Exercise Bikes

[Big Jim]

Further to my thread below and my LLR page. http://www.justgiving.com/williamlyne

My wife has suggested that to help get me into shape I buy an exercise bike to use in the evenings.

The question is,
1, In your experience is this a good idea?
2, What sort of exercise bike would be any good? i.e. a cheap one no difference to an expensive one?
Any makes that are any good?

thanks for your help.
Jim

 

[rusky]

Just get out on the bike & loose the gut like a real man!!

 

[Scilly Suffolk]

An exercise bike would contribute to your general fitness, but wouldn't be a great help in training for your ride.

If you want something to train on when you can't get out on the bike, then you should get a turbo trainer that you can attach the actual bike you ride to.

I've not used one, but a mag I was flicking through rated this one.

 

[MarkF]

Bad idea, I bought a £99 one at Xmas, for my wife, it's a pile of junk IMO. Unstable, shoddy/cheap construction, rough to peddle, useless computer, erratic resistance etc etc It's going on Ebay this weekend, god knows what £50 'ers are like. I'd have one, like the one I use at the gyn but they appear to be £400+ second hand and well used, you get what you pay for.................

The main problem with exercise bikes, especially when used at home, is that once it becomes hard work, you can hop off, stop, turn down the resistance, in a nutshell, give up far too easily. Get on a real bike, outside, ride somehwere, you can't give up, you have to get home!

 

[just jim]

You could trial run a spinning class which might help with motivation - work at a rate you are comfortable with at first.

 

[Big Jim]

Thanks for the info. I agree using a real bike is the answer, but at times when you have to be in (looking after my daughter) that's not really possible.

thanks for the advice though. all appreciated.

 

[rusky]

Remember to make sure your posture is correct when you ride. The last thing you want is to put your neck out

Why not get a turbo trainer so you can use the bike you'll normally be riding

 

[cyberknight]

If you can get a turbo they are much better , i have an exercise bike and even though i am 5 foot 7" i had to drill the seatpost to raise the seat height, the resistance is uneven and the saddle is shocking.
I only use it when i cant get out at all , i got it off freecycle so at least it keeps the legs turning.

 

[rusky]

If you want someone to ride with, let me know

 

[Big Jim]

If you want someone to ride with, let me know

Thanks Rusky. Will take that into mind for the future.

 

[Big Jim]

If you can get a turbo they are much better , i have an exercise bike and even though i am 5 foot 7" i had to drill the seatpost to raise the seat height, the resistance is uneven and the saddle is shocking.
I only use it when i cant get out at all , i got it off freecycle so at least it keeps the legs turning.

Thanks cyberknight will see if I can get hold of one.

 

[MattHB]

I agree with cyberknight in that a turbo is a much better option, but nothing will replace road miles.

You must have the elements to harden you up, it's not only the body but the mind that needs the work. When your tired and you turn into a headwind and then just when it feels like it can't get worse, you have stinging rain in your face! If the first time you experience this is when your doing an event it'll cause you to fail, if you've ridden through a few winters it'll be like (no pun intended) water off a ducks back.

Good luck I'm doing a 100 mile ride in July for Macmillan, it's a subject close to my heart as well.

 

[rusky]

Thanks Rusky. Will take that into mind for the future.

You never know, we might be able to get Nora out too!

 

[Big Jim]

You never know, we might be able to get Nora out too!

ha. I did wonder if it was you Russ. I nearly asked.

What a coincidence.

you're usually Rusky the great

 

[Big Jim]

I agree with cyberknight in that a turbo is a much better option, but nothing will replace road miles.

You must have the elements to harden you up, it's not only the body but the mind that needs the work. When your tired and you turn into a headwind and then just when it feels like it can't get worse, you have stinging rain in your face! If the first time you experience this is when your doing an event it'll cause you to fail, if you've ridden through a few winters it'll be like (no pun intended) water off a ducks back.

Good luck I'm doing a 100 mile ride in July for Macmillan, it's a subject close to my heart as well.

Thanks MattHB. I will def look into one. It's literally for when I can't get out, but want to do something.

Good luck for the ride. Let me know your link and I'll sponsor you.
Macmillan have provided us with lots of very helpful information and are another great charity.