I'm thinking about buying an exercise bike. Are they a good investment? I wanna shed some excess pounds and tone up some more, but also build my stamina. Or should I just spend my money on some other type of fitness equipment?

Exercise bikes are great for what you want to do, but they can get kind of boring. Make sure you have access to a TV or music from where you'll put it.

Also, a programmable bike that will simulate hill climbing, racing, etc, will help you build stamina faster.

A stationary bike is a good way to build stamina without punishing your joints. Unless you have a bad back, get an upright one, like a real bike. Of course, the motivation to actually use it isn't something you can buy anywhere.

yeah, it'll do the job, but it'll get boring. Set it up in front of a TV if possible. Either that, or try to get one where you'd be able to hold a book relatively comfortably.

This is more exspensive then a stationary bike, but if you want a full body workout that increases stamina and strength try a real rowing machine like a Concept II Ergometer :

Erg machine is the best workout (http://www.concept2.com/products/ir/indoor_rower.asp)

Just another option !?!

JZ

http://www.fitnessmadesimple.com/images/mainsitepicrev4.jpg

An ergometer is one of the best workouts you can possibly get when it comes to your goals. The only warning I want to give is that there is a proper technique to them and I'm not sure if you get a video or not with the concept2 that tells you how to do it. I rowed for 3 years in high school and we did these things endlessly.

Originally posted by wrx2004
An ergometer is one of the best workouts you can possibly get when it comes to your goals. The only warning I want to give is that there is a proper technique to them and I'm not sure if you get a video or not with the concept2 that tells you how to do it. I rowed for 3 years in high school and we did these things endlessly.

This is very true and I should have noted that when posting the idea. There is a link on the Concept website that shows " Technique" with a small video. But proper technique is a must for getting the best workout.

When I did crew at Northeastern Univ. These were my nightmare but they also got me in the best shape of my life.

I have a recumbant stationary bike I got from UBid.com a year back or so. I ride 15 miles twice a week, and it's been great. It's been a major portion of my losing weight, along with lifting the other three days during the week. It's also good for warming up for workouts, or cooling down afterward. It's parked in my living room, so I can watch stuff on TV while I'm riding.

I don't have any specific brands to reccomend, but make sure you get a quality one if you're going to be using it a lot. I got a Weslo bike, and it's not bad, but the internal wheel is starting to make noise, and the seat kills my ass after 15 miles!

Oh, I've got shot knees, and I haven't had any sort of pain after using my bike.

If you decide to buy one, get a nice one, as you will be on it for a while. I always like to spend about 30% less than I would for a commuter bike, which means about $800 or so for me. Giant makes a very nice spin bike for that much. I think that Tunturi does, also.

http://bigkahunabicycles.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=459&Catalog=39

http://store.yahoo.com/bigfit/mulenspinbik.html

http://store.yahoo.com/bigfit/exbibmo736fr.html

Things to look for: interchangeable saddle (for the saddle of your choice), and interchangeable pedals (ditto). These two things are verry nice to use.

Or if you already have a bicycle, you can get a stationary trainer and put your bicycle on that.

Kevin

Originally posted by gtguy
Or if you already have a bicycle, you can get a stationary trainer and put your bicycle on that.

that's my vote, other than serious noise from knobbies if your mountainbike has those it's a great option. works your shoulders and overall balance a bit too due to effort of keeping on the rollers.

Why not get a real bike with an indoor trainer attachement?
So you can ride indoors at night or actually go somewhere when the weather and time permits.

wow, thanks everyone for their advice! I'm definitely putting it in front of a T.V. Staring at a wall doesn't seem much fun.

Exercise bikes seem to range from $100-$1000+. I'm not looking to spend TOO much, even though I will be sacrificing top of the line quality, but thats okay. I just want something that will hold up for a couple of years.

That indoor trainer attachment sounds like a good idea too. But then again, I would also have to buy an outside bike. I'll look into that too. Any quick prices and brands?

The ergometer just seems too complicated and fancy for me.

Maybe I should open up the paper and look for people who already given up on losing weight, and buy their used machines?
Another idea might be just joining a cheap workout place like YMCA or something? Or no? :D

how much is a trainer? i have a mountain bike and it's wayyyy to cold to go out. :(
and will any trainer fit on any bike or are they specific?

bump for any more info. :)

Originally posted by catass
how much is a trainer? i have a mountain bike and it's wayyyy to cold to go out. :(
and will any trainer fit on any bike or are they specific?

They vary from $100-$300. Cheapest ones are use fans for resistance and ar the loudest. More expensive ones will use water or magnets and will be more quiet adnd have more features. They also make rollers that you can put your bike on. Those are more difficult, because you have to balance yourself on the rollers. I could be a bit off, but I'm pretty sure its' something like that. It's been a while.

I have a minoura roller trainer, I believe it was under $200 but I've had it so long that my pappy bought it for me. :D It looks like this-- but this is a different brand (too lazy too keep googling :p)
http://www.livingincomfort.com/images/elghibrolfor_pic.jpg

Has performed flawlessly for over 10 years. As I mentioned above, the roller type will roar bigtime if you have knobs. Semislicks on a mountainbike work great and of course a roadbike would be fine.

It's more of a workout due to the balance required. You will feel it a little in your midsection and shoulders. I prefer it over the rear-wheel only types though.

Out of pure curiosity, how do you adjust the resistance on those things? Or can you?

there's a tensioner on the middle or rear roller... kind of a brake, really. it's a lot like a regular exercise bike in that respect.

on mine it would be visually obvious but in the model I attached a pic of, I see how you would be wondering that.

Ahh, ok. So I take it you can't change resistance settings while riding unless you have really long arms? :)

Right but since I'm just a high-functioning mongoloid, I don't have problems. If I'm riding barefoot I can even reach one foot down and twist the tension knob. :)

Look into joining a spining class at one of your local gyms or YMCA. The classes will kick your butt into shape in no time, keep you focused and you'll meet new people. Chanches are, you'll really enjoy it, then you can spend the rest of your money on a "real" bike for summer.

Steve

we just picked up the Schwinn model Costco is carrying - $375. Been using it for 4 weeks, 3 times per week. Just awesome, compact, and easy to use.

Anyone use this ProForm GL36 (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=FIT&pid=00628312000) ? On sale for $200.

Sears seems appealing because of the 30day return guarantee (even if I say I just didn't like it) and the 2-year Service is $30.

What is the downside to getting a recumbant cycle?

Originally posted by ZMANNH25rs
This is more exspensive then a stationary bike, but if you want a full body workout that increases stamina and strength try a real rowing machine like a Concept II Ergometer :

Erg machine is the best workout (http://www.concept2.com/products/ir/indoor_rower.asp)

Just another option !?!

JZ

agreed. totally addictive, and you see changes FAST with just 40 minutes a day. i've used the Concept 2 (and a diet) to lose 30 pounds so far. i don't even kill myself on it, just an easy 32 SPM.

i got into it because it was alway available at the gym . . . now i have other members asking me about it because my results have been so dramatic.

I dont know. But it just seems like I wouldn't feel as much intensity when sitting. But then again, I haven't tried it.

I got rollers also. They take alot more concentration, and balance. but really give a good workout, more involved than just spinning on a exercise bike. Start out in a doorjam though, they take some getting use to.

Originally posted by TNT
I dont know. But it just seems like I wouldn't feel as much intensity when sitting. But then again, I haven't tried it.

what are you doing on a bike? sitting there and doing nothing with your arms.

try it. let it destroy you once. if you really want to get in shape, you'll go back for more.

Originally posted by AC Lerok
what are you doing on a bike? sitting there and doing nothing with your arms.

Not if you get rollers. Then you'd be using most of your body's muscles.

TNT it's funny you brought that one up cuz i just got done looking at that one yesterday......it is pretty nice, best riding position i've felt with the bikes i have to choose from around me, with out ordering from the internet.

Originally posted by TNT
I'm thinking about buying an exercise bike. Are they a good investment? I wanna shed some excess pounds and tone up some more, but also build my stamina. Or should I just spend my money on some other type of fitness equipment?

whatever you do make sure you get and use a hear rate mntr.. you can bike 40 hours a week but never get up to the fat burning area.

fwiw, an eliptical type stair climber will get your heart rate up to targer 3 times faster than any bike....

Originally posted by Lemon Herb
What is the downside to getting a recumbant cycle?

they take up more floor space.

I don't think that rollers are a good idea for someone with the fitness goals that TNT has. Given that rollers typically are used by riders that want to improve their riding form, it seems that they might be overkill. However, TNT, I do put merit into the notion of buying a bicycle and an indoor trainer that attaches to the rear wheel for indoor use. Easier to store and more fun in the summer when the weather's good. To avoid the annoying buzz of a mountain bike tire on the resistence drum of a trainer, pick up a cheapo tire from wal-mart or your favorite discounter that has a smooth center on it. Makes the thing much more pleasant.

Originally posted by AC Lerok
what are you doing on a bike? sitting there and doing nothing with your arms.

try it. let it destroy you once. if you really want to get in shape, you'll go back for more.

Sorry, I was replying to the recumbent question, but you replied before I did. :p

I still need to look into indoor trainer prices. But then, I would have to do more research on average bikes at an average price. :D

Originally posted by AC Lerok
what are you doing on a bike? sitting there and doing nothing with your arms.

try it. let it destroy you once. if you really want to get in shape, you'll go back for more.


If I could only have one piece of exercise equipment, I'd get a Concept 2 ergometer. If you can, you should definitely try one out.

Originally posted by ZMANNH25rs
This is more exspensive then a stationary bike, but if you want a full body workout that increases stamina and strength try a real rowing machine like a Concept II Ergometer :

Erg machine is the best workout (http://www.concept2.com/products/ir/indoor_rower.asp)

Just another option !?!

JZ

Yes, but it is not without it's cons. Form is critical on the erg or you can
mess up your back etc. Unfortunately, despite loving the workouts,
the rowing action messed up my shoulders good, taking over 4 months
of physio to recover. It was, however, due in part to my existing bad
posture that made the rowing motion even harder on the joints. I
ended up selling my new Model D 2 months after buying it. :(

Stu

Originally posted by C-daleRidr
I don't think that rollers are a good idea for someone with the fitness goals that TNT has. Given that rollers typically are used by riders that want to improve their riding form, it seems that they might be overkill. However, TNT, I do put merit into the notion of buying a bicycle and an indoor trainer that attaches to the rear wheel for indoor use. Easier to store and more fun in the summer when the weather's good. To avoid the annoying buzz of a mountain bike tire on the resistence drum of a trainer, pick up a cheapo tire from wal-mart or your favorite discounter that has a smooth center on it. Makes the thing much more pleasant.


I agree totally. I put away my rollers for a new rear-wheel, mag trainer.
Rollers are great for getting you spinning form and balance, but generally
speaking don't give you the same resistance for a workout as a mag trainer
can. Also, I don't think I've seen one that allows you to change the
resistance remotely anyways (ie interval training).

Prgrammable ones are brutally expensive and usually are for those
who are "serious" cyclists (computrainer or ciclosimulator), but offer
excellent programmed workouts.

I went with a Tacx Flow (www.tacx.nl). It offers HR monitor with any
Polar chest strap, measure cadence, watts, speed and has some limited
programmability for constant watts etc. It provides a good workout.

TV is a must. I have worked out up to 2 hours, and even with TV nearly
quit out of boredom. Since Dec. I have dropped 5-6lbs, 2-3% body fat
and my aerobic capacity is greatly increased, but this is working out
6 days a week, minimum of 1 hour at a time, under a workout plan from
a triathalon coach. It is important to understand your own heartrate
zones and where you need to be during your workouts to get the
most out of them. Start with base work (zone 1) and slowly work
up with increasing zone 2 and zone 3 work. over a period of a
couple of months. To get the most out of it, any workout plan needs
to be coupled with nutrition. You need to match the right levels of energy in
(food and drink!) with the workout output to get the desired results.
A lot of people mistakingly think that since they are working out they
can automatically eat anything, any time but often end up eating more
calories than they are actually burning.

Enjoy...Stu

Originally posted by SubaruStu

Since Dec. I have dropped 5-6lbs, 2-3% body fat
and my aerobic capacity is greatly increased, but this is working out
6 days a week, minimum of 1 hour at a time, under a workout plan from
a triathalon coach. It is important to understand your own heartrate
zones and where you need to be during your workouts to get the
most out of them. Start with base work (zone 1) and slowly work
up with increasing zone 2 and zone 3 work. over a period of a
couple of months. To get the most out of it, any workout plan needs
to be coupled with nutrition. You need to match the right levels of energy in
(food and drink!) with the workout output to get the desired results.
A lot of people mistakingly think that since they are working out they
can automatically eat anything, any time but often end up eating more
calories than they are actually burning.

Enjoy...Stu

5-6lbs in 2 months? Is that all I should expect from having an exercise bike? I plan on riding 6 days of the week and start a much healthier diet as well.

Originally posted by TNT
5-6lbs in 2 months? Is that all I should expect from having an exercise bike? I plan on riding 6 days of the week and start a much healthier diet as well.

I've so-far lost over 15 lbs since Nov. riding 15 miles 2x a week and some light weight training 3x a week, along with some diet changes. If you ride 6x a week you could expect more, but it depends what kind of shape you're starting in.

isn't slower weight more healthy than quickly losing weight? supposedly its easier to the put the weight back on if you lost it quickly? also i would think you'd be building muscle - and that of course weights more than fat so you'll probably start looking better which is more important than what you actually weight. someone correct me if i am wrong.

Originally posted by SubaruStu
Yes, but it is not without it's cons. Form is critical on the erg or you can mess up your back etc. Unfortunately, despite loving the workouts, the rowing action messed up my shoulders good, taking over 4 months of physio to recover. It was, however, due in part to my existing bad posture that made the rowing motion even harder on the joints.

Stu is absolutely correct. I rowed competitively for 7 years, so an erg is more like a medieval torture device to me! The long northeast winters and crappy Hudson River weather meant that we needed them for intensive land training. I can tell you that unless your form is good you will only hurt yourself on one of these things. I've seen some people at the gym use them and all I can do is wince in pain as I watch their terrible form.

Last week, I got back on one for the first time in a couple years. The only reason I was able to walk afterwards was because my form is still decent and I am still in good shape. If your form is good, you'll be sore in places you didn't know you had places, but you will recover and get a great workout. If I were you, I'd get a real bike and a trainer for the winter. Or better yet, join a local rowing club this spring and learn how to properly use an erg.

Originally posted by TimStevens
I've so-far lost over 15 lbs since Nov. riding 15 miles 2x a week and some light weight training 3x a week, along with some diet changes. If you ride 6x a week you could expect more, but it depends what kind of shape you're starting in.

I guess that I should qualify my starting point, and of course everyone's
individual progress varies.

1) I was in decent shape to start with on a small frame anyways
2) I started at 155lbs @ 15% body fat
3) My goal, other than being in good shape, was to get to 10%
body fat over a 6 month period, either by losing fat/weight or
increasing the % of lean. For me that was only 8-9lbs total.

Most importantly:
4) The nutrition plan that I got was specifically tailored to match
the goals, in that my intake was only a couple of hundred calories
less than my output. This was to be able to maintain the output
level without bonking, but still to lose some BF over the winter
months.

The bottom line is the nutrition side has to match the goals, without depriving
yourself of enough energy to be able to workout effectively.

Cheers....Stu