Seat

• Both bike styles include a main post that can be raised or lowered for height adjustment, but the spin bike has an additional slide rail under the seat that allows for forward and backward adjustment.
  
  

Handlebars

• Most stationery bikes include a racing style handlebar with vertical extensions attached to the horizontal handles. Spin bikes also use racing style handlebars but provide a vertical height adjustment or slide bar for forward and backward adjustment of the handlebars as well.
  
  

Pedals

• Both types of bike use a strap system to secure the foot to the pedal, but spin bikes feature an additional, optional clip that accommodates a professional cycling shoe.
  
  

Speed Control

• Stationery bikes commonly use magnetic resistance or an alternator that sets resistance through a digital control panel. Spin bikes have variable resistance through a break pad that changes pressure against the flywheel, and also include an emergency braking system that stops the wheel immediately.
  
  

Summary

• Tailored towards a more specialized and intense form of cardio exercise, spin bike designs offer features that benefit advanced as well as basic users. A standard stationery bike may have more generic settings but can provide more than enough of a cardio workout depending on the effort of the user.