Spinning Bikes - Anyone got One?

[MacB]

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

no, it's a fair point, but this isn't for me and I know my target audience, anything that involves any level of setting up, or faffing, will not get used. The higher price tag was really only for added blinginess that I might like but, to be honest, it's not required, I wouldn't pay any attention to power meters and the like anyway. So the Kettler at £1300 looks about right, but I'm aware it may become an expensive, and not overly attractive, ornament. But it has more chance of getting used, and getting the longer term desired outcomes, than any of the turbo trainers and other cheaper options.

I think the problem is that you, or most of us to be honest, approach this from the point of view of already being cyclists. I also have to factor in that Jane may never actually ride a real bike again, even if she really likes this bit of kit. Therefore getting something that will last, or will have a decent resale value, makes sense. But if it does get her out riding properly then I'll consider it money well spent regardless of the amount of use it gets....baby steps and all that

 

[Crackle]

Off topic. Was the Cross trainer any good. Mrs Crackle wants one?

 

[MacB]

Off topic. Was the Cross trainer any good. Mrs Crackle wants one?

I rated it highly, Jane wasn't so keen, but it's hard to judge as the total amount of exercise Jane's done in her adult life would probably make up about 1 week for you I think it was a bit too 'jiggly' if you know what I mean, but she never reached the point of investing in a proper sports bra, maybe that would have helped, and I refuse to wear one

 

[Crackle]

You'd be surprised how little I can do in a week!

 

[edindave]

I really enjoy the local gym spinning classes using the Keiser M3. It's quite a comfortable machine. I've often used one on my own with the Rides videos using my HRM to control the session.

I've had a go on a Wattbike. As per above it's noisy (just turn the music up!) but it did have great data output with PC connection eg. showing a live graphical readout of pedalling efficiency - a really useful technical training tool if that's what you're after.