anyone use indoor bike trainers?

Dutchgirly

Do they work?

6todds

I have one and have been using it for about a month now. I really like it. I really feel like it gives me an EXCELLENT workout!

ddmiles

yes my husband got one for the winter months he really likes it.

trigrrl

i have a cyclops fluid 2 trainer and i love it, its a hell of a workout and there is an entire series of videos you can use to help push yourself from spinervals...you will be sweaty in no time....

my 2 cents as someone who use to sell various bikes / cycling gear...fluid trainers are better then magnetic
you will spend a bit more up front but they are smoother, quieter and general have better overall feel

beerbomber

I really want the livestrong indoor training bicycle but it's $1000.00

JackieR5

I've been using a recumbent bike to help my knees. I had surgery on one for a torn meniscus, and have another tear on the other. Walking aggravates it but the biking helps.

HayesSanborn

Yup, use it year round. fluid 2 by cyclops. Kinetic is also a good brand.

spaboleo

Depends on what your goal is...

For burning calories they work great...for cycle-training a spinning-bike (without the display and any electronic) would be better.

Try to use one at the gym or get one that can provide variative programs. Sometimes they are called "up-/downhill" or "intervall-training". Pedalling for an hour on the same resistance level won't help...trust me

And I woul rather use my own Heart Rate Monitor than the ones built in...they don't work that properly.
So trust your own HRM to show you the calories you've burned!


It is always recommended that you wear shoes with a quite stiff sole and choose a bike that at least provides adjustable straps (better cages and even better click-system pedals).
Try to get a round cycle in your pedals...alterning pushing and pulling actively with both of your feet.
If you start to kick only with one foot at a time you will seriously demage your joints on the long-term.

hartsmart

my hubby got one several years ago, and I don't think he ever used it! but i used it to train for a 64 mile bike race ('bike tour') a few years ago...i used the video that came with it and it is one HELL of a workout! I loved it but wish it wasn't such a hassle to have to go from smooth 'street' tire inside back to my knobby off-road tire for outside.
It's great to have set up during the winter though!

TOYGRRRL

This is one of the best ones around. http://www.amazon.com/CycleOps-Fluid-Indoor-Bicycle-Trainer/dp/B000BT7HWY/ref=reg_hu-rd_add_1_dp_T2 I plan to purchase it the next rainy season.

Dutchgirly

i have a cyclops fluid 2 trainer and i love it, its a hell of a workout and there is an entire series of videos you can use to help push yourself from spinervals...you will be sweaty in no time....

my 2 cents as someone who use to sell various bikes / cycling gear...fluid trainers are better then magnetic
you will spend a bit more up front but they are smoother, quieter and general have better overall feel

Very informative! Thanks so much!