Exercise Bike Recommendation

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networkn

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#231922 20-Mar-2018 16:32

Hi.

So I have been considering an exercise bike to help with low impact movement of my knees and legs both to help with the pain from playing squash and as a general fitness device.

The main thing I want is some way to accurately measure my progress. I am not sure what options there are or what kind of bike I should consider. Without going crazy, budget isn't my primary concern, esp since there seem to be about 1000 on TM second hand.

They each have programs by the looks of them, but it would be interesting to monitor heart rate and average speed or even more detailed progress if possible, maybe via an app.

I am not sure what's possible or not.

Any recommendations or advice appreciated.

MikeAqua

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#1980587 20-Mar-2018 16:39

A general suggestion is to get a machine that can measure the energy your are exerting and your heart rate.

If you keep you heart rate in a particular range and measure the amount of of energy you burn in x minutes, you will see progress.

For example I keep my heart rate around 142 (80%). When I started I could only burn about 250 calories in 30 minutes staying at that heart rate. Now I can do about 450 in 30 minutes.

Mike

networkn

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#1980592 20-Mar-2018 16:43

MikeAqua:

For example I keep my heart rate around 142 (80%). When I started I could only burn about 250 calories in 30 minutes staying at that heart rate. Now I can do about 450 in 30 minutes.

Thanks. What would the feature be called that would measure such a thing? So I can search on it in potential units. Is there any use in measuring cadence?

May I ask a couple of personal questions? How many times a week and how long did it take you to make that progress. Has it had any effect on your weight that you would attribute soley to the riding?

scuwp

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#1980593 20-Mar-2018 16:45

Not sure on specific options but if your up for a serious workout get a spin bike. Way more options to change up a notch.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

rscole86

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#1980609 20-Mar-2018 17:03

Do you already have a bike? Have you considered something like a smart indoor trainer? I have used a Tacx satori smart turbo, it was quite fiddly to set up, and you do need to 'calibrate' it before each use. Which quickly gets the heart rate up ;)

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#1980629 20-Mar-2018 18:15

What have you been looking at for $1000?

I would only ever recommend getting a spin bike vs an exercycle, but that may be because I do cycle a fair bit. You can get an OK spin bike for $400ish or something pretty good for $700ish.

networkn

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#1980745 20-Mar-2018 22:29

There are spin bikes upward of 2K around, they look kinda freaky. Most of the ones I was seriously considering have been around $750. I am happy to consider a spin bike, but I do want the technology aspect of it. Being able to record and compare sessions and improve is what would motivate me to get on it.

I want something quiet as it would be going into our lounge. Seems like either belt or magnetic is the way to achieve that but they are pretty freaking expensive.

networkn

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#1980746 20-Mar-2018 22:30

rscole86:

Do you already have a bike? Have you considered something like a smart indoor trainer? I have used a Tacx satori smart turbo, it was quite fiddly to set up, and you do need to 'calibrate' it before each use. Which quickly gets the heart rate up ;)

I have an old mountain bike in pretty questionable condition (it's actually fine but it's dirty and I wouldn't want it in our lounge).

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KrazyKid

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#1980809 21-Mar-2018 08:00

Have u thought about hiring a bike. Give you a chance to see what features you like. And if you end up like me and stop using it after 4 weeks no harm done.

KrazyKid

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#1980810 21-Mar-2018 08:00

Have u thought about hiring a bike. Give you a chance to see what features you like. And if you end up like me and stop using it after 4 weeks no harm done.

1101

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#1983535 26-Mar-2018 15:04

get something with some flywheel mass : its much more realistic , the systems that have pedals with no mass or flywheel
feel really awefull to pedal. Spin bikes have a big flywheel , so lots of mass, but cheap one use felt resistance
You want to try before you buy if possible, if you cant get comfortable on it you'll have an issue .

Next , get something with mag resistance. Better feel to it.
Cheaper models use a felt brake for resistance: so you'll be breathing that in as it wears away

The heart monitors that go from your thumbs or some sensor on the handlebars : often damn near useless . Chances are they just wont work.
Progress as the months go by will be pretty damn obvious, you wont need any fancy computer readout to tell you that : how long you can go for & at what setting tells you the progress.

A better idea would be a rowing machine. It exercises more than just the legs , more of an overall workout . Or get one of each.
Some love em, but I found my rowing machine just too boring so never used it, I just used my Exercycle instead
I set up a PC & monitor , so Ive got something to watch as I pedal. Makes it interesting & the 1/2 hour just flys by.
I use my Exercycle & free weights 3-4 times a week. After a while it just becomes a habit , just like any other habit good or bad . I now just see it as
part of my dayly routine
I didnt loose any weight (Im now fatter: love of carbs) , but Im definitely fitter now.

Ive got a bad knee as well, it doesnt seem to make it any worse as long as I dont go silly with the cycles resistance setting .

networkn

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#1983563 26-Mar-2018 15:34

So after assessing, I am looking for something to help my fitness, I don't care if it's more realistic.

The biggest thing I want other than something quiet, is the ability to monitor my performance session to session, so a smartphone link would be ideal.

MikeAqua

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#1983585 26-Mar-2018 16:09

networkn:

MikeAqua:

For example I keep my heart rate around 142 (80%). When I started I could only burn about 250 calories in 30 minutes staying at that heart rate. Now I can do about 450 in 30 minutes.

Thanks. What would the feature be called that would measure such a thing? So I can search on it in potential units. Is there any use in measuring cadence?

May I ask a couple of personal questions? How many times a week and how long did it take you to make that progress. Has it had any effect on your weight that you would attribute solely to the riding?

It took me 12 months of 5 x 30 minutes sessions per week. Always targeting a heart rate of 142 bpm (80% of max for my age). I just let the machine run through a varied resistance programme and adjusted my pace to maintain a steady heart rate.

It can be tricky to learn to manage your heart rate initially. But it's worth the effort. I was also doing some dumb-bell routines and core exercises.

Between exercise and significant dietary change, I lost ~20kg, two shirt sizes and I shaved 20 points off my blood pressure. I'm not an athletic person by any means. Just stubborn.

Features, I would look for: -

- Heart rate monitor (or use a fitness watch);

- Easily varied resistance (nice to have built in resistance programmes);

- Estimated calorie use.

I don't see a benefit in cadence/speed for weight loss and general fitness. You need to know your heart rate and how much energy you are using, not how fast you are going.

Mike