Turbo rainer or Static exercie bike
Discussion
Shortly i'll be headed off for an operation on my knee to repair a torn cartiledge. Once back to strength it'll be close to winter, so what would be preferable to get back to ridefit?
A turbo trainer (about £100) that I can fit my current bike onto
or
An exercise bike (£150+) where I can program it for certain conditions? (e flat, hil, mountain, various) etc
A turbo trainer (about £100) that I can fit my current bike onto
or
An exercise bike (£150+) where I can program it for certain conditions? (e flat, hil, mountain, various) etc
Turbo everytime.
Your own bike fits you, a generic exercise bike probably will not.
The only problem is that the cheaper ones can make a fair bit of noise (as can the expensive ones at big wattages) so if you live in a flat, it is worth considering your neighbours. Saying that, I have used my Tacx Flow at really unsociable hours without any complaints
Your own bike fits you, a generic exercise bike probably will not.
The only problem is that the cheaper ones can make a fair bit of noise (as can the expensive ones at big wattages) so if you live in a flat, it is worth considering your neighbours. Saying that, I have used my Tacx Flow at really unsociable hours without any complaints
ditto the turbo. Cheap turbos can be noisy, those with fluid or magnetic resistances tend to be quieter. More expensive turbos will allow you to alter the internal resistance to simulate climbing whereas with the cheaper ones you just knock it up a gear or so to go faster and resistance rises with the fan speeds (and noise)
With a cheap one you'll want to set up a speedo on the rear wheel to give you some idea of what you're doing. Spend a bit more and you'll get one that will display speed, power, etc to keep you amused, while the most expensive ones will link to your PC or internet to race against other riders. Just depends how much you want to spend.
The big plus though is that you're using a proper bike and exercising in the riding position you'd normally use on the bike. Exercise bikes are for non-cyclists or gym sessions.
With a cheap one you'll want to set up a speedo on the rear wheel to give you some idea of what you're doing. Spend a bit more and you'll get one that will display speed, power, etc to keep you amused, while the most expensive ones will link to your PC or internet to race against other riders. Just depends how much you want to spend.
The big plus though is that you're using a proper bike and exercising in the riding position you'd normally use on the bike. Exercise bikes are for non-cyclists or gym sessions.
I have a Tacx Flow, it's really quite good (though i also hate it, and you will too when you get one!!) 
It's quiet(ish), and has a decent computer with power output and a few extras. You often see them on ebay for cheap prices as people buy them, do 20miles, then realise they're really hard work and sell them!
One thing to remember though is to use a special training tyre, otherwise it will always be loud.
It's quiet(ish), and has a decent computer with power output and a few extras. You often see them on ebay for cheap prices as people buy them, do 20miles, then realise they're really hard work and sell them!One thing to remember though is to use a special training tyre, otherwise it will always be loud.
Edited by Matt.. on Saturday 28th August 10:54
I agree - turbo every time if possible.
But - cos I can't get out on the bike as often as I'd like, I also spend a lot of time on "spinning" bikes - and these in particular (compared to normal exercise bikes) I can adjust so they are almost as good a fit as my own bike - top tube length, handlebar drop etc. It does prob look a bit weird in a spinning class with everyone else setting their bikes up with super high handlebars. ho-hum.
But - cos I can't get out on the bike as often as I'd like, I also spend a lot of time on "spinning" bikes - and these in particular (compared to normal exercise bikes) I can adjust so they are almost as good a fit as my own bike - top tube length, handlebar drop etc. It does prob look a bit weird in a spinning class with everyone else setting their bikes up with super high handlebars. ho-hum.
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