Workout Guru's: Exercise Bike

TNT · 01-23-2004, 09:13 AM

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?

SkirtBoy · 01-23-2004, 09:15 AM

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.

live311 · 01-23-2004, 09:16 AM

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.

JGard · 01-23-2004, 09:27 AM

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.

ZMANNH25rs · 01-23-2004, 09:38 AM

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

Just another option !?!

JZ

SkirtBoy · 01-23-2004, 09:41 AM

wrx2004 · 01-23-2004, 09:43 AM

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.

ZMANNH25rs · 01-23-2004, 09:51 AM

Quote:

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.

TimStevens · 01-23-2004, 09:57 AM

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.

gtguy · 01-23-2004, 10:21 AM

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/it...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

ColinL · 01-23-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

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.

Ozzman · 01-23-2004, 11:23 AM

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.

TNT · 01-23-2004, 08:54 PM

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?

catass · 01-23-2004, 09:01 PM

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?

TNT · 02-03-2004, 09:42 AM

bump for any more info.

redobs · 02-03-2004, 10:09 AM

Quote:

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.

ColinL · 02-03-2004, 11:06 AM

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.

It looks like this-- but this is a different brand (too lazy too keep googling

)

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.

TimStevens · 02-03-2004, 11:19 AM

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

ColinL · 02-03-2004, 11:22 AM

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.

TimStevens · 02-03-2004, 11:31 AM

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

ColinL · 02-03-2004, 11:38 AM

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.

STORER · 02-03-2004, 11:43 AM

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

WHTWRX · 02-03-2004, 07:46 PM

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.

TNT · 02-10-2004, 11:19 AM

Anyone use this ProForm GL36 ? 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.

Lemon Herb · 02-10-2004, 11:25 AM

What is the downside to getting a recumbant cycle?

01-23-2004, 09:13 AM	#1
TNT Scooby Newbie Member#: 8494 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Chicago	Workout Guru's: Exercise Bike 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?

01-23-2004, 09:38 AM	#5
ZMANNH25rs Scooby Newbie Member#: 9401 Join Date: Aug 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Undone Vasoconstrictors... Vehicle: . Truth is a pathless land...	Bike - ehhh 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 Just another option !?! JZ

01-23-2004, 11:23 AM	#12
Ozzman Scooby Newbie Member#: 18879 Join Date: May 2002 Location: Roswell Ga. Vehicle: 95 Civic green	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. Last edited by Ozzman; 01-23-2004 at 11:40 AM.

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01-23-2004, 09:15 AM	#2
SkirtBoy Scooby Specialist Member#: 11056 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Sugar Land, TX Vehicle: 2006 BMW 325i CPO White on Grey	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.

01-23-2004, 09:16 AM	#3
live311 Scooby Newbie Member#: 10801 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: I'd kill myself for you. I'd Vehicle: kill you for myself.	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.

01-23-2004, 09:27 AM	#4
JGard Pooptastic Member#: 1904 Join Date: Jul 2000 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Salem, MA Vehicle: 2009 WRX Premium 5dr 1991 Mazda Miata	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.

01-23-2004, 09:41 AM	#6
SkirtBoy Scooby Specialist Member#: 11056 Join Date: Oct 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Sugar Land, TX Vehicle: 2006 BMW 325i CPO White on Grey

01-23-2004, 09:43 AM	#7
wrx2004 Scooby Newbie Member#: 41390 Join Date: Aug 2003	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.

01-23-2004, 09:57 AM	#9
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY Vehicle: 02 WRX & 98 L 91 MR2 & 05 Speed Triple	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.

01-23-2004, 10:21 AM	#10
gtguy Scooby Guru Member#: 2184 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Highland Park, Ill., USA Vehicle: 2005 Legacy GT wagon Platinum Silver Metallic	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/it...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

01-23-2004, 08:54 PM	#13
TNT Scooby Newbie Member#: 8494 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Chicago	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?

01-23-2004, 09:01 PM	#14
catass Scooby Specialist Member#: 31976 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Philadelphia, PA Vehicle: 2004 WRX STi World Rally Blue	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?

02-03-2004, 09:42 AM	#15
TNT Scooby Newbie Member#: 8494 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Chicago	bump for any more info.

02-03-2004, 11:06 AM	#17
ColinL Scooby Guru Member#: 114 Join Date: Jul 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wichita, KS and Whoring, OT Vehicle: '03 Evo, Rice White '01 Erion CBR 929	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. It looks like this-- but this is a different brand (too lazy too keep googling ) 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.

02-03-2004, 11:19 AM	#18
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY Vehicle: 02 WRX & 98 L 91 MR2 & 05 Speed Triple	Out of pure curiosity, how do you adjust the resistance on those things? Or can you?

02-03-2004, 11:22 AM	#19
ColinL Scooby Guru Member#: 114 Join Date: Jul 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wichita, KS and Whoring, OT Vehicle: '03 Evo, Rice White '01 Erion CBR 929	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.

02-03-2004, 11:31 AM	#20
TimStevens Scooby Specialist Member#: 4817 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Albanyish, NY Vehicle: 02 WRX & 98 L 91 MR2 & 05 Speed Triple	Ahh, ok. So I take it you can't change resistance settings while riding unless you have really long arms?

02-03-2004, 11:38 AM	#21
ColinL Scooby Guru Member#: 114 Join Date: Jul 1999 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wichita, KS and Whoring, OT Vehicle: '03 Evo, Rice White '01 Erion CBR 929	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.

02-03-2004, 11:43 AM	#22
STORER Scooby Newbie Member#: 2253 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Mentor, Ohio, USA Vehicle: 2000 2.5 RS Red	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

02-03-2004, 07:46 PM	#23
WHTWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 18571 Join Date: May 2002 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Pissed off in a dark corner. Vehicle: 2002 NRX Prepped WRX Aspen White	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.

02-10-2004, 11:19 AM	#24
TNT Scooby Newbie Member#: 8494 Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Chicago	Anyone use this ProForm GL36 ? 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.

02-10-2004, 11:25 AM	#25
Lemon Herb Scooby Newbie Member#: 41885 Join Date: Aug 2003 Chapter/Region: SCIC Location: Riverside, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Blue	What is the downside to getting a recumbant cycle?