Indoor exercise bike?

[Gooose]

Hi guys

The only real exercise I have ever enjoyed is on the indoor bike at the gyms I have been to in the past, I hate running and I haven’t been on a road bike size I was 14 (I’m 40 now!)

So I think it’s time to get a bike for the gym in the shed, a smart bike with a few pre programmed routes would be nice with a tidy screen and stuff but I think this would cost in the thousands so maybe I have to accept a decent ‘dumb’ bike with an iPad!

Any recommendations guys?

[smn159]

Cheap used road bike, smart trainer and a subscription of your choice to Zwift / Rouvy / whatever

[Gooose]

smn159 said:

Cheap used road bike, smart trainer and a subscription of your choice to Zwift / Rouvy / whatever

Something like this?

https://sportandleisure.com/products/saris-smart-m...

[smn159]

Gooose said:

smn159 said:

Cheap used road bike, smart trainer and a subscription of your choice to Zwift / Rouvy / whatever

Something like this?

https://sportandleisure.com/products/saris-smart-m...

Yes that'll do the job - I had a Tacx wheel on trainer for a while and it worked fine, although a wheel off trainer is a much better experience if you can stretch to one.

[Freakuk]

Gooose said:

Hi guys

The only real exercise I have ever enjoyed is on the indoor bike at the gyms I have been to in the past, I hate running and I haven’t been on a road bike size I was 14 (I’m 40 now!)

So I think it’s time to get a bike for the gym in the shed, a smart bike with a few pre programmed routes would be nice with a tidy screen and stuff but I think this would cost in the thousands so maybe I have to accept a decent ‘dumb’ bike with an iPad!

Any recommendations guys?

Just buy a cheap 2nd hand bike, weight/materials do not matter if it's a static bike on a trainer, all you need is something that is the correct size and the gears, crank, bottom bracket work.

Then buy a smart trainer, Wahoo Kickr core etc would be the safe choice, but others are available. You'll take the wheel off the bike and bolt the frame directly onto the trainer, you can either transfer the cassette or buy one specifically for the trainer.

At this point you can just do training rides through the Wahoo app, but that's not really exciting or the point of it. So you will then need to decide on which training app to use, some already mentioned - Zwift is is the largest in terms of user base, Rouvy is good but it's quiet on there. For this you will need a computer or iPad or AppleTV (and a screen). Zwift etc have a short trial period 7 days or so, so you could try a few before committing. You'll probably also want to invest in a cadence sensor and possibly a bluetooth dongle and HRM if you are going full hog and a fan as you'll get very hot and sweaty very quickly.

[Gooose]

Freakuk said:

Just buy a cheap 2nd hand bike, weight/materials do not matter if it's a static bike on a trainer, all you need is something that is the correct size and the gears, crank, bottom bracket work.

Then buy a smart trainer, Wahoo Kickr core etc would be the safe choice, but others are available. You'll take the wheel off the bike and bolt the frame directly onto the trainer, you can either transfer the cassette or buy one specifically for the trainer.

At this point you can just do training rides through the Wahoo app, but that's not really exciting or the point of it. So you will then need to decide on which training app to use, some already mentioned - Zwift is is the largest in terms of user base, Rouvy is good but it's quiet on there. For this you will need a computer or iPad or AppleTV (and a screen). Zwift etc have a short trial period 7 days or so, so you could try a few before committing. You'll probably also want to invest in a cadence sensor and possibly a bluetooth dongle and HRM if you are going full hog and a fan as you'll get very hot and sweaty very quickly.

Sounds like a lot of work, any affordable all in one bikes? I’ll be honest, I can’t say I fancy setting all that up lol, can I just stick my iPad on something and off we go?

[frisbee]

A Zwift Ride?

Basically a fake bike that comes with a trainer.

£1200 and a subscription to Zwift for £18/month.

[oddman]

Gooose said:

Sounds like a lot of work, any affordable all in one bikes? I’ll be honest, I can’t say I fancy setting all that up lol, can I just stick my iPad on something and off we go?

A lot easier than it sounds. Pop the bike on the trainer. Set up of account. Pair smart trainer. Choose an activity - off you go.

Wahoo Kickr -> iPad/Phone/Apple TV/computer->Screen if necessary.

My set up is Kickr -> Apple TV -> Retired Panasonic 48" Plasma. I find it very stable and unfussy. If your internet connection or wifi is flaky is could be an issue.

A decent fan and some towels to protect the bike are essential. Bike fit is super important because you get less relief on pressure areas than natural road riding.

The worthwhile all in one smart trainers are ££££ more.

[Freakuk]

Gooose said:

Freakuk said:

Just buy a cheap 2nd hand bike, weight/materials do not matter if it's a static bike on a trainer, all you need is something that is the correct size and the gears, crank, bottom bracket work.

Then buy a smart trainer, Wahoo Kickr core etc would be the safe choice, but others are available. You'll take the wheel off the bike and bolt the frame directly onto the trainer, you can either transfer the cassette or buy one specifically for the trainer.

At this point you can just do training rides through the Wahoo app, but that's not really exciting or the point of it. So you will then need to decide on which training app to use, some already mentioned - Zwift is is the largest in terms of user base, Rouvy is good but it's quiet on there. For this you will need a computer or iPad or AppleTV (and a screen). Zwift etc have a short trial period 7 days or so, so you could try a few before committing. You'll probably also want to invest in a cadence sensor and possibly a bluetooth dongle and HRM if you are going full hog and a fan as you'll get very hot and sweaty very quickly.

Sounds like a lot of work, any affordable all in one bikes? I’ll be honest, I can’t say I fancy setting all that up lol, can I just stick my iPad on something and off we go?

It's not hard by any stretch and it's a one time job unless you intend to ride the bike on the roads, but that is literally a 5 minute job.

If you just want to pedal and watch TV then any old exercise bike and iPad as you say, but there's a world (literally) difference between that and having a smart trainer.

[LimaDelta]

Freakuk said:

At this point you can just do training rides through the Wahoo app, but that's not really exciting or the point of it. So you will then need to decide on which training app to use, some already mentioned - Zwift is is the largest in terms of user base, Rouvy is good but it's quiet on there. For this you will need a computer or iPad or AppleTV (and a screen). Zwift etc have a short trial period 7 days or so, so you could try a few before committing. You'll probably also want to invest in a cadence sensor and possibly a bluetooth dongle and HRM if you are going full hog and a fan as you'll get very hot and sweaty very quickly.

^^^ None of which will make you fitter.

The only advantage of the apps is that it 'gamifies' the training experience. If you are disciplined enough to train without the gimmicks, it will save you a lot of money in additional tech and subscriptions. The accountability of the apps and the online racing can be useful, but it is only there to get you peddling.

The only part which actually matters is the exercise.

[OutInTheShed]

LimaDelta said:

^^^ None of which will make you fitter.

The only advantage of the apps is that it 'gamifies' the training experience. If you are disciplined enough to train without the gimmicks, it will save you a lot of money in additional tech and subscriptions. The accountability of the apps and the online racing can be useful, but it is only there to get you peddling.

The only part which actually matters is the exercise.

This.
I have a cheap old bike on a dumb trainer.
I pedal at x mph for y minutes while thinking about other stuff, browsing the web or whatever.
Dump hydro trainer was about £100 in covid. Trainer tyre about £20. Wired speedo £20 IIRC after a couple of really cheap ones failed.

If you know the watts/mph curve of your trainer, you can relate that to hauling your fat up a real hill on your 'favourite' real ride.

Fair play to those who want to do the simulation video game type of thing but it's not the only option.
As with indoor rowing, it opens up possibilities to compete, if that's what you want.

You could also think about spending the money on a power meter you could use on the road?

Or an electric bike so you didn't need to be so damned fit in the first place? :-)

[drmotorsport]

I tried the cheap magnetic braked trainer with my regular MTB and just following along with Youtube GCN training videos for one winter before the trainer broke. I've now got a Wahoo Kickr core and a cheap old roadbike off Facebook marketplace permanently mounted which avoid the tedious switching of wheels and cassettes. I do have a Zwift sub to make the winter experience more interesting though.

[stargazer30]

I started on Zwift with a cheap FB market place road bike and a 2nd hand Apple TV from CEX to run the app. The most expensive part was the turbo trainer which I bought direct from Zwift. It's great for the winter but otherwise as fun as Zwift is, its no match for riding out doors. I use a gravel bike out doors though to avoid the roads as much as possible. They are easier to get on with, slacker gears, geometry and great for pootling about on, even for someone like me who only started riding in his 40s during Covid.

If you do want to ride exclusively indoors though, you are better off with an app based program like Zwift, riding indoors only with the bike is just soul destroying.

[Gooose]

stargazer30 said:

I started on Zwift with a cheap FB market place road bike and a 2nd hand Apple TV from CEX to run the app. The most expensive part was the turbo trainer which I bought direct from Zwift. It's great for the winter but otherwise as fun as Zwift is, its no match for riding out doors. I use a gravel bike out doors though to avoid the roads as much as possible. They are easier to get on with, slacker gears, geometry and great for pootling about on, even for someone like me who only started riding in his 40s during Covid.

If you do want to ride exclusively indoors though, you are better off with an app based program like Zwift, riding indoors only with the bike is just soul destroying.

I don’t mind the indoor bike to be honest, plus you can put a podcast on or get the iPad and watch a million different movies or series these days!

Have any of you bought a spin bike and attached a iPad to one?

[sir humphrey appleby]

Cheap 2nd hand road bike, cheap 2nd hand turbo trainer. Cadence sensor,garmin watch. CCN training videos. Job done, works a treat .

[N88]

I think what you’re seeing OP is answers based on this being posted in a cycling forum.

I’d suggest a good quality used spin bike, something like an Echelon is the way to go based on your criteria.

Much less faff and although the above set ups are relatively simple you still want as fewer blockers as possible when you’re getting back into it.

[Not Ideal]

frisbee said:

A Zwift Ride?

Basically a fake bike that comes with a trainer.

£1200 and a subscription to Zwift for £18/month.

I just ordered one of these. Will report back when it lands !

[gangzoom]

LimaDelta said:

^^^ None of which will make you fitter.

The only advantage of the apps is that it 'gamifies' the training experience. If you are disciplined enough to train without the gimmicks, it will save you a lot of money in additional tech and subscriptions. The accountability of the apps and the online racing can be useful, but it is only there to get you peddling.

The only part which actually matters is the exercise.

This is great advice and we are all different. I've had turbos on bikes before and I know what works for me. The indoor bike didn't get as much use middle of the year as we were too busy with sorting the house, but for 2025 the aim is to get the monthly mileage back up. But I've essentially used the indoor bike more than all my real bikes combined in the last few years.

Having the indoor bike hidden away in the garage/shed/random room doesn't work for me, it needs to be visible to act as a constant reminder.

[olliel]

Wattbike or Wattbike atom (if you want to go smart bike) are great to get in to indoor riding or Zwift.

Can use the free programmes on Wattbike hub or connect up to Zwift and enjoy the social aspect of group rides and chasing people down as you get more confident.

Also available second hand, and retain their used value well if looked after.

You could spend £750 on a Wattbike, ride it got a year, and sell again for the same money if you decide to upgrade or don’t get on with it. So although the outlay is higher you aren’t loosing any money when you come to sell

Good luck

[Zigster]

I bought a second-hand (ex gym) Keiser M3 spin bike on eBay a few years ago. It’s “dumb” but that suits me - I have it in front of an old TV in my den and catch up on box sets that my wife doesn’t want to watch with me. I just pedal for an hour (or whatever) rather than following some rigid training plan and/or gamifying the experience.

I’m sure a Zwift type set-up would be better for cycling fitness but I find them immensely boring. My approach works okay and is a good compromise for when I don’t have much time or the weather is too rotten to be tempted to go outdoors.