Hi everyone,
I want to start cycling but indoors exclusively, I'm just interested in fitness and not competing or racing or anything like that. The reason being where I live theres a lot of maniac drivers and when I used to ride outdoors when I was a kid I crashed more often than I'd like to admit, I'm a bit of a clutz. I used a cheap stationary bike for awhile but it broke down, and I've heard using a bike trainer is better than a stationary exercise bike, so if I was to get a bike only for use on an indoor trainer, would any bike be adequate? I would like to use it everyday or close to everyday, I'm guessing the weight wouldn't matter since I'm only staying in one spot, would it matter if it was a mountain or road bike? Should I get one with as many gears as possible to simulate various conditions?Any other considerations as far as design? How much would be an adequate price? As far as the trainer, I would like to simulate long distance rides as well as intervals, sprints and hill climbs if possible. I saw this trainer on ebay, https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...154406878&rd=1 is this one good or is there another brand that is better? Any advice would really be appreciated from anyone who uses an indoor trainer, sorry for all the questions but I would like to get this right. Thanks

So you dont ever plan on ridding outside ever again? You gota try again sometime!

Is there any way you could find a group of folks to ride with or just find some trails to drive or take the bus to instead? It seems a bit rastic to switch to indoor trainers.

Koffee

Hey, I understand you completely! If that's what you want to do then that's great. You don't have to listen to any counter arguments that you'll no doubt receive. I actually commend you for wanting to avoid the nonsense. I lived in Atlanta for 5 years and gave up cycling because of all of the maniacs behind the wheels of automobiles there. I did maybe a dozen to 15 rides and said to Hell with it. I live in Indianapolis now and it's better but still I prefer to do much of my exercise on the trainer. One day a week I try to go to a nearby park during a weekday. Weekends at the park are just too crowded with joggers, walkers, in-line skaters, cyclists, yadda yadda. I actually prefer solitude when I ride/exercise.

The 1Up USA trainer is supposed to have a very good reputation and a liberal return policy. The Kurt Kenetic is also supposed to be a very good one with excellent reviews. I bought a CycleOps Fluid 2 last Fall and have noticed a small leak so I can no longer recommend that model. I thought they had fixed that issue with the newer models but apparently not.

As far as the bike goes, it's purely personal preference. If I were to only own 1 bike it would be a mountain bike simply because they can handle such varied terrain. However, indoors on a trainer it's going to be a matter of what bike feels the most comfortable as there will be no varied terrain on which to ride. That's a decision you're going to have to make on your own. Both mountain bikes and many non-racer road bikes will have a more upright riding position and will be suitable for indoor trainer use.

As far as the gearing goes, I don't think you're going to need a tripple up front as you won't be able to simulate going up hill on a trainer. You'll be able to work harder and push yourself just the same, however, you won't need to downshift to the granny gear. I would think a double up front and an 8 speed (Sora) or 9 speed (Tiagra) would be sufficient for a road bike that is for indoor trainer use only. Just be sure to buy the cheapest tires you can.

P.S. when we were kids we all crashed more than we'd like to admit. It's part of being a kid. I know I have my fair share of battle scars.

Get the trainer- you'll have it and can use it at any time.

Here's another idea:
Do you have a health club that is accessible to you that offers spinning? If you are truly looking just for fitness benefits but don't want to ride outside, spinning classes at a health club could help motivate and kick it up a notch on days you need that extra ummph! The health club will also offer a variety of other cardio classes, equipment, and options that will help you to increase your fitness level without growing bored. You will be likely to meet new friends that may be in the same boat as you - and who knows, maybe you will change your mind and join an outdoor club cycling group, running, or hiking or something. If not, you have your trainer at home and you have the membership at the gym.

I don't think it is weird that you just want to ride a trainer indoors and not be outside. Each of us have our own desires and goals. I commend you for just wanting to be fit and think it's great that you are actively going to work towards being fit rather than just talking about it.

I'm no expert on trainers but I read the description of that one on Ebay. The price is on the high end. It sounds like the resistance is generated from internal sliding friction with the normal force a function of the speed. Lots of problems to overcome for a design like this to work good.

You might want to look at a Kurt Kinetic. They do a good job of matching road resistance and use good technology to do so. Not perfect but the company stands behind them.

As far as a bike you won't care about weight, handling, or ride. Fit is important to the extent that you can get the handlebar/seat/pedal relationship right. Good pedals, shoes, and cycling shorts will also be nice. A bike shop that will sell you a low end bike but help you set it up properly, maybe swapping out stems and such, would be a good way to go. You'll probably want to try different seats to so if they have a used seat bin you can take advantage of that will be a plus. You certainly won't need a triple! Definitely go with a road bike for longer, tighter gearing and more versatile hand positions. You could sit bolt upright and probably be more comfortable but what fun would that be?

There are some dedicated stationary bikes which are high quality and won't break down. These would be the lowest maintenance and are typically very adjustable. You also would never have to inflate tires or clean the friction roller.

Lots of options. I find riding indoors very enjoyable and rewarding too. Also a great time to read.

1) I have a Kurt Kinetics, good trainer, there is a computer for it that does watts. Very cool.
2) Get a book that talks about dealing with traffic, and other safety issues. Your library should be able to inter-library loan this one
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...books&n=507846
3) Riding in a small group really helps beginners, which is why most bike shops organise group rides. Call around and find out what is available.