Exercise Bike Recommendations

[dividendman]

Hello all,

I'm just wondering if anyone has purchased any well priced indoor stationary exercise bikes that they would recommend. I've come to the conclusion that anything between me and not doing cardio will result in me not doing cardio.  So, I'd like to get one that I can put with my garage gym that already has a good weight training setup (which I use all the time since it's right there).

There are lots of options out there with huge price ranges but I just need something basic and it doesn't need to move my arms.

Thanks for any help.

[Goldendog777]

I bought a Schwinn 270 recumbent bike for about $400 off Amazon about 5 yrs ago and it’s still going strong. I use it a few times a week. I think they are almost $700 now.

[Metalcat]

I bought a used bike off of FB marketplace for $40 (ETA: and that was in rural Newfoundland where no one ever gives things away for free, I'm sure I could get one for free here in the city, or much less than $40)

If you don't need anything fancy, literally any bike will do. Granted, if you are larger, you might need something with a higher weight tolerance than a lot of cheaper bikes can handle. I'm a small woman, so even the cheapest bikes are sturdy enough, but my old, 6'4" roommate had a nasty incident with a cheap elliptical once.

[sonofsven]

This is the sort of thing people buy and rarely use, so definitely look for a cheap one.
I got my mom a Schwinn for free from her church sale, she had to have it.
She's never used it.

[Freedomin5]

Do you already have a bike?

If so, you can buy a bike trainer that turns your bike into a stationary bike. Might be cheaper than buying an actual indoor stationary bike.

[dividendman]

Do you already have a bike?

If so, you can buy a bike trainer that turns your bike into a stationary bike. Might be cheaper than buying an actual indoor stationary bike.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Yes, I already have a bike. I just learned about bike trainers so I might go for that since they can be had for < $100. I'll probably go that route for now and see if I actually use it.

[Metalcat]

Do you already have a bike?

If so, you can buy a bike trainer that turns your bike into a stationary bike. Might be cheaper than buying an actual indoor stationary bike.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

Yes, I already have a bike. I just learned about bike trainers so I might go for that since they can be had for < $100. I'll probably go that route for now and see if I actually use it.

Depending on where you live, a used exercise bike could actually be cheaper. But if you really like the feel of your bike, the trainer could be the better way to go. However, a lot of exercise bikes have a much smaller footprint than a real bike on a trainer, so it depends on your space and how big you are.

My exercise bike lives unobtrusively tucked away in a corner of my hallway, it's that small.

[GuitarStv]

Another thing to consider - most cheap bike trainers will wear out your rear tire quickly.  So if you plan on using it a lot you might need to spend money regularly on a special trainer tire.

I agree with Malcat - a cheap dedicated exercise bike is probably more cost effective.

[jinga nation]

If you have any within a few miles, visit a store that sells used commercial gym equipment. I've found them to have 3-5 year old refurbished models with better quality components than retail equipment. These tend to be in strip malls, in my area.

[dividendman]

If you have any within a few miles, visit a store that sells used commercial gym equipment. I've found them to have 3-5 year old refurbished models with better quality components than retail equipment. These tend to be in strip malls, in my area.

Thanks, yeah, I'm still dilly-dallying with my decision here... not making a decision allows me to have a great excuse for not doing cardio!

[FLBiker]

We got a Sunny brand spin bike when we moved.  I'd spun a couple of times at a Y before, and I really like using it.  It was about $400 CAD, but it had some cosmetic damage, and so we got it for $275 CAD.  We've had it for 3+ years, and it has gotten a lot of use and is still going strong.  One thing I really appreciate is how easy it is to get a hold of customer support.  I called when I was setting it up, and a human answered the phone immediately and was able to answer my questions.

I really like doing "rhythm spin" -- basically following videos where you time your movements to the music.  There are a bunch of free videos on YouTube -- I like Gabriella Guevara but there are a bunch of teachers out there.