Getting fit...

[Globalti]

Those who say a slow, heavy bike is just as good are forgetting one important point: riding a fast, racy, light bike is one hell of a lot of FUN and makes you want to go even faster, especially if you are lucky enough to have a well-matched riding buddy who you can race.

 

[raleighnut]

Those who say a slow, heavy bike is just as good are forgetting one important point: riding a fast, racy, light bike is one hell of a lot of FUN and makes you want to go even faster, especially if you are lucky enough to have a well-matched riding buddy who you can race.

Heavier bikes are not necessarily slow, my old steelies fair bat along downhill or on the level. Uphill though and as for the trike



I cheated and bought an Electric Front Wheel Kit.

 

[John the Monkey]

A slightly heavier bike is not necessarily not a pleasure to ride, though what the OP is proposing does not sound comfortable. My 'bent is a real joy. It's 14.2kg btw.

Yup, just different.

My Surly is an absolute pleasure to ride, really plush and comfy - not a bike you can muscle up to speed in the way you might a lighter bike though.

To the op - just get something you like riding, and don't overthink it. Make each ride a little bit longer (or just commit to riding frequently) and the fitness will come.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

Those who say a slow, heavy bike is just as good are forgetting one important point: riding a fast, racy, light bike is one hell of a lot of FUN and makes you want to go even faster, especially if you are lucky enough to have a well-matched riding buddy who you can race.

I have just as much fun, if not more so on my expedition bike as my road bike and my expedition bike cost 5 times the price of my road bike and weighs twice the amount. It is rock steady downhill even fully laden and is joy to ride. Each and every time I get back on it, I realise exactly how much I miss riding it on a daily basis and exactly how good a bike it is... but, sadly I don't need it for commuting - that's what my road bike is for and it is only recently that I have finally exceeded my top speed on my expedition bike, on my road bike and it has taken a long time coming! I definitely don't get anywhere near the work out or the enjoyment from my road bike...

 

[Peteaud]

.. if you want to increase intensity, press harder on the pedals.
!

Works for me.