Bicycle Mechanics - Stationary Bike Problem - Need Help!

Hey everyone,

I have a magnetic exercise (stationary) bike that I use 4 times a week, I've had it for almost 3 years now. The manufacturer is VO2, the model is Apple 66. Now, I'm pretty sure most of you have never heard of the manufacturer or the model but I'm gonna ask anyway, perhaps my problem is universal.

When I pedal, I hear a "grinding" sound coming from the inside of the bike which varies in intensity. I decided to take a look inside and couldn't see a flaw or anything, and attributed the noise to rust so I sprayed a little oil on the wheel. Of course, that didn't help and today I managed to pedal for about 40 minutes before the noise got A LOT worse and the resistance increased dramatically until it reached a point I could not, no matter how hard I tried, move the pedals. It just got stuck.

Unfortunately, I'm in a very sensitive state right now health-wise and I need to keep doing my workouts according to schedule. So, basically, I really need any advice I can get from you all.

Thank you so much.

At such a vague description, it's really hard to say anything. I suggest you contact the place where you bought it, see if they can recommend some repair sources.
Barring that, post some pics or a link to the maker/model.
Quite a lot of parts on a stationary bike are replaceable with generic bicycle parts, but the resistance contraption, depending on design, may be totally different.

I went through three recumbent exercise bikes from SEARS a few years ago. I'm big and have powerful legs. They finally gave me a refund and said their consumer bikes would not handle my power. It did exactly as you described. I ripped the bearings out in the cheap cranks. I ended up getting a Nautilus commercial grade bike. Going on 6 years with it now, maintenance free.

I just got a Spin bike from Waters Fitness. This thing is HEAVY DUTY. I have it set up exactly like my road bike. Except for the wind in my face, I feel like I'm on my Trek.

Around here in my area, there are some places that service ANY brand. Maybe you have someone like that in your area?

Consider getting a used real bicycle that fits you and installing it on a separate wind, magnetic or fluid resistance trainer. The bike can be as heavy and lacking in sophistication as you wish since it will never be ridden outdoors and the resistance trainer can be a simple or computerized as you are willing to pay for. This combination will be more reliable than a cheap "exercise bike" and far less costly than a gym-quality one.

Thanks for the tip guys! I thought about purchasing a new one, but HillRider's advice sounds nice, I've never really thought about doing that. I'll check it out. Thanks again!