Spin Bikes

[GREENPEA]

I'm thinking of getting a spin bike to ride during the winter.

I know I should just shut up and ride outside but i never get home early enough to ride lately.

Does anyone know a descent brand that does not cost an arm and a leg or where to start.? I've checked out the classifieds and hit eBay. I'm worried about buying a no name p.o.s.

A used one still seem like it must be made of gold.

 

[tcb]

Why not get a trainer instead of a spin bike?

 

[GREENPEA]

Have a trainer and hate it.

Hate houw things flex when bolted into it first off and the rollers kick my @$$, plus resistance just doesn't feel right

 

[Ruadhrigh]

gym membership would be the cheapest, and then when it is warm again, it won't be in the way

 

[GREENPEA]

Very true but there schedule for classes are horrible.

 

[VCCruzr]

Definitely get a spin bike. I found a Schwinn Johnny G Spinner Pro (same as in the health clubs) on Ebay for $450. Local pick-up though as the thing weighs a ton and shipping would be expensive. Good Luck!

 

[2mbb]

Another option might be a set of rollers (Kreitler rollers). It's best to have a road bike or at least road tires. There is nothing holding the bike upright, except your balance and the physics of angular momentum, so you have to concentrate a little more on what you are doing. Get the larger diameter rollers for "spinning". When you are just learning, you might want to straddle a door jam, so you can catch yourself before falling over.

 

[ianewk]

I have all three...rollers, trainer and a spin bike.

Rollers: Great for efficiency and form, but NOT for power gains as you can't simulate standing climbs or huge power efforts. They are great for base mileage and you'll hold a helluva straight line when you get on a real bike.

Trainer: Good for bike set-ups/fitting or taking to the race for warmups. That's all I use it for.

Spin bike: I have a CycleOps and love it. I wasn't a spin bike guy until I was stuck in Kyrgyzstan for six months and had no bike to ride/train on. I put together some training programs and ended up teaching the classes. I had a full race schedule as soon as I got back and that time on the spin bike had me in top form with some great results as proof.

Just keep checking Craigslist, that's where I got my Cycleops. It was a $1200 bike and I got it for $500. Johnny G's seem to be a pretty good value and are usually available. Also check used gym equipment stores.

 

[GREENPEA]

I have all three...rollers, trainer and a spin bike.

Rollers: Great for efficiency and form, but NOT for power gains as you can't simulate standing climbs or huge power efforts. They are great for base mileage and you'll hold a helluva straight line when you get on a real bike.

Trainer: Good for bike set-ups/fitting or taking to the race for warmups. That's all I use it for.

Spin bike: I have a CycleOps and love it. I wasn't a spin bike guy until I was stuck in Kyrgyzstan for six months and had no bike to ride/train on. I put together some training programs and ended up teaching the classes. I had a full race schedule as soon as I got back and that time on the spin bike had me in top form with some great results as proof.

Just keep checking Craigslist, that's where I got my Cycleops. It was a $1200 bike and I got it for $500. Johnny G's seem to be a pretty good value and are usually available. Also check used gym equipment stores.

That's what i"m talking about. Thank you.

I had a bad experience on rollers and can't go too long on a trainer. Plus watching things flex when locked into the rear wheel scares me. Bikes aren't designed with the thought of having the rear wheel secured like that. I have a trainer and it collects dust.

 

[MANUCHAO]

Look in Craigslist... I scored an evolution spin bike for under $500.. its basically brand new...
Dont know where you at but I seen them as low as $250 (used) some times...

I was doing the classes at the gym but that meant having to make time for their schedule.... and now they are charging per class on top of a monthly membership..... it ads up eventually....

Good luck !!!

 

[GDA62/100]

I picked up a like-new LeMond Revmaster for $700 + shipping off Craigslist a couple years ago. It would have been perfect had it been a local purchase.
I'd go for a belt drive model, much smoother and quieter than a chain drive. It might help to take a couple classes to get a feel for what to do with it if you haven't already.

 

[GREENPEA]

I picked up a like-new LeMond Revmaster for $700 + shipping off Craigslist a couple years ago. It would have been perfect had it been a local purchase.
I'd go for a belt drive model, much smoother and quieter than a chain drive. It might help to take a couple classes to get a feel for what to do with it if you haven't already.

I've never done a class but I have thousands of miles under my butt. I picked up a DVD and am going to use that as my starting point for this.

I actually picked up a Star Trac refurbished model out of L.A. Free shipping made the deal.

One thing I have noticed in doing all this looking at each different bike is that they are all close to the same. I really liked the CycleOps bikes but the price was retarded for the lowest model and the one you want with the watts output was insane. Especially for a bike I use for 3-4 months while the snow sticks around.

I ran trails last winter to stay in shape but I lost the running partner (dog) and I am not ready to have another dog yet.

Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[evathomas]

It is wonderful idea. thanks for sharing this idea here.
Lets try to ride it.
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