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Best Aquabike
This exercise uses the pressure of the water as resistance and produces an intense and high calorie-burning workout. Being underwater means that there is no hard surface for your ankles and knees to come in contact with. In fact, the buoyancy and pressure of the water actually relieve joint swelling. To get started with this great new form of exercise- you just need two things, an Aquabike and a pool.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Style
When we considered style, we looked at a lot more than just how it looks.
Let’s face it, the look of the frame isn’t going to be all that important because while it is in use- it is going to be submerged in water! So, the styling of the frame from an aesthetic standpoint wasn’t at the top of our priority list. What we did look at, however, was the style of the seat, as well as the handlebars, and how the shape of the frame was going to benefit your workout. The seat is one of the big issues that we considered. The seats that are provided on most designs are not going to be soft and squishy like the seat on your land bike. This is because soft and squishy seats are going to absorb more water and wear-out quickly. Also, thanks to gravity, you simply do not need that much padding when you are underwater.
However, there still is such a thing as a seat that is uncomfortable. We found that narrow seats were typically regarded better because they allow the user to shift their weight or even stand up if they needed to, without the seat getting in the way. Handlebars are also something that we considered. Most of these designs have bars that are high enough to stick up out of the water. Features that we looked at were things like water bottle holders and grooved plastic handles for a surefire grip.
Adjustability
We also took into consideration how well you were going to be able to adjust it.
Not all body types are all created equal, which is why you want something that you are going to be able to shift up and down. The best options we found were designs that had four points of adjustments- two on the base and two on the top. Most of the designs that we found had the basic method of adjustment that you would find in most gyms- the long arm with holes held in place by a central screw. These methods are the most common, but they are not the easiest to shift. Our favorite design for adjustments is the crank. To make your adjustments, simply flick up the crank, pull up your seat to the desired height, and then flick the crank back down into position. This method is going to be ideal for those with weaker hands.
Materials
For something that works when submerged in water- it is going to need to be made from some pretty strong materials.
We wanted to make sure that we selected aquabikes that are constructed from materials that won’t rust. Once a device begins to rust, it will soon spread and weaken the entire system.
One of the best materials we found that is going to hold up over time and not rust is marine-grade stainless steel. Hands down, stainless steel is the material that you want for the frame of your device. However, the downside to stainless steel is that it is going to make your product incredibly heavy. If you want to select something that is going to be a lot lighter and also rust-resistant, marine-grade aluminum is going to be your second best option. While aluminum is going to be a lot lighter and easier to handle than stainless steel, it is considered to be just a little less durable.
Weight
We have mentioned it a few times before, but weight is something that you want to keep an eye on because these devices are meant to move.
Unlike the elliptical machine that you put in your bedroom that quickly turned into a coat rack- you are actually going to be able to lift this unit up and move it. From what we could gather, the heaviest design weighed in at about 60 pounds, but it also had a small set of wheels that make it easier to move. We wanted to ensure that we select designs that were going to be able to be accessible to everyone. The average weight of these devices is around 50 pounds, with some being a little higher and some being a little less. The lightest design we found out there weighs just 18 pounds- but that still is pretty heavy if you are not used to lifting heavy things. If you want something that is going to be easier to move, be sure that the design that you land on has wheels!
Value
Of course, we want to save you a little bit of money when we can without sacrificing quality.
The bad news here is that there are very few designs that one could classify as inexpensive. Most of the designs out there on the market carry quite a hefty price tag- even the more affordable options. We wanted to make sure that we selected designs that ranged the entire price spectrum- from the affordable to the expensive.
However, we did discover that there were few differences between the extremely expensive and those that ran in the middle of the roads in terms of price. Both options were typically made from stainless steel, and they all sported very similar frame designs with the same level of adjustments. The more affordable options were typically made from lower-quality materials that would break, and they also didn’t come with the same level of features and adjustments as the higher-end models.
Top Picks
1. Tidalwave
While other designs that we have seen have basic styles that you would find on land bound bikes, this aquabike from Tidalwave has a frame that was specifically designed to be used in the water. While it is one of the most expensive options out there on the market, the smart design and high quality make it well worth the padded price tag.
Read moreStyle
Users are going to be able to select from three brightly frames that include pink, yellow, and green. It has a longer frame that offers a higher seat and handlebars that could stick up out of the water if placed in shallow waters.
Adjustability
One of the great things about this model is that it has a V frame design that can actually be folded up when not in use. The pedals have wide buckles that will keep feet securely in place, and you will be able to adjust the pedals and the seat, as well as resistance levels.
Materials
This unit is constructed from high-quality stainless steel with a shiny powder coat finish that is resistant to rusting and will not weaken over time.
Weight
The bad news about this design is that while it folds up flat for easy storage, it is quite a bit heavier than many similar designs. It weighs in at about 55 pounds, which will make taking it in and out of the pool a little difficult.
Value
We hope you are sitting down because the cost of this unit is almost double that of the higher-end options that made out this list. While this price tag is a little shocking, we feel that it is still a great value when you consider the innovative styling and high-quality materials.
Overall
If you are willing to spare no expense to get the very best design that money can buy, this is going to be one of your better options. It may cost a pretty penny, but it is going to be a really great tool to help you build strength.
2. POOLBIKING Evolution
POOLBIKING is a name that you are going to see quite a lot with aquabikes because they provide users with a wide variety of styles that are made to suit very specific fitness needs. The Evolutions is great because it is small and compact, but provides users with a lot of features that are convenient and helpful.
Read moreStyle
This design is only offered in a sleek silver frame that is accented with bright blue pedals with red buckles. One unique feature that we noticed was the water bottle holder in the middle of the handlebars. It might seem like a strange addition to something you use in water, but it can come in handy in the middle of a tough workout.
Adjustability
What’s great about the Evolution model is that you will have the control to adjust pretty much everything. There are two adjustment knobs on the bottom of the unit to change the height from the floor, or to even stagger the height. There are also two knobs you can use to adjust the handlebars as well as the seat.
Materials
The materials used to construct this product are incredibly strong and durable. The frame is composed of AISI 316L stainless steel that is electropolished with a protective coating to prevent wear and rust.
Weight
The weight of this design is pretty heavy, but it is far from being one of the heaviest designs that we have seen. Weighing in at just over 48 pounds, it is going to be a little bit of a struggle lifting it up and out of the pool.
Value
As far as price is concerned, this design is just priced slightly above average. It isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, but it isn’t the most affordable as well.
Overall
For those that are looking for something that is going to be easy to use to provide a really great workout while in the pool, this is a really solid choice that is going to hold up quite well over the years.
3. Fitmax Hydrospin Lite
If comfort is something that is important to you on those long rides in the pool, this is an option that is worth a look. Users like that it has a seat and handlebars that are a little more cushioned than most, and the smart pedals are going to give you a slightly more challenging workout.
Read moreStyle
This unit is offered in a darker gray frame with red and blue accents on the wheel, pedals, and handlebars. What users like most about this design is that the seat and the handlebars are coated in a soft rubber that makes it more comfortable and less slippery when wet.
Adjustability
You are going to be able to adjust this device in a myriad of ways that are going to suit your physical needs. The pedals and the handlebars can be raised or lowered as you see fit by simply pulling up on a lever, positioning the bar, and clamping the lever back down in place.
Materials
Fitmax claims that their products are made from such high-quality materials that you will be able to leave this unit in the pool 24/7. The frame is made from marine grade SS316L stainless steel that is going to stay strong and won’t rust no matter how long you leave it in the water.
Weight
The weight of this unit runs pretty par for the course. It weighs in at just over 46 pounds, which means when you do want to take it out of the pool, it going to be pretty heavy.
Value
One thing that we liked about this design is that while it is made from high-quality materials and sports an innovative design, it doesn’t have a price tag that is going to knock your socks off. It’s not one of the more affordable options out there, but we feel that it is offered at a great price point considering the quality.
Overall
For those that are looking for something incredibly solid and well made, and are willing to pay just a little bit extra to get there, this designs from Fitmax is going to be an excellent tool for your fitness goals.
4. POOLBIKING ONE
This design might seem very similar to POOLBIKING’s Evolution model, but there are slight differences that make this design just a little bit different. One noticeable difference is that it is priced to be a little bit more affordable, but doesn’t have as many of the features.
Read moreStyle
This unit is offered in a bright silver frame that is accented with red and blue pedals, and a solid black seat. One thing users really like about this design is that the seat is a lot more cushioned than other POOLBIKING designs, which will provide you a more comfortable ride.
Adjustability
Users will only be able to adjust the resistance of the pedals by increasing their speed. The faster that you pedal, the more resistance you accumulate. What users like about this design is that it is simple and t is easy to adjust the height of the seat as well as the position of the handlebars.
Materials
As always with POOLBIKING products, this is constructed of some really tough materials. The frame is made from stainless steel that is considered to be marine grade, so you can leave it in the pool and not have to worry.
Weight
The weight of this unit is just slightly lighter than some of the other designs in this line, but only by a few pounds. It weighs in at about 45 pounds, which will be just a little difficult to lift up out of the pool.
Value
The cost of this design is expensive, but it is considered to be one of the more affordable options in the POOLBIKING line. If you are looking for something from this brand to give a try, this is going to be one of your better options.
Overall
We liked this design because it’s simple, easy to use, and small and compact. It might not have all of the bells and whistles as some of the other designs, but it does a great job of allowing you to get a great workout.
5. HYDRORIDER PRO FIX
If you are willing to spare no expense when it comes to your fitness gear, the HYDRORIDER PRO FIX is the Cadillac of this list. It provides users with all of the adjustments and features they will need. The only downside is that it comes in at a price point that is over double that of even some of the higher-end designs.
Read moreStyle
This design is a lot more sleek and slim than other designs out there on the market. It is only offered in a basic light silver color and is accented by while bumpers on the base and a black seat.
Adjustability
Users love the multitude of ways that this device is able to be adjusted. You will have the power to change the height of the entire unit by adjusting the bottom arms, and you can also change the height of the seat and handlebars as well.
Materials
This unit is made from really high-quality materials that are going to hold up quite well even if you leave it in the water. The frame is composed of stainless steel that is considered to be marine grade.
Weight
The weight of this design runs about in the middle of the road. Weighing in at about 48 pounds, this isn’t the heaviest design out there on the market, but it is far from being the lightest.
Value
We hope you are sitting down, because the cost of this unit packs quite the price tag, and will set you back about double the price of similar designs. However, when you consider the professional-grade style and materials, this may be worth the extra cost.
Overall
For those that are serious about their training and are willing to spare no expense to reach their fitness goals, this device is going to be an excellent tool to help you get there if you are willing to pay the extra cost.
6. POOLBIKING Ibiza
What we liked about the Ibiza style is that is lives somewhere in between a bike and an elliptical. This design is going to work great at providing you a well-rounded workout and stronger muscles without wreaking havoc on your joints.
Read moreStyle
As with any POOLBIKING style, this unit is only offered in the basic silver model with red and blue pedals and a black seat. What makes this design a little bit different is that it has pretty large wheels along the back to make transporting and lifting just a little bit easier.
Adjustability
The great thing about this model is that users will have the ability to adjust it to be taller by raising the bottom pins, and they can also adjust the seat and the handlebars as well.
Materials
Made from marine-grade stainless steel, this design is made to hold up quite well in all types of conditions- whether it is freshwater, chlorinated water, or even saltwater.
Weight
Clocking in at a whopping 60 pounds, this is one of the heaviest units out there on the market. However, the addition of the large wheels along the backside makes moving this beast around just a little easier.
Value
The bad news about this easy design is that it comes in at one of the most expensive price points of any of the other options out there on the market. However, we do consider this unit a good value if you take into consideration the sturdy frame and innovative design features.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is going to be a little more versatile than most, and will provide users with a sturdy machine that will hold up over time, this is an excellent option from a trusted brand.
Sources
- , AQUA BIKE: RAMP UP YOUR WORKOUT, Blog
- , Aquabike Benefits (pros and cons), Blog