Best exercise bike

[Stumpi]

I'm planning to carry on riding as much as possible over the winter but there will be days when I can't manage it. I'm thinking of an exercise cycle for those times. I've never really got on that well with them so I was some advice on the more realistic types.

I'm thinking along the lines of the spinning bikes as I reckon the "weighted" flywheel will have a better feel.

My other option is a "turbo trainer" with a cheap road bike attached but I know they can be quite loud.

 

[eddieo]

whatever you get make sure you set it up properly...as mine was responsible for putting me out of action for over 4 excruciating months earlier this year with problems with my sacroiliac joint

all because (I think) seat was to high, and I think you tend to ride these things more frantically

 

[eTim]

I think the ones they use for 'spinning' classes in the gym are probably the best. A bit like the rowing machines, spend the money and get quality and it will serve you well. I bought an Argos special years ago and it worked fine also, but I got so bored with it that I binned it way before I'd had any proper use out of it!

I'd be tempted to get a bike trainer with a computer (to hold your interest), you can always wear ear plugs or listen to music to avoid the noise. Surely you can hook the Cytronex up to that?

I find indoor training to be the most soul destroying activity I've done (well apart from work), which is why I never go to the gym and would rather get wet and a bit cold on an outdoor cycle in the winter.

 

[Mussels]

I think the only way an excersise bike could hold my interest is if it's attached to a wii and I get to race people (or even better myself) round a circuit.

 

[Stumpi]

I currently have a Concept 2 rower that works well inside and I generally stick a DVD on with some headphones and time just passes. However the rower is hurting my good knee so I've found a buyer and want to replace it with some form of indoor cycling.

I'm thinking cheap second hand racing bike, turbo trainer, bike computer with cadence etc(remembering to connect to the rear wheel ), a couple of rubber mats and my HRM so maybe £250 tops

or

half decent spinning bike £400-£500

Are spinning bikes fixed wheel?

 

[eTim]

I currently have a Concept 2 rower that works well inside and I generally stick a DVD on with some headphones and time just passes. However the rower is hurting my good knee so I've found a buyer and want to replace it with some form of indoor cycling.

I'm thinking cheap second hand racing bike, turbo trainer, bike computer with cadence etc(remembering to connect to the rear wheel ), a couple of rubber mats and my HRM so maybe £250 tops

or

half decent spinning bike £400-£500

Are spinning bikes fixed wheel?

Snap, I have a Concept 2 also. I love it except that I get bored after 30-45 mins of use even with music and/or TV !!

If you go for a turbo trainer, it'll be interesting to see what you go for Stumpi, will you run the Cytronex on it? I can see the appeal on a snow filled, dull winters day.

Hey, do they make one's that can run over the internet, we could have virtual bike races then, now that would get me motivated

 

[Stumpi]

Looking around at Turbo trainers I quite like this(so much for a budget )

Cycleops Fluid 2 '10 (£224.99)

I could use the Cytronex but I'd rather buy a second hand racer/hybred. For sub £100 I'm sure I'd get something suitable

 

[eddieo]

all this talk of fitness is making me feel a likle queasy in me tummy....Had better go lie down for a bit

 

[Old Timer]

I'm planning to carry on riding as much as possible over the winter but there will be days when I can't manage it. I'm thinking of an exercise cycle for those times. I've never really got on that well with them so I was some advice on the more realistic types.

I'm thinking along the lines of the spinning bikes as I reckon the "weighted" flywheel will have a better feel.

My other option is a "turbo trainer" with a cheap road bike attached but I know they can be quite loud.

Stumpi

At my Cardiac rehab classes we get to use things like this Horizon Comfort 408 Recumbent Cycle
Not that actual make and obviously at a hospital the equipment is of top knotch quality but BOY is it nice to sit and work with. My knees are shot but on this kind of machine (where your feet slip into straps) I can easily manage and to be honest it is actually fun as well as getting the heart rate going. We have a walking/running machine at home in our conservatory facing out to open country but compared to this baby it is really hard work.
I reckon I could actually convert it to commode style if the need arises

Seriously, I wonder if I can talk the wife into treating me If you got the chance then at least find a store where you can sit on one before deciding. The main thing is that it will be very female user friendly which might help to swing it.

Anyone got one like this and can add anything???

Dave

 

[CeeGee]

Stumpi

At my Cardiac rehab classes we get to use things like this Horizon Comfort 408 Recumbent Cycle
Not that actual make and obviously at a hospital the equipment is of top knotch quality but BOY is it nice to sit and work with.
Dave

I assume the ones at the hospital have a built in ashtray, and somewhere to put your can of lager whilst exercising, two things sadly lacking from the illustrated model.
For the price you have to pay for this sort of thing it make sense to spend that money on good winter cycle gear, some bright lights, and benefit by getting some fresh air at the same time as getting your exercise.

Colin

 

[Mussels]

I assume the ones at the hospital have a built in ashtray, and somewhere to put your can of lager whilst exercising

Only in a Bupa hospital.

 

[Old Timer]

I assume the ones at the hospital have a built in ashtray, and somewhere to put your can of lager whilst exercising, two things sadly lacking from the illustrated model.
For the price you have to pay for this sort of thing it make sense to spend that money on good winter cycle gear, some bright lights, and benefit by getting some fresh air at the same time as getting your exercise.

Colin

Colin
No more ashtrays for me matey(or cans of beer come to that) I`ve got decent cycle gear and my existing walking machine faces across fields from my conservatory and with the doors open I get all the fresh air I could want

But of course the problem (which you might not share with many of us on here if you are 100% fit) is that we are not fit or in any condition to exercise the way we would like to and like the weather here today being extremely windy and dangerous gives us a way of taking our daily exercise (that we are told we need if we are going to survive for any length of time

The trouble I find is that after my heart attack I find it hard to ride a bike un-assisted on anything other than the flat or complete calm at present and the drugs I`m being given( although we are trying different types) are causing my worn out knees to play up. Riding the E bike is great fun and allows us to feel more or less normal but I don`t find it exercises me enough given the above criteria.

Anyway! that`s all, just pointing out that after having the chance to try out something different without making a purchase it was very easy on legs and knee joints but did exercise my cardiovascular system nicely with fine adjustment and seeing as Stumpi only has one leg I would think it might just hit the spot for him.

Of course you can still get out on your bike as and when weather permits just like Stumpi intends.

Take Care

 

[overlander]

But of course the problem (which you might not share with many of us on here if you are 100% fit) is that we are not fit or in any condition to exercise the way we would like to and like the weather here today being extremely windy and dangerous gives us a way of taking our daily exercise (that we are told we need if we are going to survive for any length of time

Never thought of that i just assumed that most people were fit and just needed a helping hand to increase their times/distances. In that case these electric bikes really are a lifesavers and i take my hat off to people who are doing something about their health. Many would just accept things and carry on what they were doing, i can better understand now the need for the almost 100% assisted bike. Living up in scotland i can also appreciate the weather had my bike since Saturday barring Sunday every day has been howling gales and driving winds, pretty tough cycling.

 

[Old Timer]

Never thought of that i just assumed that most people were fit and just needed a helping hand to increase their times/distances. In that case these electric bikes really are a lifesavers and i take my hat off to people who are doing something about their health. Many would just accept things and carry on what they were doing, i can better understand now the need for the almost 100% assisted bike. Living up in scotland i can also appreciate the weather had my bike since Saturday barring Sunday every day has been howling gales and driving winds, pretty tough cycling.

Nice one! I think your reply will do loads for the understanding of many members on here who are lucky enough to be 100% fit (at present) as with many things in life " there but for the grace of God go I"

Thanks Overlander

Dave

 

[Stumpi]

Thanks for the suggestions.

My first choice is always to cycle outside and there is nothing better than getting out in the fresh air. I don't mind getting wet and cold but over the winter months in Scotland the main roads are covered in rock salt(which means the bike needs a proper clean after every use) and the back roads can be icy. There are days when TBH I just look out the window and can't be arsed going out. So I figure a bike set up in my den where the rower used to be that gets used maybe once or twice a week over the winter will suit me just fine.

I have tried the rucumbent type bikes and, for me, its like sleeping with your sister, the motions are the same but it just doesnt feel right

I'm leaning towards a turbo trainer

 

[CeeGee]

Stumpi:

Sorry, I hadn't realised you were in Scotland where there is a distinct lack of daylight or reasonable weather in the winter, unlike the southern parts of England.
One advantage of a turbo trainer is you can use your own bike which you have already set up for yourself and should be the most comfortable way of getting exercise.
This basic turbo trainer gets plenty of good reviews:
Tacx Sirius Soft Gel Folding Magnetic Turbo Trainer Only £128.99 (may be cheaper elsewhere)

Colin

 

[Old Timer]

its like sleeping with your sister



When you say you have tried one! do you mean a recumbent bike or recumbent trainer?

 

[TorAtle]

Facing a 1 year indoor training period after a nasty bike accident (broken hip), I recently bought a Tacx Flow, PC upgrade and training tyre. There are various Tacx models to choose from - this combo is the cheapest if you want to get into VR-cycling. The flow comes with a handlebar controller w/display, so it works standalone as well.

The noise is acceptable. Remember it's not only the roller, but also chain/sprockets. Put your bike in your living room upside down in highest gear and crank vigorously with your hand to get a feel for the "base noise". The roller adds to this - more with power and speed.

The software is a bit of a dog, but it works most of the time. Be prepared for it to crash once in a while. A new version is due this fall which is hoped to be more stable.

Training with the VR-stuff is still pretty boring, but at least you got something to focus on. I would buy again.

 

[Old Timer]

Stumpi

BTW

What I was actually using at rehab was not a full recumbent, it was a semi-recumbent. I`ve just ordered one

I did look at the trainers where you fit your own bike but can`t be arsed about by fitting it up (even though I have a choice of bikes I will always want the one that is connected

As I said, I want heart rate increase without more knee punishment.