Indoor Spin Bike | Beginners Digest

[loki like loki]

Hi there,

I'm new to indoor training and looking at the Trojan Spin 140 as a starting point (Brand new used for 1.5k). I'm 178 cm tall — would this bike be a comfortable fit for me? Also, is it a good option for beginners? My current goal is to reach 10 km, and I'm mainly focused on building cardiovascular endurance (at 1km now).

Thanks in advance!

[David Marshall]

I bought a basic spinning bike years ago to use as an indoor trainer.  Still going strong.

Two things I learnt quickly - firstly that the fixed wheel mechanism was not for me. This was quickly  rectified with a cheap BMX freehub.  Secondly I find it mindlessly boring (I don't have a training program or electronics) so prefer to ride outdoors when I can.

Where it comes into its own is when recovering from accidents or illness.

The cons I would say is that they are bulky, requiring space and the rider set up options are not great.

Pro is that they are cheap (especially second hand) and need very little in the way of servicing.

[ChrisF]

What David said 👍

 

The one benefit of these trainer bikes is that you dont need and electronics.

 

Watch a bit of YouTube cycling and get your active minutes

 

 

For long rides .... the wide saddles may be an issue.  On the very cheap models you cant swop out the saddle.  

[Mike Dewing]

Mine served its purpose in the beginning but man is it boring.. the wife uses it now sometimes to get some cardio in but that’s it.. I don’t even like looking at the thing.. 😅 love my smart trainer and love being out on the Road.. 

YouTube spin classes and whatnot make it less boring, but only for so long 

Edited Saturday at 07:32 AM by Mike Dewing
YouTube

[ChrisF]

3 hours ago, Mike Dewing said:

Mine served its purpose in the beginning but man is it boring.. the wife uses it now sometimes to get some cardio in but that’s it.. I don’t even like looking at the thing.. 😅 love my smart trainer and love being out on the Road.. 

YouTube spin classes and whatnot make it less boring, but only for so long 

 

Getting out sure is thee best !!

 

For a quick warm up, or the odd rain-logged winter session it sure helps to have a spinning or IDT setup.

 

 

And if you put your mind to it, and work on it, these devices can truly help targetted training .... not fun, but very efficient.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

As others have said it can be super boring, but, I put on YouTube videos of scenic rides and then pretend I’m in the Alps, desert, etc. Definitely better than not riding at all! 

[love2fly]

21 hours ago, David Marshall said:

I bought a basic spinning bike years ago to use as an indoor trainer.  Still going strong.

Two things I learnt quickly - firstly that the fixed wheel mechanism was not for me. This was quickly  rectified with a cheap BMX freehub.  Secondly I find it mindlessly boring (I don't have a training program or electronics) so prefer to ride outdoors when I can.

Where it comes into its own is when recovering from accidents or illness.

The cons I would say is that they are bulky, requiring space and the rider set up options are not great.

Pro is that they are cheap (especially second hand) and need very little in the way of servicing.

I have an oldish Lemond spinn bike with a fixed wheel - I'd be interested to find out how to fit a freehub......

[David Marshall]

2 hours ago, love2fly said:

I have an oldish Lemond spinn bike with a fixed wheel - I'd be interested to find out how to fit a freehub......

Mine is a Schwinn. I removed the chain guard and found that it had a threaded hub like the 6/7 speed cheap bikes.  The standard cluster removal tool fitted and the kids bike BMX cog cost around 50 bucks.  While it was open I replaced the chain, bearings on the wheel as well as the BB.  That was at least 12 years ago and apart from regular washing (sweat is a killer) I've done nothing since.