Exercise bikes and ergometer bikes are the classic home exercise machines. Their smooth rotation is easy on the joints and places significantly less stress on the knees than does jogging, for example.

What distinguishes ergometers from conventional exercise bikes is their electronically controlled pedal resistance and precise output measurements. According to German and European standard DIN EN 957-1/5, ergometer bikes must measure performance in watts, whereas conventional exercise bikes indicate only the level of resistance. Because of strict precision requirements, ergometer bikes are well suited to the demands of physical therapy.

Recent product ratings of the Stiftung Warentest:
In its January 2003 issue, the Stiftung Warentest reported the results of trials performed in the categories of ergometer bikes, elliptical cross-trainers, as well as elliptical-ergometers (elliptical cross-trainers with exact watt-output reading). The winner in the category "ergometer bikes" was the Tunturi E3 Ergometer, followed by the Kettler FX1, and the Daum Fitness 2002 PC ergo_bike!

As with any kind of fitness machine, the ergometer bikes of various manufacturers come with a variety of different features:

Resistance, watt reading: On all ergometer bikes shown here resistance is produced by a magnetic brake system (many of them by an electr. eddy-current or induction brake system), so that resistance can be controlled far more precisely and accurately than is the case with exercise bikes. The high standards and electronic precision of the ergometer bikes are the reasons that performance can be measured in watts. On r.p.m.-based ergometers only the actual pedal output is indicated in watts. With the other ergometer bikes you can choose in advance the watt output. If a person pedals faster, resistance decreases, whereas slower pedaling results in a higher resistance. In this way one stays on the pre-determined performance level. Hence, an r.p.m.-independent ergometer bike guarantees a comfortable workout and the exact output chosen by either you or your physician. That is why these machines are perfectly suited to therapy, rehabilitation, and individual cardiovascular exercise, as well as to athletic training.

Training computer: A higher price generally means a wider array of training options. The better machines offer you additional workout programs.

Flywheel mass: As a general rule, greater flywheel mass ensures gentler and smoother pedaling. Two exceptions to the rule are the Tunturi T-Series ergometer bikes and the Daum Ergobikes. Despite a smaller mass, these machines achieve an exceptionally smooth quality of movement due to the unusually high rotation speed of the flywheel.