chriscantrell19

I am working on a fun project and am about 50% done with the fabbing
I know you guys have a ton of awesome experience! And I want to hear whatever wisdom you have to share

I am designing a 24"x20" table (similar to a music stand) that will work with my exercise bike.
What features would you want to use?

My table is fully adjustable and rather stable. The goal is so I can use my laptop and mouse so I can play games while biking and do work etc.

cny-bikeman

It's your table, we're not using it, and I doubt many here have much experience in using a laptop while cycling. Not sure how you use a laptop or play games much while holding onto the bars. Out of the saddle could be a bit challenging.

HillRider

The problem I see with the idea is that working on a laptop, etc. would be so distracting that your effort level on the trainer would be reduced a lot. Keeping motivated on those things is hard enough when you are paying attention to it.

dabac

+1

Watching inane movies or news, or listening to music is about all I can manage and still get a good burn going.

fietsbob

the high end trainers assume you will need the Computer running videos of roads to keep you amused , and will have an output from the trainer


such as those seen on TV ones .. that tilt the 'bike' when the training program gets to hills.

cny-bikeman

Also, it's well known that "off-time" is not only necessary for mental health, it actually helps the creative process. Many people will tell you that some of their best insights come when doing something totally unrelated, usually leisure activity and very often when tired. Secondly when you try to do something else that requires dedicated attention you loge the meditative aspect of exercise. Finally, multi-tasking is an exercise in futility. Check out this page for some interesting info.
Why We're More Creative When We're Tired and 9 Other Surprising Facts About How Our Brains Work - The Buffer Blog

chriscantrell19

Generally I am using my phone while biking which makes me think that having access to my laptop for games, email, and web surfing may be useful. My hand are often free from the bars for my 30-60 minute daily bike ride. I think one difference is I am probably not as much of a hardcore bikeras some on this forum, but I generally finish with a good sweat and a 300-600 carbs burned all while messing around phone/computer.

chriscantrell19

Yeah I think you are right there. If you are meditating while working out, then you probably don't want a distraction like a computer. For me, I use enjoying playing games on my phone and enjoying reading to get me in the gym. Feel like killing 30 minutes on your phone? Get on the bike and burn some carbs while doing it.
My mind is always bouncing around, and being on an exercise bike without something to do take a lot of mental exertion which is fatiguing over the long run.

Since phone reading/games have been enough to get me into the gum for about 2 months now I can only imagine that stand for my laptop so that I can game and surf the web will be even better.

chriscantrell19

Like I mentioned earlier, I use my desire to read and play games on my phone to get me into the gym. Instead of wasting time on the couch, I talk myself into spending that time at the gym while doing the same things.

Turtle Speed

How's your project going?

I have a recumbent exercise bike that I've regularly used for years, mostly when too injured to run outside. I just pull the stationary bike alongside my computer desk. I'm too busy and taxed to do anything active while riding it, like writing emails or concentrate on studies, but I do listen to videos or rock out to music, etc.

You didn't exactly get a hot response in this thread, but there will always be naysayers. There were plenty of snobs in the running community too who would say that anyone putting in miles while wearing an MP3 player isn't a real runner, etc. Ignore them and do what you like.

chriscantrell19

Hey man! project is going quite will. I would say I am at 80-90% of the fabrication. There are just a few more pin-holes (they help the table adjust to different stationary bikes.) I will post some pictures soon!

Haha the reception on this thread WAS a little rough, I appreciate the encouragement. I think the table will work for me, and thats all that really matters.