Need help getting started
 

Hi. I'm older and out of shape. I have been wanting to get more active, so I was wanting to purchase an indoor cycle and do some at home spin classes to help shed pounds and start getting more active. The problem is that I don't know what bike to buy. I only want to spend around 300 dollars. Surely I can get a nice indoor bike for this. I don't know why, but I was drawn to the Bladez bikes. But what I don't like is that their resistance knob does not have any markings to help you know how much resistance you are adding. Which would make it harder to do these classes.

Anyone have any suggestions? And why do you like that one?

How old is your old?

I started at 65 y/o

Most people start out wanting an indoor bike with the best intentions but fall off the wagon after a few weeks at best.
Visit a few bike shops and talk to the owner/manager about your goals, plans, budget, etc and you'll probably walk out with the right bike for you. Riding outside is MUCH more enjoyable than riding inside.

Can you put price on good health?

I started riding at 55 and weighed just shy of 250#. A year later I weighed ~180# and have kept it off thanks to cycling. I'm now 72.

I'm 51. I have a 14 year old and an 11 year old. When not at work, I'm fulfilling my duties being a roadie for my kids. I just drive them around and carry their stuff. Their extra curricular are finally slowing down, so if I find something I like, I think I'll stick with it. I was going to attempt to participate in the online streaming classes or saved spin classes.

So, no indoor bike recommendations?

60,000 miles in the wind for me.

First year when I hit 9,000 miles

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h.../9000mione.jpg

As noted above, folks who buy indoor bikes don't tend to stay with it.

IMO indoor bikes may be the most likely product to not get used and collect dust.

The problem is boredom, and there's no easy around it. OTOH, people tend to stay with outdoor cycling, which may have the highest long term consistency of any sport or recreation.

I don't know where you live, but if it's a flat area with some quiet, low traffic side streets, skip the indoor bike, and look for a decent ---COMFORTABLE -- outdoor bike, which you can use for local outings. Don't spend too much for this, because if you shed a few pounds and really enjoy it you'll want something else. Or it'll serve your purpose and you'll continue riding it as is a few hours a week (goal 4-5 hours/week) just for exercise.

Did you wish Susan a happy birthday yesterday?

Three questions.

Susan?
Birthday?

Am I missing something, or do you have me confused with someone else?

Sorry. I think I did confuse you with someone with "NY" in their name.

Most indoor bikes become drying racks for clothes or just room art.


Yes an outdoor bike is the way to go 99.9% of the time.


(NOTE: The cheap indoor trainers stink. The expensive ones are nice and I actually do like these but they are over $2,000.)


You can always get an outdoor bike AND get a "trainer" that you can attach the bike to so you can use it indoors. Those "Trainers" start at about $180.
https://www.rei.com/product/863022/c...oEsaAhqy8P8HAQ


I would consider the following:
1) Look on Craig's list for a BIKE that has the look and seat style you like and is the RIGHT SIZE for YOU and low cost.
2) And get a Trainer.

Good idea.

That's OK. Feel free to wish her a Happy Birthday from me too.

motivation for me

Craigslist is also a good place to find a trainer for cheap. I see them constantly for $20-$100.

There are usually, in my area anyway, plenty of indoor bikes on Craigslist too. If I were going that route, I would probably start with a used one...in case I didn't stick with it.

Two happiest days in a man's life - the day he gets an indoor bike (or other indoor exercise machine) and the day he gets rid of one. Treadmill, rowing machine, stationary bike, stair stepper, it doesn't matter. At least with a trainer, you can store it against the wall in a closet.

I agree with everyone concerning the BOREDOM factor, however, there are ways to keep it from being too bad. Netflix is a godsend. I usually watch several episodes of my favorite show. This gives me at least an hour to an hour and a half of decent cycling. I ride a Gold's Gym indoor cycle. Typical Wall-mart special. I think I paid $239 for it. It gets me through the winter........I do 2 or 3 rides per week on it. That's about all I can take without burning out from the boredom.