Need help getting started
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 4
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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?
Anyone have any suggestions? And why do you like that one?
#3
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
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.
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.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#4
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
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?
So, no indoor bike recommendations?
#5
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,285
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
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?
So, no indoor bike recommendations?
First year when I hit 9,000 miles
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#6
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
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.
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.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#8
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Three questions.
Susan?
Birthday?
Am I missing something, or do you have me confused with someone else?
Susan?
Birthday?
Am I missing something, or do you have me confused with someone else?
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
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.
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.
#11
rebmeM roineS

Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,230
Likes: 363
From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
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.
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.
Yes an outdoor bike is the way to go 99.9% of the time.
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.
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
That's OK. Feel free to wish her a Happy Birthday from me too.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#14
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.
#15
All Campy All The Time


Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 124
From: Richmond, Virginia
Bikes: Listed in my signature.
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.
__________________
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
My C&V Bikes:
1972 Bottecchia Professional, 1972 Legnano Olympiade Record,
1982 Colnago Super, 1987 Bottecchia Team C-Record,
1988 Pinarello Montello, 1990 Masi Nuova Strada Super Record,
1995 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, 1995 DeBernardi Thron
#16
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Heart of Appalachia (Eastern Ohio)
Bikes: 2016 Trek DS 8.3 Hybrid, 2013 Schwinn Searcher
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.
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