Exercise bike

[gazguildford]

Hi guys
I used to do a lot of running but I know if I had a break due to weather or for whatever reason it would set me back a bit so I'm thinking of getting an exercise bike for the winter months as I tend to do a lot more off road it will be impossible to do this week days when you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.

How do exercise bikes affect your overall fitness? I know whilst running I found it a lot tougher on a treadmill than being outside.

Also sometimes I'm at home alone when the kids are in bed so it's not always easy to get out of an evening.

If I get one what functions should I be looking for?

Gary

 

[cyberknight]

Unless its a decent model like a spin bike i have found most exercise bikes do not let you have the seat high enough and giving any beans gave me sore knees .
Have you room and a space you can put a turbo where the kids cant see or hear you so you could use your current bike?

 

[vickster]

I use an exercise bike in front of the TV if I've not been able to get out, or during one of my many post injury rehab sessions. I find even if it's not the perfect replica, it's better than sitting on the sofa in front of the TV stuffing my face

Over the last 4 years, I have done many 1000s of miles on the previous model of one of these http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/upright_exercise_bikes/york__perform_210_cycle/15543_p.html. (I have the York C202, reckon you'd find one on fleabay or gumtree if lucky)

It takes up quite a lot of space but no more than a bike on a TT, and it's more stable IMO and definitely quieter (it's a bit creaky but that could be my knees ). Never had any issues, did have to replace the power cable for around £15 as I tripped over it one too many times It has lots of settings and various programmes, pretty good replica of a gym bike I'd say

 

[gazguildford]

I was looking at one I like the idea of the display

 

[Coggy]

Hi guys
I used to do a lot of running but I know if I had a break due to weather or for whatever reason it would set me back a bit so I'm thinking of getting an exercise bike for the winter months as I tend to do a lot more off road it will be impossible to do this week days when you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.

How do exercise bikes affect your overall fitness? I know whilst running I found it a lot tougher on a treadmill than being outside.

Also sometimes I'm at home alone when the kids are in bed so it's not always easy to get out of an evening.

If I get one what functions should I be looking for?

Gary

Whilst new to cycling, whenever I have been down the gym I have always favoured the bikes and in particular Spinning Bikes. When I started my get fit and lose weight mission 3 years ago (2 and 1/2 Stone heavier than now), I bought myself a second hand spinning bike off ebay and would use it 4 or 5 times a week. It definitely helped me lose weight and kept me fit. My blood pressure dropped dramatically (it had been too high by far) and I put a lot of that down to Spinning.

I just sit in front of TV or watch something on my iPad and spin at about 90 RPM for approx 30-40 mins. The sweat is pouring off me after about 8-10 minutes. It is definitely generally harder than actual cycling although I will admit I tend to pedal at a reasonably easy level tension wise.

I intend to use my hybrid whenever possible during the winter but this is likely to be just weekends as I do not get home until 7PM most nights and I cannot see myself going out on bike at that time of night in late autumn/winter and so I will get on the Spinning bike instead.

 

[Diggs]

+1 on the spin bike, however any exercise bike is better than the sofa if you're stuck indoors. I have a turbo but what about a set of rollers? Less space than a spin bike, hardly any faffing to set up and you could get decent rollers for less than a spin bike

 

[ColinJ]

I just sit in front of TV or watch something on my iPad and spin at about 90 RPM for approx 30-40 mins. The sweat is pouring off me after about 8-10 minutes. It is definitely generally harder than actual cycling although I will admit I tend to pedal at a reasonably easy level tension wise.

A lot of the sweating is due to the lack of cooling airflow over you. I always use a fan to keep me cool if I do more than about 15 or 20 minutes on my gym bike.

 

[gazguildford]

So I'll look for a reasonably priced spin bike hopefully one with a display (sorry I only heard about spin bikes the other day so I'm not up to date)
But the advice on this site has been great so far.
Thanks guys

 

[Coggy]

So I'll look for a reasonably priced spin bike hopefully one with a display (sorry I only heard about spin bikes the other day so I'm not up to date)
But the advice on this site has been great so far.
Thanks guys

I paid £100 for mine second hand. Has a basic digital display that shows, time, Distance in Miles, Speed in mph and Calories burned. I do not believe anything but the time readout to be that accurate to be honest. It is much closer to cycling than a normal exercise bike in my opinion but like another poster said, anything is better than just slobbing out on the sofa watching TV.

 

[gazguildford]

Picked up this little beauty £125 of gumtree York cycle / rower retails at £390 new! What a bargain in top condition too!