rlmalisz

My SO has a old-style Lemond stationary bike...the kind with the big flywheel in front. She wants to be able to start doing wattage-based training. We've considered upgrading her to a Wahoo Bike, since that would actually fit in the same space in her workout area, but she's balking some at the $$$ and some at the prospect of getting the Lemond downstairs and sold heading into summer cycling season...it'll be a lot easier to get a decent amount for come fall.

I've been intrigued with the new Garmin SPD power pedals. Not cheap, and not an urgent acquisition for me, but would like to get them or something equivalent at some point for my road bike. Quite a bit cheaper than the Wahoo Bike.

Here's my question: would slapping those onto her Lemond for the summer give her reasonable results and power metrics? My concern is the reverse pedal pressure that happens when the flywheel speed exceeds the crank speed and is pulling the pedals...that's just something that doesn't happen on "real bikes".

But could go this route for the near term, and then "steal" the pedals back for my bike when we get to fall. Thoughts? Is this a stupid idea?

--Richard

Ed Wiser

Not a bad Idea as a stop gap. You would. Just have to be watching the power reading to make sure you are the power she wants to ride at.
I have the Wahoo Kickr bike and I love it. Ride it everyday. I bought it when I retired and my wife’s health is not the best so. This make sure that I get to ride. Up at 6:15 am and on the bike for 20 miles a day. Then a few days a month ride outside when it can be arranged for me to do it.

Barry2 

Another Wahoo Kickr Bike user here.

I love that thing.
Too Hot, Too cold, Too wet, Too Dark, jump on and it's ready to go.
Yes they are expensive, but if I could only keep one bike, it would be the Kickr.

Mine is setup to exactly duplicate my Road bike, even the saddle.
I'd bet you'll both get more use from a kickr bike than a pair of power pedals.

Barry

tempocyclist

- The KICKR Bike is an incredible piece of kit, well built and feature packed, gives an incredible experience paired with interactive virtual cycling apps! No doubting it's expensive though!
- Putting powermeter pedals on your current stationary bike would work fine. You'd get accurate power enabling great training. Obviously no automated resistance changes if you're using Zwift, FulGaz, RGT, etc.
- The reverse pedal pressure thing is nothing to worry about.

They're two VERY different options!

If you do a LOT of indoor cycling, then the KICKR Bike would be a huuuuge upgrade over the Lemond.
If you're not bothered about automatic resistance changes, virtual worlds and whatnot - just want to train - then the powermeter pedals will serve you well.

Get both!

Viich

This. If you're going to get one thing, get the power meter pedals to train with power indoors and out. If both is above budget, get a Kickr or Kickr Core as well as the power pedals. (disclaimer - I have a Kickr Core, I use a PowerTap hub and my wife a 4iiii crank powermeter outside)