Spinning bikes

[Jeanne de Waal]

With cold and wet mornings becoming the norm, i am looking into the idea of buying a spinning bike to setup at home similar to the bikes one would find in a typical gym studio. Not a watt bike and no fancy computer screen etc. Just a super solid, smooth spinning bike. Anybody have any advice?

[shaper]

Save your money for a smart trainer or even a turbo trainer which has a proven power curve and do structured workouts through winter.  At least you will be able to monitor effort and how/if fitness improves.

 

Do some reading indoor training with smart trainers etc and using software/apps like zwift/rouvy/trainerroad/sufferfest/RGT/Virtugo etc

 

Will be more cost effective in the long run and much more enjoyable than just aimlessly spinning.

 

Some reading

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/168304-zwift-cheap-n-quick/

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/11/trainer-buyers-recommendations-guide.html

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainer-apps-guide.html

[Schnavel]

Save your money for a smart trainer or even a turbo trainer which has a proven power curve and do structured workouts through winter.  At least you will be able to monitor effort and how/if fitness improves.

 

Do some reading indoor training with smart trainers etc and using software/apps like zwift/rouvy/trainerroad/sufferfest/RGT/Virtugo etc

 

Will be more cost effective in the long run and much more enjoyable than just aimlessly spinning.

 

Some reading

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/168304-zwift-cheap-n-quick/

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/11/trainer-buyers-recommendations-guide.html

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainer-apps-guide.html

 

+1 This is definitely the route to go

[Duane_Bosch]

This is just my opinion based on my current and previous experience with spinning bikes.

 

I've had a spinning bike. My advice is to not buy a bike. They weigh a ton. Take up a load of space and unless you spend a fortune are pretty kuk. Also. You'll feel an initial benefit but that will fade pretty quickly and then it will just become a sweaty bore.

 

Assuming you have a bike. Rather get a smart trainer (I don't have one) and join zwift or one of those.

 

If you want to spin. Rather join a spinning studio/gym. The group environment and the working of zones will keep it fresh and fun. In the studio I go to your Heart rate is displayed on the tele so there's nowhere to hide. I do 3 classes a week and the fitness benefit has been awesome. I'm still pathetic but 7/10 pathetic instead of 10/10 pathetic.

[Thomo]

You live in Stellenbosch? Near the Specialized store? Go and buy a top end rain jacket. See you on the trails.

That used to be my approach.

I'd like to think that I'm more responsible now and make wiser choices. LOL

That said, I do still have the necessary wet weather gear in the cupboard just in case ...

[Slowbee]

You live in Stellenbosch? Near the Specialized store? Go and buy a top end rain jacket. See you on the trails.

For the price of their top end rain jacket you can buy a turbo trainer.

[Zawillow]

Save your money for a smart trainer or even a turbo trainer which has a proven power curve and do structured workouts through winter.  At least you will be able to monitor effort and how/if fitness improves.

 

Do some reading indoor training with smart trainers etc and using software/apps like zwift/rouvy/trainerroad/sufferfest/RGT/Virtugo etc

 

Will be more cost effective in the long run and much more enjoyable than just aimlessly spinning.

 

Some reading

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/168304-zwift-cheap-n-quick/

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2018/11/trainer-buyers-recommendations-guide.html

https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2016/11/trainer-apps-guide.html

 

+1 

 

Went to the Specialized store in STB and bought one of these. Haven't looked back - great to have the option when its wet. Zwift has got a bit boring for me, but its the other "gaming" and training/tracking aspects that bring me back for more. Wouldn't be doing nearly as much riding as I'm doing now if it wasn't for the IDT.

 

I did the spinning class option last winter, but it became an effort to have to get to the gym on time. I wouldn't even consider spinning alone at home - it'll be engaging for 2 weeks max.

[RobertWhitehead]

I have typed a bunch of essays about indoor trainers / spinning bikes if you want to read through them as well  : 

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/180544-entry-level-smart-trainer/

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172383-indoor-trainer-plug-and-play/page-2

[Longbarn Killer]

I bought an indoor trainer for the same reasons as you. It was the worst purchase I had made. The boredom of sitting and pedaling in the same spot killed me. I used the thing about three times. Eventually I sold it to a lady

 

A few weeks later I saw it advertised again. I'm sure she suffered from the same problem

[RobertWhitehead]

My indoor trainer currently has around 600km more on the clock than my mtb for 2019. A smart trainer with the required software makes it lots of fun 

 

 

I bought an indoor trainer for the same reasons as you. It was the worst purchase I had made. The boredom of sitting and pedaling in the same spot killed me. I used the thing about three times. Eventually I sold it to a lady

 

A few weeks later I saw it advertised again. I'm sure she suffered from the same problem

[Vetplant]

I have typed a bunch of essays about indoor trainers / spinning bikes if you want to read through them as well  : 

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/180544-entry-level-smart-trainer/

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/172383-indoor-trainer-plug-and-play/page-2

Listen to Robert, it worked for me as well.

 

My old 26er which was sitting alone in the corner is now permanently mounted to an old Computrainer(Think KickerSnap, but with plenty of wires) I got online.

 

My road machine and 29er gets no excessive sweat or wear&tear from indoor sessions and no constant mounting and dismounting of bikes.

 

Zwift is immersive with the Smart functionality of the trainer, did a 1h30 ride on Friday evening and it wasn't monotonous at all.

 

My final upgrade when I come into a big sum of money will be to move over to a direct drive trainer which requires less roll-down calibrations. The wheel-on trainer calibration does get irritating at times.

 

It bothers me mainly because I can see the actual drift in power numbers compared to my Stages crank, then I feel the need to re-calibrate. Will probably be a cheaper move to just disconnect the Stages actually.

[dave303e]

I have just ticked through the first 1000km on my wahoo kicker. With focused power based training and intervals I am able to have a lot more intense sessions all week and really go enjoy the bike on the weekends.

I have certainly seen the performance increase in the last few months with it.

Now that it is winter I have skipped fewer session due to cold, and in summer I went through far fewer chains not ruining them in mud.

 

If you buying the trainer because you want to enjoy riding on it then don't bother. But as a tool to keep you fit and allow you to gain fitness maintain consistency in terrible conditions and focus your training it is worth it. Remember its not all about fun, sometimes it is about the grind. Zwift helps a lot though

[RobertWhitehead]

Ya, I would disconnect the stages  . I've been using Sufferfest all these years and have never tried Zwift, what's your opinion, is it worth giving a shot? 

 

Listen to Robert, it worked for me as well.

 

My old 26er which was sitting alone in the corner is now permanently mounted to an old Computrainer(Think KickerSnap, but with plenty of wires) I got online.

 

My road machine and 29er gets no excessive sweat or wear&tear from indoor sessions and no constant mounting and dismounting of bikes.

 

Zwift is immersive with the Smart functionality of the trainer, did a 1h30 ride on Friday evening and it wasn't monotonous at all.

 

My final upgrade when I come into a big sum of money will be to move over to a direct drive trainer which requires less roll-down calibrations. The wheel-on trainer calibration does get irritating at times.

 

It bothers me mainly because I can see the actual drift in power numbers compared to my Stages crank, then I feel the need to re-calibrate. Will probably be a cheaper move to just disconnect the Stages actually.

[Vetplant]

Ya, I would disconnect the stages  . I've been using Sufferfest all these years and have never tried Zwift, what's your opinion, is it worth giving a shot? 

Jip, give it a shot.

 

Both have structured workouts based on power etc.

 

For some reason I like Zwift just a little bit more, can't put my finger on it, but I think it is the user interface that pulls me in and the fact that I am in control of where I ride.

 

Give the free trial a go, maybe it works for you.

 

We are really fortunate with all the options we have with training software, plenty to choose from.

[Wayne pudding Mol]

I'll go against everyone elses advice, I like my spinning bike - but my opinion is based on using my spinning bike to turn my legs over rather than proper training.  I ride it very occasionally watching cycling or TV.  Proper riding is done outdoors like it should be in fresh air.  I'm just not serious enough to take indoor cycling seriously.  

[SwissVan]

I bought an indoor trainer for the same reasons as you. It was the worst purchase I had made. The boredom of sitting and pedaling in the same spot killed me. I used the thing about three times. Eventually I sold it to a lady

 

A few weeks later I saw it advertised again. I'm sure she suffered from the same problem

 

 

 

This is what happens when you don't have all the critical ingredients in your IDT recipe.

 

1. Visual entertainment, or at least audio entertainment

2. A plan

3. Fan