Exercise Bikes v Trainers

fungus_the_muffin_man

I've been thinking that I wouldn't mind getting a trainer or something to use indoors when the weater is really crappy so I can build up my leg strength and CVS. The only problem is that I live in a small flat with the missus and 2 kids and really struggle for space.
I think a trainer would just be to problematic as I wouldn't be able to get a cheap trainer bike to stick on it and leave it up all the time. Also constantly having to take the wheel of my bike and the missus's etc... would be to messy and time consuming.

So.......... Would a exercise bike do the trick? And if anyone on here uses one have you any recommendations.

Cheers guys and gals
Fungus

Alex_Simmons/RST

Budget?
Something like this:
http://www.saris.com/c-8-indoor-cycles.aspx
or similar bikes would be a good option but if space is already an issue for you....

I wouldn't exactly recommend the sit up type gym bikes.

fungus_the_muffin_man

Budget wise i'd say roughly £250 max.
But space constraints are the main problem.

Woodchip

Why not get some cheap rollers? It'll build up your CVS and bike handling skills as well as getting you spinning at a decent cadence.

CRC have got some from about £130.

sonny73

Last winter I was recovering from injury so I tried an exercise bike (borrowed from a mate) and it was rubbish in comparison to using a turbo, which I then started doing about a month or two later.
Mind you it wasn't a cycling position exercise bike as in the links above, still 100% I'd go with a turbo or rollers if you discover you could accommodate one.
The turbo I use is a Tacx Sirius, it's their basic machine and it works a blinder for me, I bang on an old Tour DVD and I'm off

amaferanga

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

I've been thinking that I wouldn't mind getting a trainer or something to use indoors when the weater is really crappy so I can build up my leg strength and CVS. The only problem is that I live in a small flat with the missus and 2 kids and really struggle for space.
I think a trainer would just be to problematic as I wouldn't be able to get a cheap trainer bike to stick on it and leave it up all the time. Also constantly having to take the wheel of my bike and the missus's etc... would be to messy and time consuming.

So.......... Would a exercise bike do the trick? And if anyone on here uses one have you any recommendations.

Cheers guys and gals
Fungus

If space is an issue I would have thought a turbo with your existing bike would be the best option. All you need is a turbo (you could get a good used Tacx Flow with power measurement for about £150) and a computer with cadence.

fungus_the_muffin_man

How big an issue is getting the bike on a trainer? Can I simply get my bike and chuck it on or do I need to have a wheel that I put on and off the bike? I use my bike for commuting as well as leisure so having to swap wheels often will be a real pain.

Gavin Gilbert

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

How big an issue is getting the bike on a trainer? Can I simply get my bike and chuck it on or do I need to have a wheel that I put on and off the bike? I use my bike for commuting as well as leisure so having to swap wheels often will be a real pain.

It takes 30 seconds to swap wheels - what's the problem?

fungus_the_muffin_man

Gavin Gilbert wrote:

Fungus The Muffin Man wrote:

How big an issue is getting the bike on a trainer? Can I simply get my bike and chuck it on or do I need to have a wheel that I put on and off the bike? I use my bike for commuting as well as leisure so having to swap wheels often will be a real pain.

It takes 30 seconds to swap wheels - what's the problem?

It causes problems if my OH wants to go on the trainer whilst I'm not around. Then we need to have 2 other wheels knocking around the house which will need to be kept lubricated and have no where to keep them. Plus theres the possibilty of lub mess from changing the wheel over. As I said we live in a small flat and storing stuff is a bit of a problem. Especially with the kids knocking about.

SilverSurfer

I got a second hand Schwinn spinning bike for £80 off eBay, doesn't take up much room and perfect for me and t'missus

petejuk

For what its worth, I use a turbo quite often and I too have limited space. I use the same wheel I use for outdoor rides and just change the Quick Releases over. I also use 3 budget rubber doormats underneath the thing to keep sound muffled and, finally an excercise mat that extends the length of the bike and beyond to the rear to catch any sweat or dirt from the wheels.
before riding, a simple wipe of the tyres to get any dirt off and away I go.

Most trainers take different wheel sizes so its not a problem chucking different bikes on. If you ride knobbly tyres, you'll need some smoother tread tyres. If you do the same as me, you willl have to appreciate your tyres will wear out quicker.