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You’ve seen them in the gym – those people peddling away on stationary bikes with a look of intense concentration on their faces. And you’ve definitely heard them – the whirring of the wheels and the creaking of the frame can be quite loud. But just how noisy are exercise bikes, really? Let’s find out.
To get a sense of how loud exercise bikes can be, we need to understand a bit about sound. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and the lower the dB, the quieter the noise. For reference, a normal conversation is about 60 dB, while a lawnmower is about 90 dB. Here are some common noises and their dB level:
- Whispering – 30 dB
- Refrigerator hum – 40 dB
- Library – 40 dB
- Boeing 737 at takeoff power at 200 ft (118 dB); 140 decibels is sufficient to cause immediate peril to human health
- Pain threshold – 140-180 dB5
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some actual numbers for exercise bikes. A study by Livestrong found that the noise level for an exercise bike can range from 50 to 60 decibels, which is similar to the noise level of normal conversation. So, while you might not be able to have a full-on conversation while someone is pedalling away on an exercise bike next to you, it shouldn’t be too disruptive.
However, there are a few things that can make exercise bikes louder. If the bike is old or poorly maintained, it might creak and groan more than a newer model. Additionally, if you’re pedalling particularly hard or fast, that can also increase the noise level coming from the bike. In general, though, you can expect an exercise bike to produce noise at a similar level to normal conversation.
Are there any exceptionally quiet exercise bikes?
Yes, there are! Some companies have developed exercise bikes that produce very little noise. For example, NordicTrack, advertise their exercise bikes as being “whisper quiet”. Similarly, Peloton advertises their bikes as being “quiet and smooth”.
So, if you’re looking for an exercise bike that won’t disrupt your peace and quiet, there are definitely some options out there. However, it’s worth noting that these bikes tend to be more expensive than your average exercise bike.
Are exercise bikes bad for your hearing?
No, exercise bikes are not bad for your hearing. In fact, you would have to be exposed to a noise level of 85 dB or above for there to be any risk to your hearing. As we’ve seen, the noise level of an exercise bike is well below this threshold.
So, there you have it – exercise bikes are not particularly noisy, and they won’t damage your hearing. So, if you’re looking for a piece of workout equipment that won’t disturb your neighbours or your family, an exercise bike might be a good option for you.
Are magnetic resistance bikes noisy?
Magnetic resistance bikes are a type of exercise bike that uses magnets to create resistance. These bikes are generally very quiet, as there is no contact between the moving parts, which reduces friction and, therefore, noise.
So, if you’re looking for a particularly quiet exercise bike, a magnetic resistance bike might be a good option for you.
Which is the quietest out of a stationary exercise bike, a spin bike and a recumbent bike?
Spin bikes, upright bikes and recumbent bikes are all types of exercise bike, but spin bikes tend to be more aerodynamic, which makes them faster and quieter. Recumbent bikes, on the other hand, are designed for comfort and usually have more features than spin bikes, which can make them heavier and louder. So, if you’re looking for a particularly quiet exercise bike, a spin bike might be a good option for you.
A basic upright exercise bike or indoor exercise bike can also be a quiet bike. If you want the quietest exercise bike, a bike that is whisper-quiet, however, you might have to spend more money on a high-end model. Some companies have developed exercise bikes that produce very little noise. For example, NordicTrack, advertise certain models of their indoor cycling bike ranges as being “whisper quiet”.
Does a more intense workout make more noise?
No, a more intense workout does not make more noise. The noise level of an exercise bike is determined by the bike itself, not by how hard you’re working out. So, whether you’re pedalling slowly or quickly, the noise level will be the same.
Conclusion
A stationary bike is a great way to get in a workout without having to leave your home – but they can also be quite noisy. Exercise bikes typically produce noise at around 50-60 decibels, which is similar to normal conversation volume. However, there are a few things that can make an upright bike/exercise bike louder, such as if they’re old or poorly maintained, or if you’re pedaling particularly hard or fast. In general, though, you can expect an exercise bike to produce noise at a similar level to normal conversation.
