing directly from the manufacturer.

1. Buy from the manufacturer online
2. Attend trade shows
3. Use a sourcing agency

Online Purchase

An online purchase is well-suited for recreation and health and fitness businesses that cater directly to the user. These are gyms, hotels and resorts with health and wellness amenities, physical rehabilitation centers and similar businesses.

You need to have a pool of manufacturers that would agree to sell less than 10 units of commercial stationary bikes. And online searches can give you just that.

Purchase online by:

• Searching Google
• Surfing B2B websites

Google Search

Figure 13: Google search for commercial stationary bikes

Here’s what you have to do:

1. Find the specifications of the commercial stationary bike you want on Google, or

2. Use these keywords to search “commercial stationary bikes for gyms, rehab centers, or hotels.

3. You will find a pool of suggestions. Find five models that are at least 90% closer to the commercial stationary bike specifications you need. And take note of the manufacturer.

4. Find the manufacturer’s e-commerce website. Some manufacturers would have e-commerce platforms, but some would refer you to their retailers.

5. If you’re lucky and the manufacturer sells to retailers and consumers, ask for a quote. Be sure that you know their minimum order quantity, terms and methods of payment and shipping policies.

6. If you need to check the equipment first, ask if they have a showroom. Or if not, you can pay for a sample commercial stationary bike from them.

7. If all is well and you’re content with the quality and terms set out by the manufacturer, you can finalize the purchase.

B2B Websites

B2B or business-to-business websites showcase a ton of manufacturers. You can reach the manufacturer by email, phone, and instant messaging applications like Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, and others.

At B2B websites, the minimum order quantity, base price for the order volume, and contact details of the manufacturer are displayed. You can proceed to order, but it is advisable to be more meticulous.

So, contact the manufacturer and ask how you can check their product out. Also, put to the test your negotiating skills in haggling the price and the terms of the sale. 

Once you and the manufacturer have agreed on the specifics of your purchase, you can go on the B2B website and finalize the order quantity.

Figure 14: Some of the leading B2B websites of 2020

Attending Trade Shows

Health and fitness trade shows are your go-to events to purchase commercial stationary bikes directly from the manufacturer. This avenue is suited for wholesalers or distributors that would like to purchase large volumes of the bikes.

When attending trade shows, make sure you already have a target manufacturer in mind. Test their product displays on the show. 

You can also talk about the specifics of the product and the terms of the sale. You can even negotiate right then and there. 

For wholesalers and distributors, the manufacturer might also do some verifications on your business. You will be a long-term business partner with them, so they need to know if you can help them grow their business too.

Figure 15: Yanre Fitness Trade show booth

Sourcing Agency

You can use a sourcing agent to find the best choice of commercial stationary bikes for your business. But take note of these facts when using a sourcing agency.

• Sourcing agencies will find the commercial stationary bike and manufacturer that best fits your needs. So, to be successful in the hunt, you have to be precise on the type and specifications of the commercial stationary bike you need.

When choosing a sourcing agency, be sure that:

• They have experience in sourcing equipment that is similar to stationary bikes.
• They have networks in the area of your target market and the location of your manufacturer.
• They understand how to negotiate your contract with the manufacturer.
• They can advise you on the specifics of the sale.

Figure 16: What can a sourcing agency do for you

7. What are the specifications I need to know about commercial stationary bikes?

Aside from the types of commercial stationary bikes, you also have to know about:

1. Resistance Type
2. Drive Mechanism Systems
3. Pedal types 
4. Console and programs
5. Accessories

8. What are the resistance types of commercial stationary bikes?

There are four resistance types a commercial stationary bike can have:

• Brake Resistance
• Direct Contact Resistance
• Magnetic Resistance
• Fan Based Resistance

Brake Resistance

Brake-based resistance is the exact system used in stopping an outdoor bike. When used in commercial stationary bikes, the brake makes it harder for the rider to pedal, creating the resistance needed by the biker.

Figure 17: Brake based resistance system on commercial stationary bikes

Brake-based systems can use different kinds of brakes.

• Caliper brakes
• Disk brakes (cable or hydraulic)
• Cantilever brakes
• Coaster brakes
• Drum brakes
• Fixed gear breaking

Direct Contact Resistance

The direct contact resistance also uses friction and brake pads to create friction with the flywheel of the commercial stationary bike. 

It can provide high levels of resistance that can challenge even the most skilled riders. Yet, it is also very suitable for novice bikers. For this reason, direct contact resistance was the most popular resistance system for fitness enthusiasts.

However, the mechanism needs a lot of maintenance. And when newer technology came out with equal efficiency and very low maintenance, the market shifted.

Figure 18: Direct contact resistance on commercial stationary bikes

Magnetic Resistance

Magnetic resistance uses two magnets attracted to each other. To increase the resistance, these magnets are brought closer to each other. It intensifies the attraction of the magnets creating greater friction on the flywheel.

The magnetic resistance system is noiseless, very adaptive, and requires almost no maintenance. However, the commercial stationary bike with this kind of resistance will be pricier.

Figure 19: Magnetic resistance on commercials stationary bikes

Fan Resistance

Instead of a flywheel, a fan is used to create the cycling action. Resistance is created when pedaling. The faster the rider pedals, the larger the volume of air it needs to churn, which produces more resistance.

Fan-based resistance systems need very little to no maintenance. Plus, it is less noisy and generates a cool breeze that the rider can enjoy while exercising. But it is very costly and needs to be set up by a specialized technician.

Figure 20: Fan resistance commercial stationary bike by Yanre Fitness

In a gist, here are the highs and lows of each type of resistance.

9. What sort of drive mechanisms are used for commercial stationary bikes?

You can choose from three types of the drive mechanism for your commercial stationary bike.

1. Chain drive
2. Poly-V Belt drive, or
3. Toothed Belt drive

Chain Drive System

The chain drive mechanism is exactly used in outdoor bikes. 

Chains are used to connect the pedals and the flywheel. It is the most inexpensive type of drive mechanism and very efficient. It allows the rider to use maximum pedaling speed.

However, it needs frequent maintenance and check-ups. Chain drive systems are also noisy. It can help the rider with the rhythm of his cycling, but it might annoy other users in the gym.

Figure 21: Commercial stationary bike with a chain drive system

Poly-V Belt Drive Mechanism

The poly-V belt is made of rubber or Kevlar. Poly-V belt drives are very low maintenance and provide a smooth ride. But it can snag and jerk if used for very fast pedaling. Also, it is more expensive than chain drives.

Figure 22: Poly V- Belt Drive system

Toothed Belt System

The material used for toothed belt drives is the same as Poly-V. The difference is toothed belt drives can be used at high-speed pedaling. 

It was designed to have grooves that match that of the flywheel. The grooves prevent the belt from coming off or jerking when the flywheel is at its fastest speed. 

It also needs very low maintenance and has a noiseless rotation. But it’s the most expensive drive mechanism for commercial stationary bikes thus far.

Figure 23: Toothed belt drive system

10. Can I change the pedal of a commercial stationary bike?

Yes, the pedals for commercial stationary bikes are replaceable. They are screwed into the arm of the pedals so you can easily remove and replace them.

11. What are my choices of pedals for the commercial stationary bike?

You can use four types of pedals for the commercial stationary bike.

• Flat or Platform
• Toe Clip or Cage
• Clipless
• Hybrid

Flat or Platform Pedals

Flat pedals are the ones you usually see in the original design of outdoor bikes. They are made to help the rider rotate the flywheel. Though flat pedals work fine, they are not great on energy efficiency and safety of the rider.

Figure 24: Flat pedals for indoor bikes

Toe Clip or Toe Cages

The pedals are designed to fix the feet in place and prevent it from sliding or getting out of place. It is called a toe clip since a clip is attached to the platform that guides the foot to stay in place.

Toe cages, on the other hand, are an upgraded version of toe clips. They secure all the front parts of the feet of the user. It helps in the energy conservation of the user and keeps his feet safe.

Clipless

Clipless pedals secure the foot of the rider by clipping into the cleat worn on the shoe. Cycling shoes would have this feature for cleats. That’s why a clipless pedal is best suited for cycling. Spin bike or peloton training. 

Figure 27: Cleats and clipless pedals

Hybrid

These pedals are a combination of toe cages and clipless pedals. They can fix the rider’s foot with the cleat and clip duo. Plus, an added protection and support of the toe cages.

The hybrid pedals are perfect for gyms that offer peloton or HIIT training. It can accommodate those who prefer not to use cleats and those who want to.

12. What can the console of a commercial stationary bike display?

Commercial stationary bikes will either have a tiny console or a wide monitor display. Depending on the manufacturer, these displays can feature:

1. Speed
2. Distance Covered
3. Calories Burned
4. Heart Rate Monitor
5. Resistance Level Adjustment
6. Incline and Decline Buttons
7. Speed Control Button
8. Workout Pause
9. Time Lapsed
10. Time Remaining
11. Average and Max Heart Rate
12. Segment Time
13. Pre-programmed Workouts
14. Workout Customization Options
15. Connection to a Live Trainer

A basic console would have the first eight metrics and buttons displayed. But more advanced ones would include the others listed.

For general workouts in gyms, it’s best to have consoles with pre-programmed workouts and other conveniences for your gym members.

Stationary bikes with basic consoles are appropriate for training classes where an instructor guides each student on their workout and training.

13. What are the built-in accessories a commercial stationary bike can have?

Here are some of the built-in features you might want to be included in the commercial stationary bikes.

1. Water bottle holder
2. Gadget holder
3. Cable management
4. Earphone jack
5. Speaker and TV jacks
6. WIFI connectivity
7. Bluetooth

These are just some of the most common amenities manufacturers incorporate in their commercial stationary bikes. These may vary according to the manufacturer.

14. Do commercial stationary bikes have product certifications?

Here are some of the certifications and regulatory compliances that the commercial stationary bike and its manufacturer should comply with.

1. Product quality testing and certifications (TUV Rheinland, SGS, Intertek, ISO, etc.)
2. FCC for bikes with RFID technology
3. ICES for digital equipment in Canada
4. CE for electronic equipment by the European Union
5. EN certificates for EU certificate giving bodies

These are just some of the safety and quality certifications and compliances the commercial stationary bike you purchase should have.

15. Can the commercial stationary bike be customized?

Yes, you can certainly customize the commercial stationary bikes you purchase. However, the degree of customization will be dependent on the manufacturer’s capacity.

Some manufacturers have R&D teams to design their own prototypes of commercial stationary bikes. One of these manufacturers is Yanre Fitness. The company has over 40 patented designs of its cardio and strength equipment. 

You can partner with Yanre Fitness if you want to design or customize parts of your commercial stationary bikes.

16. What’s the price range of commercial stationary bikes?

Retail prices of commercial stationary bikes are at $1000 and above. You can expect at least a 20% to 30% discount when buying directly from the manufacturer. 

The price will depend on the type, built-in amenities and capabilities of the commercial stationary bike. 

In general, commercial stationary bikes with magnetic drives and toothed driving mechanisms are on the high end of the rope in terms of price. Brake systems and chain drives will be on the lowest ranges, but maintaining them will be costly.

Also, consoles and other built-in accessories can affect the price of commercial stationary bikes. So, you have to choose carefully depending on the needs of the market and your end-users.

17. Can I have my company’s logo imprinted on the commercial stationary bike I purchase?

Yes, Yanre Fitness can imprint your logo onto your purchased commercial stationary bikes. Make sure to include this in your RFQ or when you ask us for a quote.

18. Conclusion

That’s all the information you need to start retailing commercial stationary bikes. 

If there are still matters you would like to know about the best commercial stationary bikes of Yanre Fitness, call us up. We have the right people, equipment, and vision to get your distribution and retailing business up and running. 

Contact our sales team so we can better assist you with your commercial stationary bike needs.