Exercise bike?

cee134
cee134 Posts: 33,711 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So to try to become healthier and because I don't like walking in the heat and/or rain. I'm thinking of getting an exercise bike. Any pros or cons in anyone's experience?

I don't have alot of room for one but if I used it, and it didn't turn into an expensive coat rack, than I could justify the room for it.

Replies

  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,555 Member
    edited August 2016
    Do you have a bicycle which you use outside?

    How much are you thinking of spending?

    Do you have access to a gym ... a membership or the option of dropping in?
  • Timothyh27
    Timothyh27 Posts: 251 Member
    Could try a normal bike. Waterproofs aren't to expensive and they are thin. When its to hot you can just cycle at a slower pace. Different routes etc, will make it interesting.
  • cee134
    cee134 Posts: 33,711 Member
    edited August 2016
    Forgot to mention:
    I do not have a bike and although I like them, I'm looking for an indoor activity. I would not want to spend more than $200 unless there is just an amazing exercise bike that would be worth every penny.

    I would not pay for a gym membership.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 26,555 Member
    edited August 2016
    OK ... the reason I asked the questions.

    1. If you had a bicycle you used outside, you could get a trainer to put the bicycle on inside. That would be your best option.

    2. You're not going to get much of an indoor exercise bike for $200. If you had a bit more of a budget, I'd suggest looking for a spin bike.

    3. If you had a gym membership or access to a gym on a drop in basis ...
    a) you could try their exercise bicycles and see if you liked them (keeping in mind that those are much more than $200), and
    b) you could do that on the occasional rainy day rather than getting an exercise bike.



  • Joanna2012B
    Joanna2012B Posts: 1,448 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    OK ... the reason I asked the questions.

    1. If you had a bicycle you used outside, you could get a trainer to put the bicycle on inside. That would be your best option.

    2. You're not going to get much of an indoor exercise bike for $200.

    3. If you had a gym membership or access to a gym on a drop in basis ...
    a) you could try their exercise bicycles and see if you liked them (keeping in mind that those are much more than $200), and
    b) you could do that on the occasional rainy day rather than getting an exercise bike.

    ^^ This for sure!!

    I was also going to suggest the trainer for an outdoor bike.
  • Timothyh27
    Timothyh27 Posts: 251 Member
    Same, with the trainer for indoor use.
  • Timothyh27
    Timothyh27 Posts: 251 Member
    You could try buying a used indoor exercise or outdoor bike. If you get really into it, later in, you could maybe upgrade.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,247 Member
    If your budget is around $200 you're probably best off trying to find something used, a new one at that price point is not going to be of very good quality.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    Check the paper and craigs list too because there are a lot of people getting rid of coat racks.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    Pick up a used exercise bike for cheap-check online, garage sales. If you like riding then later you can look at upgrading. My first exercise bike was like $10 and then later I moved to a trainer for my outdoor bike.
  • healthy491
    healthy491 Posts: 384 Member
    Go for it ! I will be getting a new bike for about 200$ soon. Its cheap since its very small and for beginners. I , also dont like training outside or going to the gym , in fact I already have a treadmill and an elliptical and I use them a lot and find it very comfortable to just work out whenever I want to and everything :)
  • denversillygoose
    denversillygoose Posts: 708 Member
    Look for a used spin bike on Craigslist. They are always on there for about $150-$200. Make sure you look for a spin bike and not a stationary bike. Huge difference.

    I would also recommend a "real" bike, but with your budget, you wont get anything that you'll love to ride. A bike on a trainer is an excellent option for cyclists who already have a proper bike. A trainer is as much as your bike budget.
  • cee134
    cee134 Posts: 33,711 Member
    denversillygoose wrote: »
    Look for a used spin bike on Craigslist. They are always on there for about $150-$200. Make sure you look for a spin bike and not a stationary bike. Huge difference.

    What is the difference? What should I look for? Any good brands?
  • denversillygoose
    denversillygoose Posts: 708 Member
    cee134 wrote: »
    denversillygoose wrote: »
    Look for a used spin bike on Craigslist. They are always on there for about $150-$200. Make sure you look for a spin bike and not a stationary bike. Huge difference.

    What is the difference? What should I look for? Any good brands?

    A spin bike has a flywheel so that it more closely simulates riding a real bike. A stationary just has a tension wheel. No fun at all. I had a very basic spin bike. I think it was Sunny brand. No bells or whistles, just a good workout. I'd still have it if I hadn't gotten a winter bike.
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    edited August 2016
    Just as a base of comparison, I've got a LeMond RevMaster Pro.

    Costs over $1k retail. I bought it used and didn't pay that much. It's the best you can buy and well worth the money. Lots of clubs use them in their spin room. If you can find one used in good condition for $500-700, grab it b4 someone else does!

    Don't ride mine much ever since I bought a Concept 2 rower but I would never sell it. Looks great just sitting there - - like a work of art - - even when I don't ride it.

    LOL! ;)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,247 Member
    sgt1372 wrote: »
    Just as a base of comparison, I've got a LeMond RevMaster Pro. Costs over $1k retail. I bought it used and didn't pay that much. It's the best you can buy and well worth the money. Lots of clubs use them in their spin room. If you can find one used in good condition for $500-700, grab it b4 someone else does!

    Agreed 100%.....we use the Revmasters at my tri club for winter training, you can fine tune the fit and get a great workout.

    My gym has Schwinn spin bikes, not quite in the same league as the LeMond products but about half the price and you're more likely to see a used one for sale at the price point you're comfortable with.
  • kcjchang
    kcjchang Posts: 709 Member
    I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine. It's a reliable workhorse, trouble free, and takes very little space when my bike is not attached.
  • Timothyh27
    Timothyh27 Posts: 251 Member
    edited August 2016
    Rowing is good for you too!! And its cheaper. Unless you get a proper one that could sink!

    Thought I would mix it up a bit! I'd suggest a flywheel like denversillygoose said with the bikes.

    You don't need to spend loads to get fit. Rowing machines pack away easily as well, space wise.

    Our (UK birds) look really fit through rowing! + Go team GB
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