Originally Posted by
Cognitive
Given my newbie status, would it be advisable to get something like a Schwinn or similar low budget exercise bicycle? I have a very nice and expensive treadmill but absolutely hate it - the Schwinn should be preferable I hope...
Any thoughts on such 'low budget' items? trying to keep it under $300-400.
Are you talking about just to ride around for exercise or hook to a trainer?
For just riding around you can go low budget if the bike is quality enough for you to ride. It doesn't help if you go cheap but then won't ride the thing. It also does no good to spend way way too much if you don't need it for the foreseeable future. For $300-400 you can get a tremendous bike especially if you go used.
To hook up to a trainer I use my best bike, which is a Raleigh Revenio 2.0 as well as my other bike which is a Cannondale Quick 5 (hybrid). You can use ANY bike as long as you will get on it and pedal. Be aware that trainers are known to eat tires so get a dedicated trainer tire or another that you don't mind to get chewed up.