Spinning Bikes - Anyone got One?

[MacB]

So, I've read the recent threads on rollers, turbos, spinning classes etc but I'm looking for info on actual spinning bikes, preferably up at gym quality. I'm thinking up to about £2k and race style as opposed to recumbent or upright, but I have seen this one:-

http://www.johnlewis.com/231183773/Product.aspx

I had an excellent piece of Kettler kit in the past, one of their crosstrainers, though it was about £1k 15 years ago, but that was the last time I bought a piece of indoor exercise kit, so I'm way out of touch.


Oh, and irresistable as I know it will be, suggestions to go out on a bike, just buy a turbo/rollers, will be met with 'stony internet silence', I have good reasons for looking at this option...I thank you

 

[david1701]

I go to a spin class as its quite sociable, I'm not sure I'd be able to pound away at it on my own indoors for long enough :s

 

[ianrauk]

Hey Al.
Myself and Mrs Ian have been thinking about getting one also.
It looks like she will have to give up her running and do a less impact style exercise. And I wouldn't mind one just to sit on and spin the old legs for an hour when I can't be arsed to go out. That looks a good, well made machine too. We are just looking at which one's at the moment and that one will certainly go on the list.

 

[HLaB]

I don't own one myself but at a recent hill TT somebody was warming up on a less complicated spin bike, he didn't win it though

 

[MacB]

Hey Al.
Myself and Mrs Ian have been thinking about getting one also.
It looks like she will have to give up her running and do a less impact style exercise. And I wouldn't mind one just to sit on and spin the old legs for an hour when I can't be arsed to go out. That looks a good, well made machine too. We are just looking at which one's at the moment and that one will certainly go on the list.

Yep, this was instigated by Jane fancying something to try and ease her into cycling again and I thought a race spin bike, ie trying to feel more like a real bike, would be better than a standard stationary exercise bike. She just hasn't got the confidence to get out on the road right now and her leg/ankle still gives her trouble as well. So I thought, if we're getting one anyway, why not get one that could be of use to me as well, so nothing flimsy or fragile

Kettler do another model up and Startrac have one called the NXT, but I'm still looking to find an overall sort of summary/review site that gives nice clear info on pros and cons. You know me, I quite fancy one with the interactive screen and all the bells and whistles....I'll keep you posted with what I find.

 

[mr Mag00]

a watt bike as it has built in sessions too

 

[MacB]

a watt bike as it has built in sessions too

Oooh, now we're talking, I like the look of that a lot, thanks for the suggestion, it certainly wasn't appearing on spin bike searches

 

[PpPete]

The spin bikes at the gym I use are these.
Display is fairly basic - but there is usually some decent "scenery" at my spin class so I don't mind.

If they are robust enough for use in a well frequented gym that offers about about 15 classes a week, they are probably pretty good quality.

 

[MacB]

The spin bikes at the gym I use are these.
Display is fairly basic - but there is usually some decent "scenery" at my spin class so I don't mind.

If they are robust enough for use in a well frequented gym that offers about about 15 classes a week, they are probably pretty good quality.

Thanks Pete, so I've got Keiser, Kettler, StarTrac, Lemond and Motus on the list, but that Watt Bike seems to be putting the others in the shade right now.

 

[PpPete]

I wish we could have a bit more "stony internet silence". Be better than these pointless arguments, which so many threads seem turn into.

FWIW I've enjoyed the company of all those involved above - either in person or virtually in chatroom - but sometimes I wish you'd STFU when you've nothing useful to add to the thread.

 

[zigzag]

the spinning class in our gym uses keiser m3, there are enough reviews online. i like the bike, only thing that's a bit annoying is that it doesn't show the cadence above 140rpm. the bike is very quiet, with comfy handlebar positions and feels nice when turning the pedals. you need to try a few really, before you decide.
probably the best of all is wattbike, but expensive and a bit loud.

 

[MacB]

Ah, hadn't realised the Watt Bike was noisy, that's not so good, however this review re the top of the range Kettler is quite promising:-

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/categ...uct/review-kettler-ergorace-trainer-09-34097/

It looks like it has the same sort of computer interface and setup as the Kettler crosstrainer that we had, so I know it works well and is easy to use.

 

[PpPete]

I suspect anything with air resistance is going to be noisy?

 

[amaferanga]

Not what you want to hear so I won't hold my breath for a reply, but with the sort of money you're talking about spending you could by one of the best turbo trainers available (e.g. something from Kurt Kinetic) that'll feel as road-like as you'll get, a PowerTap power meter so you can accurately gauge the effort you're putting in (most spinning bikes won't be calculating power so are unlikely to be accurate) and a budget bike or two to put on the turbo. I just fail to see what would make anyone spend £2000 on a spinning bike when they could have all this instead.

Or you could have a Computrainer

 

[GrumpyGregry]

turbo trainer and some sufferfest videos. That should ease here in nicely.

I once hired a waterrower from rowhire and now they rent spinning bikes too