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tips on buying a stationary bike?
- Thread starter SkinnyJoe
- Start date
Gollnick
Musical Director
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- Mar 22, 1999
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- 29,258
The biggest problem here is that the vast majority of stationary bikes are not designed to be used more than a few times because most aren't. Most turn into clothes hangers very quickly. So, you have to go with a good, serious brand, Precor, Monarch, Lifecycle, etc.
The good news is that you can usually find a good bike used (with very little wear) for a small fraction of new price.
The good news is that you can usually find a good bike used (with very little wear) for a small fraction of new price.
If you already have a bicycle that fits you and is comfortable to ride, you might consider buying a stationary trainer for same.
They are considerably cheaper than stationary bikes, and you can take your bike off and ride it normally when you like.
Gollnick is exactly right, however; the fact is that using such machines is dead boring.
Most cyclists who use stationary trainers in bad weather use structured workouts that keep you shifting gears, cadences, and so forth which provides a little (not much...) interest.
They are considerably cheaper than stationary bikes, and you can take your bike off and ride it normally when you like.
Gollnick is exactly right, however; the fact is that using such machines is dead boring.
Most cyclists who use stationary trainers in bad weather use structured workouts that keep you shifting gears, cadences, and so forth which provides a little (not much...) interest.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2007
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- 1,607
You can get a nice stationary at a good price if you are patient. The best place to start is Craigslist, especially around this time of year. People are realizing that their fat butts are not going to go through with New Year resolutions, so you can take advantage of their laziness. It's also warming up, so people are ditching indoor bikes and spending more time outside.
I have a nice recumbent made by Universal Fitness that has held up very well under repeated use for several years. The brand doesn't have the cachet of some of the other big brands and I don't even know if it is still around, but I paid $250 (retailed for around $500) new for it and I have been very happy with it.
If you keep an eye on deal forums like fatwallet.com, watch for the Sports Authority friends and family 25% off coupon. SA sells some decent brands that will be just fine for personal use. Go into a store and try a few out to see which ones you like. The Schwinn ones they sell are pretty good. You don't need a gym quality one, unless you plan one using the bike 10 hours a day, 365 days a year like a gym bike.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 1999
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- 5,786
Stationary trainers can be very hard on bike frames, so you have to consider that. As for true dedicated stationary bikes, most of them are not set up like a real bike in terms of how you ride them. Kettler makes the ones we use at the YMCA I go to and they're really nice. They use a magnet system to provide the resistance, which is extremely smooth and quiet, and they can be adjusted just like a bike for a perfect fit. You can use your own pedals on them, seat, etc, too.
Wally World sells one (recumbent) for 100 bucks. I know it must be a pos (Stamina R360s with some online complaints of things breaking down) but as long as I get the resistance, I really don't care for the electronics.
Worth trying it? After all, WM is known for a very liberal return policy.
The thing for me with buying used is, I have no idea how much those things are really worth, and can't stand getting ripped off.
Worth trying it? After all, WM is known for a very liberal return policy.
The thing for me with buying used is, I have no idea how much those things are really worth, and can't stand getting ripped off.
Schwinn Airdyne, built to last and will give you a good workout but they cost between $600-$700 new.
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- Oct 10, 2005
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I second the 'Craigslist' option, and going for a used heavy duty bike vs. a cheaper new one. i learned this the hard way when i bought a stationary bike new for around $200, and promptly snapped the resisitance part of the pedals. it was under warranty, and they fixed it, and I snapped it again a week later. I'm no Lance Armstrong, but the maintenance guys basically told me the bike was made for 'moderate' intensity. I went on craigslist, and for $150 got a used Lifecycle, like in health clubs, and haven't looked back.
Triton
Gold Member
- Joined
- Aug 8, 2000
- Messages
- 35,961
My advice: don't.
They are a very expensive clothes hanger. I can't think of many things more boring then riding on a stationary bike and you have to pedal FOREVER to burn the same number of calories you would on a treadmill, in a pool etc...My advice: don't.
I agree. Tried one out at an apartment complex gym about 10 years ago. Even with tv on, it's a mindnumbing experience.
I was just looking at one as a back up plan for those days when my ankle hurts from running.