walk28

My apologies for the cross-post, but I haven't received any responses in the Recreation folder, and I need some advice before hubby regrets allowing me to turn the den into a workout room

Hubby and I are thinking about buying an indoor trainer to turn our cheapie big-box-store mountain bikes into stationary cycles as an alternative to working out on our treadmill. What do I need to make this an effective, comfortable workout? I've read some info on other sites and have all but decided on a magnetic trainer (found one on amazn for 79.99 + free ship) and block to raise the front tire. I figured we could just use the gear shifts to adjust resistance while on the bike, so no need for a remote. How does this sound, and is there anything else I should consider? Also, hubby is a big guy (~275 lbs) - do I need to be concerned about how much weight these things will support? Thanks!

oldskoolboarder

W/o spending more, that should be fine. You might want to get some slick tires to put on the rear, those knobbies will get REALLY loud and wear out fast depending how often you use the trainer.

Portis

First of all, this forum is pretty much visited by people that ride OUTSIDE during the winter. So my first suggestion is that you consider riding outside and discovering what all of us icebikers already know...."winter cyling is just as fun if not funner than any other season."

With that said, many can't get past the first obstacle which is there mind. So they never get a chance to learn how easy and comfortable it really is. It is all about dressing correctly. I am entering my third winter of riding and I do enjoy it. I prefer the warmer seasons, but mainly because it get really OLD messing with all of the extra gear every day... lights, tights, gloves, balaclava,base layers, studded tires, etc.

NOtice i didn't mention temperature, because it really isn't a problem.

NOw that i have said that....THE TRAINER:

I have a trainer. I bought it last season. I got the rim drive model because it allows you to leave knobby tires on a bike, you don't need slicks. I learned very quickly last year that riding a trainer is very near the most boring activity in the world. It will quickly teach you that the joy of bike riding must be in the change of scenery because staying in place sucks!

I can only handle 1 hour on a trainer and even at that I am soooooooooooooo glad to crawl off of it. That is why i ride outside every day in the winter unless it is raining. It is really cool to hear the crunch of new fallen snow under your tires, as I cruise the quiet, isolated countryside with the smell of someone's wood fired chimney hitting my nose.

Winter is sooooooo much more tranquil than summer. Where i ride, you can really find quiet in the winter. A couple of occasions i have gotten off the bike just to hear the quiet. Absolutely dead calm. Which is rare in our modern world.

Oh Yeah...here is a pic of the trainer. Mine costed about $120. (Probably one of the worst purchases i have ever made.) It does allow me to still get on the bike on days when i otherwise would not.

oldskoolboarder

Good points. You're better off riding outside, it's better motivation. I use the trainer during winter time, my wife uses it currently when she has to stay home w/ the 4 month old. Otherwise, I ride outside. I race cyclocross, so I don't mind riding/training in the rain or cold.

I've some Spinvervals and Tivo and even those weren't enough to keep me on the Cyclops for more than a few months. I use the trainer as a last resort.

You might be better off saving money if you don't think you can ride consistently indoors. How often do you use the treadmill?

walk28

Thanks to both of you for your responses!!

I love riding outside. I think people on the bike trail look a me funny because I tend to ride with a smile on my face! I bought the cheapie bikes last year to try to get back into riding (hadn't done it since high school). But, of course, it's true what everyone says about the cheapies - I would really love to invest in a road bike, but I'm in grad school right now so I have to be very frugal. Plus, we bought cheap bike racks, that not only ruined the trunk of my car, but don't feel very secure when our two clunkers are on them. And the loose dogs (being chased once when no one else in the n'hood was home in the middle of the day was enough for me) and the crazy drivers in my neighborhood make me a little skittish of riding around home. So I'm going to invest in good bike later on when I have more time and a better way to transport it to the bike trails, where I really do enjoy riding outside. My next car will have a hitch.

I use my treadmill about 5 days a week, and just invested in a very nice upgrade over the $150 model I bought 6 years ago - brought it home today, actually! Boredom is not a problem, because it's the only time I can watch TV w/o worrying about school, errands, bills, hubby, etc. So, I was just thinking that until I'm able to get the bike and accessories I really want, I'd get some use out of the my cheap bike as a stationary in order to kick my exercise routine up a notch.

So, I'll give the trainer a try and maybe by the time I get the bike I want I'll actually be able to ride up the hill that leads out of my subdivision.

late

A lot of people buy trainers, and then put them on ebay. Same bucks, better trainer.

Just set it up in front of the tv, and have at it while watching your favorite tv show. A vcr helps for this (I use Tivo). This year I am going to try Spinervals dvds. If you go to grad achool, you must have access to a gym, any training is good.Or as one expert put it, the best exercise is the one you'll actually do.

Zin

WALK28
If you are going to be using the trainer, which is a good idea if you can overcome the boardom of it, I have only one additional word of advice.

GET A FAN!

Since your not moving through the air when riding a trainer or stationary bike, you need to move the air past you. Also, you may want to put towels under the bike to catch the sweat.