The Skillbike is a stationary bike that counters hill resistance with actual bicycle gears. (Courtesy of Technogym)
Fitness equipment maker Technogym has launched a stationary bike with gears that will more closely mirror the experience cyclists face while riding outside on actual hills.
The Skillbike, which retails for $4,790, is the “first stationary bike with real gears,” according to Technogym. It features patented technology that enables users to replicate the dynamics of hill riding, not only with resistance but also with the ability to shift into easier gear ratios.
The seven-inch display on the Skillbike. (Courtesy of Technogym)
By shifting among eight gears, riders can counter changes in resistance and maintain the correct power and cadence for maximum efficiency. A seven-inch digital bike console displays the gear ratio selection in real time with a gradient that varies from -3 percent up to 15 percent.
Users can also sync with third-party apps, such as Strava, Garmin, and Zwift, to keep track of goals whether on the road or training inside. Riders receive real-time feedback on cadence, power, speed, distance, gradient, heart rate, and gear ratio.
SportTechie Takeaway
While the Skillbike may be the first stationary bike with real gears, many high-level cyclists and pros already own trainers, a piece of equipment cyclists can hook up to their actual bicycle that enables them to turn their bikes into stationary ones. Technogym is attempting to up the game by adding automatic hill resistance that mimics the road and by providing riders with real-time stats about their performance, biometrics and gears. While pro cyclists may keep their trainers at home, the Skillbike will likely start showing up in fitness centers.
