Stationary bike with smart access

[david k]

Hi all,

I don't want a turbo, tried but didn't like them.
However I am considering an exercise bike which maybe others in the house could use

I would like to use rouve or similar smart app, which stationary bikes have this feature? Looking for budget bike for us all to use rather than anything special

 

[oldandslow]

You need a fairly high-end trainer for those services, or a "real" bike fitted to a trainer.

The issue is that they need something that will transmit (over Bluetooth or Ant+) readings on (usually at least) power, cadence and speed (of the rotating tyre as obviously you aren't actually going anywhere), plus heart rate. Basic exercise bikes sold to the non-cycling public as home equipment don't output those things, but rather have integrated screens of one kind or another. Those sold to cycling enthusiasts for use in the winter/whatever do.

You don't absolutely have to have a high-end trainer. I've been doing Zwift ever since Covid on a "dumb", "wheel-on" cycle trainer, using an old bike fitted with cycling sensors for the above metrics. But the one thing you can't use is a low-end general-market exercise bike.

Here's what Zwift say - the page links to another about trainers, but also covers the tablet/laptop/other device on which you're going to run the software. Competitors such as Rouvy will have similar pages.

 

[david k]

You need a fairly high-end trainer for those services, or a "real" bike fitted to a trainer.

The issue is that they need something that will transmit (over Bluetooth or Ant+) readings on (usually at least) power, cadence and speed (of the rotating tyre as obviously you aren't actually going anywhere), plus heart rate. Basic exercise bikes sold to the non-cycling public as home equipment don't output those things, but rather have integrated screens of one kind or another. Those sold to cycling enthusiasts for use in the winter/whatever do.

You don't absolutely have to have a high-end trainer. I've been doing Zwift ever since Covid on a "dumb", "wheel-on" cycle trainer, using an old bike fitted with cycling sensors for the above metrics. But the one thing you can't use is a low-end general-market exercise bike.

Here's what Zwift say - the page links to another about trainers, but also covers the tablet/laptop/other device on which you're going to run the software. Competitors such as Rouvy will have similar pages.

Thanks, I did have a smart turbo but sold it, wasn't a fan.
An exercise bike is a bit more stable and can be used by others in the house.
I may need to revise and get a cheaper version but with a screen.

 

[vickster]

Look at second hand ones that they use in a gym like Life Fitness or Technogym. Plenty of companies sell second hand/refurb. Won’t be cheap though

Or something like this is cheaper
https://www.nordictrack.com/uk/product/nordictrack-exercise-bikes-g-le-upright-bike

 

[oldandslow]

I'm not clear whether that Nordic one will work, nor some from gyms. As I said, look for Bluetooth or Ant+ and check the requirements page for your chosen software.

 

[Webbo2]

Thanks, I did have a smart turbo but sold it, wasn't a fan.
An exercise bike is a bit more stable and can be used by others in the house.
I may need to revise and get a cheaper version but with a screen.

I can’t believe that an exercise bike is more stable than a bike on a turbo trainer. As for a shared one you could you use a quick release seat bolt so you could move the saddle up and down.
Given your position on exercise bike is going to fairly crap doing this isn’t going be too bad certainly not much worse and might even be better.