Front Flywheel vs. Rear Flywheel Spin Bike: A Comparison Guide to Help You Decide

Do you know the origin of stationary bikes dates back to the end of the 18^th century? It was called “Gymnasticon”, which was invented by Francis Lowndes in 1796. It was running on two flywheels’ mechanism that connected treadles for the feet to cranks for the hands that could drive each other or drive independently.

Today’s spinning bikes have evolved drastically, but the basic mechanism remains the same. The most important and discussed component of it remains to be the Flywheel. Should it be a front drive flywheel or rear drive flywheel, lightweight or heavyweight, the discussion is endless.

In this write-up, we’ll discern which mechanism holds good grounds considering usage friendly, economic on the pocket, and most importantly, is the bike fitting onto the buyer’s preferences criteria.

Front Flywheel vs. Rear Flywheel Spin Bike

The placement of flywheel doesn’t make a huge difference regarding the working of the spinning bike, but it does affect the maintenance and physical presence of the machine. With changing times, the layout of the spin bike has also evolved. Although the working mechanism is the same, the costing and technology have been remodeled. Let’s see some of the key differences in both variants.

Knowing the major differences between the bikes, we can figure out which one would fit our preferences. The above table is definitely going to clear the vague vision regarding details of these exercise bikes.

What is a Front Flywheel Spin Bike?

As the name indicates, the front flywheel is fixed on the front side of the exercise bike. This one is one of the most common and preferred indoor bikes of all time.

Pros & Cons

Availability of a wide variety of options, easy usage, standard spin bike appearance, less expensive, are some of the pros front flywheel bikes possess. They are easier to move around as well.

Talking about the cons regarding the front wheel spin bike, it’s highly prone to getting corroded because of the dripping sweat on the flywheel while going through your workouts. The flywheel is placed right beneath the front portion of the rider, and sweat drips directly on it, leading to the risk of corrosion of the flywheel.

Also, it requires regular cleaning. Otherwise, drive train problems can surface. The flywheel is exposed in most of these bikes, so it’s a bit dangerous for kids around.

Do I Really Need A Front-Wheel Spin Bike?

The foremost thing to consider here is the usage.  Are you going to use the front-wheel spin bike for personal or commercial use? Commercially it would require a lot of regular cleaning, as many clients would be using, and you don’t want your exercise bike to look like a rusted junk.

 Secondly, if you want a regular and standard biking experience, you should buy it. Operations are hassle-free and user-friendly. Therefore, it depends on your preferences.

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What Is A Rear Flywheel Spin Bike?

In this Spin bike, the flywheel is located at the rear end behind the pedals. This is the ultra-modern form of indoor bikes. You’ll find these in many of the professional biker’s gyms.

Pros & Cons

The most important aspect that makes it stand out from all other indoor cycles is the flywheel placement. It’s at the rear end, which means out of the “Sweat Zone”. Less sweat means fewer chances of wear and tear of the bike.

You are going to get the latest technology in the market if you buy rear-end flywheel bike. As the wheel is covered, it adds to the safety parameters of the bike.

Being extensively expensive is one of the biggest cons of this spinning bike. Being tough to master the riding techniques is another hassle. Some of the users term it as aesthetically unpleasant due to its shape.

Do I Really Need A Rear Flywheel Spin Bike?

If you want a less-maintenance bike and you have deep pockets, you can go for rear wheel spin bikes. Also, you have to be an inquisitive learner to master riding techniques and settings.

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What’s The Difference Between Front Flywheel Spin Bike & Rear Flywheel Spin Bike? Head-to-Head Comparison

Sweat Protection

Front Flywheel Spin Bike: No protection is provided as the flywheel is just under the head positioning of the rider, middle of the sweat zone.

Rear Flywheel Spin Bike: As the flywheel is located at the rear end of the bike, there is no chance of sweat dripping on it.

Corrosion

Front Flywheel Spin Bike: As it is always under the sweat zone, it is highly prone to getting corroded.

Rear Flywheel Spin Bike: The flywheel is situated far away from the front in these rear drive flywheel bikes, therefore no chances of getting corroded due to the rider’s sweat.

Maintenance

Front Flywheel Spin Bike: Front drive flywheel exercise bike requires more and frequent maintenance, especially the flywheel component, as it is exposed to the atmosphere around all the time.

Rear Flywheel Spin Bike: Because its most parts are covered, it takes less effort for cleaning, hence easy to maintain.

Cycling Experience

Front Flywheel Spin Bike: Rider would feel comfortable riding front drive flywheel stationary bike. As it is easy to handle and a bit old school type, people consider it more pleasant to ride.

Rear Flywheel Spin Bike: It is more inclined towards high-tech design. Therefore it takes time to get accustomed to riding it.

Cost

Following are a few of the popular and trending indoor cycles:

Front Flywheel Spin Bike:

• PELOTON indoor exercise bike, Price $1895 approximately
• YOSUDA indoor cycling bike, Price $339.99 approximately
• BOWFLEX C6 indoor bike, Price $999 approximately

Rear Flywheel Spin Bike:

• KEISER M3I indoor bike, Price $1995 approximately
• LIFE FITNESS IC6 indoor cycle, Price $2399 approximately
• PROFORM indoor bike Tour De France 2.0, Price $1999 approximately

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What Is Better Front Flywheel Spin Bike Or Rear Flywheel Spin Bike? The Verdict

There are many factors to consider before coming to any sought of opinion that which one is better amongst both.

Most of the riders give priority to comfort and easy usage. Considering this, they’ll definitely go with Front Flywheel drive bikes. On the same hand, these bikes are not very expensive, but the only issue is regarding their maintenance. Whereas Rear Drive Flywheel bike is more of a techno freak stuff with all possible latest gears, and if you are getting all of the amenities, from HD exercise monitor to pre-set virtual training and cycling routes, you need to shed an extra amount of money too.

In a nutshell, if you are looking for a pocket and user-friendly exercise bike for home, you should buy a Front Flywheel drive bike. If you are thinking of buying and setting these bikes for professional or commercial usage in gyms, you should prefer a Rear Flywheel Spin bike. Its low maintenance and aggressive design make it more efficient.