This chart can help you see how stationary biking fits your goals and lifestyle concerns. 

• The seat is the key; comfort rules. Set your seat height so that your knee is only slightly bent on the downstroke.
  
  
• If you want to bring your outdoor bike inside, buy a wind trainer, a piece of equipment on which you can perch your bicycle. This relatively inexpensive gadget ($40-$100) can give outdoor cyclists a foul-weather option.
  
  
• Stationary bikes now come with many options, including pulse monitors and programmed resistances. There are also simple models available if you find electronics intimidating or you just don't want to deal with a lot of buttons.