Rear vs. Front Flywheel Indoor Cycles & Spin Bikes Comparison

By Katie Pierson CPT

Certified Spinning® Instructor & CPT

Spin bikes are known for their sleek design and spinning flywheels. The flywheel is one of the most critical components of these cycles and one of the most debated topics on whether a front or rear flywheel is best. With so many opinions on which placement is better can be confusing. Read on as we break down everything you need to know.

Front Flywheel

When spin bikes first hit the market, they were initially designed with a front flywheel. Still today, this design is more readily available through a multitude of different manufacturers. Front flywheels weigh approximately 40 pounds. A weighted front flywheel offers an incredibly smooth ride as it helps to drive inertia and mimics an outdoor riding experience.

Pros

Cons

Instructor Tip: Always make sure to wipe down the flywheel thoroughly and anywhere else sweat could drip on your bike after every ride to help decrease potential sweat corrosion.

Katie Pierson, Indoor Cycling Instructor

Rear Flywheel

A rear flywheel is a lightweight flywheel located behind the saddle of the cycle. This placement is a newer technology that offers an almost silent riding experience since they are designed with magnetic resistance. Many high-end models being produced today are designed with a rear flywheel. 

Pros

Cons

Front vs. Rear Flywheel Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s break down how these two flywheel designs compare.

Riding Experience

One of the most significant differences between these two flywheel designs is the riding experience. Rear flywheel spin bikes include magnetic resistance, which offers a different feeling than friction that can be available with front flywheel models. There is a delay between when resistance is added or taken off and when it actually is felt through the pedal stroke with magnetic resistance. 

In contrast, front flywheels that include friction resistance mimic the feeling of riding an outdoor bike as the resistance changes are more natural. Weighted front flywheels, using either resistance type, also require more exertion to start the pedal stroke, making them seem more similar to riding outdoors. 

Related: Magnetic vs Friction Resistance Indoor Cycles

Personally, if the cycles both have magnetic resistance, I find that the riding experience is very similar if the flywheel is located in either position. For example, I ride a Life Fitness C7 when teaching that includes a rear flywheel, and I own the Bowflex C6, which has a front flywheel. The riding experience for both models is almost identical once the pedals are turning. 

Price

Newer technology often comes with a heftier price tag, and rear flywheel cycles are no exception. For example, a budget rear flywheel bike might be found for around $600 compared to a budget front flywheel model that comes in about $300. 

Maintenance

Maintenance issues also tend to be less with a rear flywheel placement. Cycles with flywheels in this placement include magnetic resistance and a belt drive-train. Both of these features require little maintenance. Most cycling studios and fitness clubs opt for this type of cycle because of the lower maintenance needs of this design. In my experience, I am lucky if my students will wipe down the handlebars, saddle, and resistance knobs before heading on their way after class. Management understands that it is improbable that their members will take the time to wipe down the entire flywheel after each ride.

Flywheels in the front position often require slightly more TLC. In addition, since the flywheel is located in the “sweat zone,” these bikes are prone to sweat corrosion and drive-train issues that can occur if the bike is not cleaned correctly after each use. However, if you are willing to take the time to care for your bike correctly, potential sweat corrosion shouldn’t be something that deters you from purchasing this type of model.

It is important to note that some front flywheel models offer friction resistance. However, friction resistance bikes require more maintenance than magnetic ones since the pads eventually wear out.

Sweat Protection

A rear flywheel spin bike is naturally more protected from potential corrosion with the flywheel placement. Many newer front flywheels include safety measures to protect the flywheel from this type of corrosion through guards. If you are looking at a front flywheel cycle, make sure that this is a feature that is included because it will save on potential maintenance issues in the future.

Conclusion

There are excellent cycles in both the front and rear flywheel categories. However, deciding which type of resistance option you prefer should help determine which placement is better for you. We always recommend testing the cycles you are considering to see which option feels best for you. Happy riding!