Comments on: What’s best: exercise bike or bike trainer?

By: McG

McG — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:37:22 +0000

I prefer the trainer. A trainer will put you on the same bike, riding position and effort you are used to riding outside. That said, you should change your rear tire on a MTB to a slick. The noise isn’t much more than a stationary exercise machine, sometimes less than the cheaper exercisers. I watch training videos, regular television, or listen to music on my trainer — it’s not that loud.

If you are wanting to ride indoors for staying in shape for riding your bike — a trainer is the only way to go. They are not that expensive, if you shop around. The magnetic resistance trainers are usually less than the fluid — as the fluid trainers are top of the line.

Have fun.

By: M R

M R — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:37:22 +0000

I agree with McG completely. Many cheap exercycles don’t work well, but I haven’t seen all makes and models either. Ultimately, if you don’t have a place for a trainer you may not have an option.

By: silverbullet

silverbullet — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:37:22 +0000

If you have room for your bike, you have room for the trainer. It takes up hardly any space.

I couldn’t comment on the structural integrity of the exercise bike without seeing it in person.

Noise levels for both are probably similar.

If I had to use the exercise bike, I would have to change the saddle. Those fat soft saddles are too hard on my nether regions. The handle bar position is awkward as well – way too high.

By: intrepidfae

intrepidfae — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:37:22 +0000

Swimming against the tide here, I like my stationary bike when I can’t get onto the roads. A lot of what I say depends on the stationary bike you choose. I got a stationary that I can adjust to make it fit very closely to my road bike. I wanted to avoid putting the extra wear on my road bike and its components. I am also concerned about corrosive sweat dripping on the frame and components. Stationary bikes also can take up considerably less room than standard bikes on trainers — no wheels! Stationary bikes can also be equipped with book/magazine holders more readily than standard bikes.

HTH

By: Duct Tape Doc

Duct Tape Doc — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:37:22 +0000

Have you thought about rollers? You can get a used set on e-bay for ~$100, they take up very little space, you use your own bike, and in addition to exercising, you improve your riding form.

The only con is that rollers take some practice getting used to. Since neither wheel is fixed, if your mind wanders, you ride off the side of the rollers.

I have rollers and a trainer in my basement. The only time I use the trainer is when i want to kick back and watch a movie while i ride.

As to an exercise bike, had one many years ago. It’s to a bike as "instant coffee" is to "coffee."

By: crazydave

crazydave — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 20:37:22 +0000

Trainers will give you more realistic resistance when compared to the road ride. Plus it will put you on your own bike, creating a more realistic riding position. If you do go with a trainer, put a smooth rear tire on to reduce noise. I use a second bike for the trainer to reduce wear and tear on my "good" bike.

I’ve had a trainer for about 5 years that works on centrifugal force. The faster you ride, the more resistance you get.