What type of exercise Bike do I need

[bigbang]

I want to purchase an exercise bike to help lose weight(20 kg), get fit and help me out with my recently diagnosed diabeties 2 but I'm confused as to what I actually want.

I have done a search for exercise bikes on this forum but don't really get any hits except for trainers that fit your normal bike. I don't really want one of these because I want my whole family to be able to use it and we don't all have road bikes.

So a few questions .

Are the exercise bikes with magnetic tension control that can be programmed for different work outs better or worst than other types of machines such as ones with flywheels ?

Can you see any pit falls I should be aware of when purchasing one ?

Why do serious cyclist seem to prefer trainers over exercise bikes ?

Thanks

[manual_overide]

People like trainers over exercise bikes because they get to ride the bike they ride all the time. The bike that was fitted for them at the bike shop. The bike that has the saddle and pedals they are comfortable with. Trainers fold up and don't take up very much space, so when it is nice outside you can hide the trainer away somewhere and just ride your bike. Also trainers are much less expensive than an excercise bike.

[late]

Hi,
get a bicycle. Look around for used bikes for the kids.
Kids are always outgrowing stuff like bikes; and parents often sell them.
Most exercise bikes are junk. I have a trainer, but
I use it for maybe one percent of the time I spend in a year on my bike; it's boring.

[supcom]

Chances are you whole family hasn't been asking for an exercise bike and you will be the only one to use. Chances also are that after a week you'll realize that riding an exercise bike is boring.
Chances also are that after a month you'll discover how well an exercise bike doubles as a clothes rack.

Much better to get a real bike and ride outside where the scenery changes. Get one for every member of the family and have fun instead of enduring drudgery.

[late]

Chances are you whole family hasn't been asking for an exercise bike and you will be the only one to use. Chances also are that after a week you'll realize that riding an exercise bike is boring.
Chances also are that after a month you'll discover how well an exercise bike doubles as a clothes rack.

Much better to get a real bike and ride outside where the scenery changes. Get one for every member of the family and have fun instead of enduring drudgery.

....what he said.