Originally Posted by
walkingCorpse
Unfortunately I haven't really noted down the RPM I usually pedal at. I stay at the same resistance through the course of the ride. I'm usually able to find a sweet spot of training resistance that allows for an appropriate split of the training stress between cardiorespiratory and muscle power, in such a way that neither of them becomes unsustainable, while also allowing me to stay above 170 HR for an hour. But in this cycle I couldn't find that balance. I have returned it, and I'm back to shopping for a stationary cycle again.
What's your budget for a stationary bike? That will largely dictate your choice. What you are asking for above is pretty basic so I presume the one you just returned was a very cheap model (or had a major fault)