Training on exercise bikes?

[Tyrantrum]

Hi, dear all,

I am considering if I should buy a exercise bike for training, because I don't want to ride outside in the coming summer days.
So, my question is: whether exercise bikes would spoil my riding position or cause some necessary injuries in joints?

TIA
regards

[dalai47]

Buy a trainer, so you can use your bike indoors.

[rodneycc]

+1 to the trainer. Exercise bikes are strange things. Yes they do put you in a different position with the cranks more underneath you so if anything the exercise bike will be less likely to cause injury with that position (as long as you have the seat in the right place! i.e correct height).

But go the Trainer you can get some pretty decent cheap trainers that will do the job if you have a well fitting bike already.

[mikesbytes]

It depends on the exercise bike. Many can be setup so that the position is identical to your bike while others can't. Another thing to look at is Q-factor ie how wide apart the pedals are.

At the end of the day if you spend $200 on an exercise bike you get a $200 exercise bike. The quality ones are priced accordingly

[Tyrantrum]

Thanks guys, that's helpful.

At the same time I read an article about comparison between these two training equipment, although I think it is not quite professional, I just read it as a reference :
http://www.livestrong.com/article/28321 ... ise-bikes/

Any opinions on that article?
BTW, I am getting a trainer, and meanwhile going for a gym to use the exercise bikes. I'll try comparing them practically.

[mikesbytes]

Thanks guys, that's helpful.

At the same time I read an article about comparison between these two training equipment, although I think it is not quite professional, I just read it as a reference :
http://www.livestrong.com/article/28321 ... ise-bikes/

Any opinions on that article?
BTW, I am getting a trainer, and meanwhile going for a gym to use the exercise bikes. I'll try comparing them practically.

At the gym, have a go on the spin bikes in the spin room, there's a good chance they are better ones than are in the general exercise area. Also post some photos of the bike here and I'm likely to be able to give you some feedback on that bike

[Paul B]

BTW, I am getting a trainer, and meanwhile going for a gym to use the exercise bikes. I'll try comparing them practically.

In my experience, having had a gym membership and doing intervals on the "exercise" bike. Compared to using my Kickr on Zwift... my time was totally wasted in the gym. With the trainer I get to do hi intensity rides in a fast bunch setting with a real bike experience. Or various Zwift workouts. I've never been so strong on the bike.

... I should qualify that by saying that I am at the low end of riding ability

[mikesbytes]

BTW, I am getting a trainer, and meanwhile going for a gym to use the exercise bikes. I'll try comparing them practically.

In my experience, having had a gym membership and doing intervals on the "exercise" bike. Compared to using my Kickr on Zwift... my time was totally wasted in the gym. With the trainer I get to do hi intensity rides in a fast bunch setting with a real bike experience. Or various Zwift workouts. I've never been so strong on the bike.

... I should qualify that by saying that I am at the low end of riding ability

LOL, I'm the opposite, all my training is on indoor bikes as its what I do for a job

[Paul B]

LOL, I'm the opposite, all my training is on indoor bikes as its what I do for a job

That would be a good job. I reckon you would be super fit