Exercise Bike v Getting on the Road?

[Daniel Douglas]

Hi guy's new poster here, I have recently got really into my exercise bike, I ride it for at least 70 minutes a day, currently averaging around 31Km in that time. This has really given me a bit of a bug for cycling so I'm wondering is cycling for real that much more difficult? I mean obviously you have wind, rain and inclines to contend with, I don't wanna spend money on a bike etc only to find I struggle to get round the block ha! So what's your opinions?

Thanks a lot.

 

[Born2die]

No comparison you will love the real thing more than the excercise bike yes there are headwinds bad weather and sill car drivers but then there are sunny days great views companionship with other riders out there I love the real thing.

You can pick up a cheap used bike on the bay for £150 ish say a cheap carrera tdf or older giant etc and try it then fall In love remortgage the house sell the wife and pawn the kids to pay to play her game.

 

[Fab Foodie]

My anecdotal evidence is that you get the King and Queen of the local spinning class put them on a real bike and they're utterly hopeless.
There is some value to using a Turbo trainer in-between road-riding, but getting on the road is best, dealing with real conditions.
An exercise bike is a start and is a little better than nothing, but a cheap simple bike is even better.,

 

[oldfatfool]

road is much better, you can freewheel

 

[ianrauk]

road is much better, you are riding a real bike

 

[phil_hg_uk]

I had an exercise bike once, it was very handy for hanging clothes on

 

[vickster]

Mine is currently sporting a long sleeve jersey and a high vis gilet, though to be fair, I do use it a lot in the winter month. Cold, rain and outdoor cycling don't suit me!

 

[slowmotion]

You can't turn up at a pub on an exercise bike.

 

[Dave 123]

If you put your exercise bike in the bike rack outside the cafe all the other cyclists will bully you.

Get a real bike.

 

[rams1de]

Even if you struggle at first, it won't take long to get used to riding a proper bike. The best part of cycling for me is being out in the fresh air discovering places I never see/ appreciate when I'm behind the wheel of a car.

 

[morrisman]

On a London to Brighton ride some years ago spied a lorry with 8 exercise bikes on it with a bunch of overweight riders doing the ride the only way they could.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Got a very nice recumbent exercise bike the other day. Nordic Track C3si, sold in a garage sale for 40.00. I love it. Not 1/10 as much as any bicycle I own. But I like it for warming up to ride, and riding on days I cannot otherwise do so. It also has built in speakers and an MP3 jack. So much better than the Sears ex-r-cycle I wore out in the 1970's

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

No comparison - road

 

[Diggs]

IMHO exercise bike is better than sitting on sofa(he said from sofa), spin is better than exercise bike but nothing beats getting out on the bike. Each have their place.

 

[Pedal pusher]

I would agree with all the comments but............ a spin class is a good all round exerciser. I do 3 a week as well as ridding on the road. The two do complement each other