IDT vs Stationary Bike vs Spinning Bike

[dracaena]

I use a stationary bike as well.

It is one of those GAME Trojan jobbies.

It has quite a few exercise programmes, which I find great.

Excellent for simulating climbing hills, etc.

(Obviosuly not 100% like the real thing, but hey, I bought it for about R1500)

 

I had a Giant IDT that cost about the same, but the noise and inconvenience just was not worth it.

 

Never tried a spinning cycle, but then again I don't drink pink drinks..

 

So, my choice would be the stationary bike with either an IPod or TV.

I also use the heart rate monitor feature on the bike's litle computer to keep me honest.

 

 

[Speed Devil]

A stationary bike and spinning bike are almost the same except with the following differences:

 

Spinning bike:

-More robust

-closer to a "real bike" setup

-No fancy add-ons/gizmos

- Used in spinning classes

 

Stationary bike:

-Found in the gym next to the tread mills

-Not very good as a substitute for road training as the setup is way different from a "real bike"

-Usually has a computer controlled resistance that simulte hill climbs, flats, sprints etc

- Usually not very comfortable after 30 min due to the OVERSIZE uncomfortable saddle.

 

I prefer to use my IDT as I have finer control over the resistance so I can better simulate hill climbs etc.

 

Spinning bikes are good for a good hard 45 min workout. You can really throw your weight around while pedalling hard with no fear of breaking anything.

[mudda]

IDT makes a lot of noise. I use mine about twice a year, when I cannot get out on the road or dirt.

 

Spinning at a class takes the boredom away from cycling on a trainer, if u get a good class, with good music.

 

I have not yet tried rollers, but it sounds like they could be fun.

 

[Minion]

 

IDT makes a lot of noise.

There are some quiet ones though.

I use a Fluid 2 with a Continental Hometrainer tyre and it's quiet enough that I can hear hear the chain running smoothly over the sprocket. It also helps that I use it on a tiled floor.

 

[HappyMartin]

I finally bit the bullet and bought a Tacx, stuck it in my cottage because it sure does make a noise and take up space. Still riding on the road rather but I will start using it next week. I think I will use it more in summer. No way I will ride in the rain. Looking foreword to training on it using the ability to read power, should be educational. 

[Trekker]

I honestly cannot see myself riding alone at home on any kind of trainer.  Just too boring - even in the gym, doing your own thing on one of those trainers does not appeal to me at all. 

 

Spinning (organised classes with good music) however, is the best way to keep cardio fit and strong during the winter.  Agreed, you will lack some endurance, but I will die of boredom if I had to ride for 3 hours on an IDT at home ALONE!

 

Also, like many other hubbers have pointed out - no maintenance if you use the gym's equipment and no need for space to store or use your IDT.

 

[Terminator]

@ HappyMartin. Which Tacx did you buy? I've got the I-magic VR Trainer, and don't find it noisy at all.

[HappyMartin]

Problem with spinning classes is the time it takes to get too and from gym and the time waiting for classes to start and so on. Then there is the music choice and pot luck with instructors, some good and a lot awful. 

[Trekker]

 

Problem with spinning classes is the time it takes to get too and from gym and the time waiting for classes to start and so on. Then there is the music choice and pot luck with instructors' date=' some good and a lot awful. 

[/quote']

 

I've been doing Spinning for so long, I know which classes (read instructors) to avoid. 

 

 

 

I live 2km from N1 City, so it takes me very little time to get to the gym - maybe others are not as fortunate. 

I try to be there 15min to half an hour before the spinning class starts, which

gives me ample time for warming up.  By the time the actual class

starts, I'm sweating like a pig already.

 

[HappyMartin]

 

@ HappyMartin. Which Tacx did you buy? I've got the I-magic VR Trainer' date=' and don't find it noisy at all.

[/quote']

 

I bought the Fortuis. I have poor hearing and any background noise renders me almost completely deaf. The whirring spokes and drive train is enough to make me batty. I tried the thing out in a shop and found it very immersive.

 

 This week is a rest week for me but I am pretty excited to use it next week. I will do 2 mornings on the road and 2 on the trainer, weekends are for road and mtb of course. If I get along with the concept of training with a power meter I will buy a meter for my bike.