Spin classes -- spin bike or road on trainer?
10-15-09, 10:49 AM
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Spin classes -- spin bike or road on trainer?
I did my first spin class last night. While my legs loved the workout, I am wondering if it is better to use my bike with a trainer for the classes. Especially since I plan on doing some double classes for 2 hours of ride time.
Adjusting the spin bike is not too much of an issue. I can get it pretty close. And having SPD cleats can be resolved using old mtb shoes.
The problem is the ability to replicate the workout from class to class. The instructor said each bike is slightly different in terms of resistance. The adjustment level does not 'click;' sliding instead. If I bring my road bike and trainer to the class (which should be ok, according to the instructor. Just got to get permission), I can use gears for the difficulty percentages. Thus keeping things even, so I can evaluate how I feel.
BTW, I don't have a trainer right now. I have rollers and will have to put my front fork on a mount due to the club's insurance issues. (And I know I tend to get bored and ride off their side!).
Thoughts? Riding the bike on the rollers @ home right now is not an option. Very long story. Just know it is not an option right now.
Adjusting the spin bike is not too much of an issue. I can get it pretty close. And having SPD cleats can be resolved using old mtb shoes.
The problem is the ability to replicate the workout from class to class. The instructor said each bike is slightly different in terms of resistance. The adjustment level does not 'click;' sliding instead. If I bring my road bike and trainer to the class (which should be ok, according to the instructor. Just got to get permission), I can use gears for the difficulty percentages. Thus keeping things even, so I can evaluate how I feel.
BTW, I don't have a trainer right now. I have rollers and will have to put my front fork on a mount due to the club's insurance issues. (And I know I tend to get bored and ride off their side!).
Thoughts? Riding the bike on the rollers @ home right now is not an option. Very long story. Just know it is not an option right now.
10-15-09, 11:38 AM
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Use the spin bikes & go off perceived exertion. Even if there are differences between bikes, you're still getting a good workout.
And it's way easier then carting your bike/trainer back & forth.
And it's way easier then carting your bike/trainer back & forth.
10-15-09, 11:53 AM
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I would use the spin bikes if it was a big hassle to bring in my own bike.
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Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
10-15-09, 06:53 PM
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its always best to ride your actual road setup as when you can. later.
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10-15-09, 07:55 PM
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Use the spin bikes and work off "feel". You should be able to get pretty close to the same each time.
Use an HRM if you want to quantify your workout.
It's not worth hauling a bike and rollers to the gym.
Use an HRM if you want to quantify your workout.
It's not worth hauling a bike and rollers to the gym.
10-16-09, 01:26 PM
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I train using spinning. I use a HRM and it works pretty well. I prefer the spin bike to a trainer because I believe the large fly wheel on the spin bike yields more of a "road feel" than the trainer.
10-17-09, 09:39 PM
#7
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As a manager of a club, please don't ask the instructor about such issues. ASK THE MANAGER OF THE GYM. There could easily be at least two liability issues that will prevent them from allowing you to bring your bike and trainer into the gym.
Having said that, I'd leave the bike at home. Use the spin bikes to work with the cardio component- it's so easy to get that high intensity workout really quickly. Then transfer those benefits to your trainer and bike at home and do your cycling specific training (ie spinning and cadence, working on gears, etc.).
koffee
Having said that, I'd leave the bike at home. Use the spin bikes to work with the cardio component- it's so easy to get that high intensity workout really quickly. Then transfer those benefits to your trainer and bike at home and do your cycling specific training (ie spinning and cadence, working on gears, etc.).
koffee
10-18-09, 07:27 AM
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Koffee,
I DEFINITELY would have asked the manager before bringing anything into the gym. The instructor(s) have a feel for the gym, know whom to ask, and so forth.
As of right now, I am going to keep using the spin bikes. And when Sufferfest does the next release, I'll be suffering at home as well.
Though I will have to buy SPD cleats to use the spin bikes. Toe clips stink.
I DEFINITELY would have asked the manager before bringing anything into the gym. The instructor(s) have a feel for the gym, know whom to ask, and so forth.
As of right now, I am going to keep using the spin bikes. And when Sufferfest does the next release, I'll be suffering at home as well.
Though I will have to buy SPD cleats to use the spin bikes. Toe clips stink.
10-25-09, 11:43 AM
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An update on things. I bought SPDs for my shoes and have been using the spin bike. Getting to where I can stand the spin bikes. Just wish they had a cadence computer on them.
10-25-09, 03:42 PM
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koffee
10-27-09, 06:45 PM
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When I can't ride outside I spin at the gym. Have been doing this for almost 4 years and have gotten pretty good at getting a decent workout whether it's intervals or endurance/cadence drills. I don't know about your instructor, but I've gotten to be good friends with mine and they don't care that I bring my own playlist on my ipod. If I couldn't spin to my own music I couldn't do it. Some instructors may get upset about this -- if so, then sit in the back. You don't have to do their ride unless it works for you. Being with a group of people is also a bonus.
