Home exercise bike

[BirdinHand]

I am pretty low key with fitness. Usually go for a 3 mile walk daily - or if the weather isn’t cooperating, will do a cardio video or yoga at home for 30 minutes.

But, I’ve recently enjoyed a few spin classes with a friend - and now am looking to add an exercise bike to my home options. (As much as I enjoyed the spin classes, becoming a member and being able to commit to attending regularly just isn’t going to happen. Life is just way too chaotic to commit to that at this juncture)

Does anyone have any recommendations they can share?

I’m not looking to go and get a super fancy studio level “bike”, but I’d like something that is relatively durable - as I know the kiddo will definitely play with it and may even use it. So, I don’t want cheap or unstable either.

Definitely want something that has Bluetooth or WiFi capability so that an app can be used to keep things engaging.

Not pro or against something like a Pelonton (?) but also don’t want to waste money on a specific brand, etc just because that’s what is popular.

Crowd sourcing as much feedback and suggestions possible.

 

[Chock Full o Nuts]

Wife has a Nordic Track bike that will link to tablet/phone and go along with a video of a ride. Resistance changes with journey..

Pretty cool, and not any Peleton price catagory.

 

[lynnwinslow]

I am pretty low key with fitness. Usually go for a 3 mile walk daily - or if the weather isn’t cooperating, will do a cardio video or yoga at home for 30 minutes.

But, I’ve recently enjoyed a few spin classes with a friend - and now am looking to add an exercise bike to my home options. (As much as I enjoyed the spin classes, becoming a member and being able to commit to attending regularly just isn’t going to happen. Life is just way too chaotic to commit to that at this juncture)

Does anyone have any recommendations they can share?

I’m not looking to go and get a super fancy studio level “bike”, but I’d like something that is relatively durable - as I know the kiddo will definitely play with it and may even use it. So, I don’t want cheap or unstable either.

Definitely want something that has Bluetooth or WiFi capability so that an app can be used to keep things engaging.

Not pro or against something like a Pelonton (?) but also don’t want to waste money on a specific brand, etc just because that’s what is popular.

Crowd sourcing as much feedback and suggestions possible.

My spouse has been a road cyclist for years and we've had all sorts of home exercise bikes for when the weather is bad. I know Peloton is kind of culty but it really is the best indoor bike we've ever had.

 

[BirdinHand]

My spouse has been a road cyclist for years and we've had all sorts of home exercise bikes for when the weather is bad. I know Peloton is kind of culty but it really is the best indoor bike we've ever had.

Yeah - they do seem to have an almost cult like following.

I’m not object to one, there are numerous listed on my local FB Marketplace that I can ask about.

I just won’t go buying a new one right away…if that’s where I wind up.

I’ve read decent reviews on the Merach bikes, and they’re a fraction of the price. Have you any experience with them?

(Keep in mind, I’m entry level )

 

[lynnwinslow]

Yeah - they do seem to have an almost cult like following.

I’m not object to one, there are numerous listed on my local FB Marketplace that I can ask about.

I just won’t go buying a new one right away…if that’s where I wind up.

I’ve read decent reviews on the Merach bikes, and they’re a fraction of the price. Have you any experience with them?

(Keep in mind, I’m entry level )

We haven't had one of those, that I can remember! Our Peloton was used, it's been great.

 

[WorldWatcher]

I'm in my mid-60's and hate exercise. LOL Seriously, the knees just can take running anymore.

DO NOT get a low end exercise bike, you will regret it. Thousands for a Studio Level isn't worth it easier for the amount of use.

I have an Octane Fitness Airdyne X Fan Bike.

I don't do spin class, cardio, mountain climb aps. But I do 30-minutes a day. The thing with an Airdyne Bike is the obvious fan blades. So resistance vares by speed of rotation of the peddles. The faster you peddle the more wind resistance. There is a fender (not shown) that attaches to the fan cover below the seat. Take it off in the summer for a cool breeze, but it on in the winter to not have the breeze chill you.

WW
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[BirdinHand]

I'm in my mid-60's and hate exercise. LOL Seriously, the knees just can take running anymore.

DO NOT get a low end exercise bike, you will regret it. Thousands for a Studio Level isn't worth it easier for the amount of use.

I have an Octane Fitness Airdyne X Fan Bike.

I don't do spin class, cardio, mountain climb aps. But I do 30-minutes a day. The thing with an Airdyne Bike is the obvious fan blades. So resistance vares by speed of rotation of the peddles. The faster you peddle the more wind resistance. There is a fender (not shown) that attaches to the fan cover below the seat. Take it off in the summer for a cool breeze, but it on in the winter to not have the breeze chill you.

WW
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.
.


View attachment 67572057

how small are the openings…I’m envisioning this chaos child of mine trying to put Legos in there to see what would happen

 

[WorldWatcher]

Regarding Blutooth or WIFI. The bike I use doesnt have it, but I don't use like a "spin class" or "touring" app.

Remember the music stands for High SChool band. I have something like that but instead of a flat unit, there is an adjustable table holder for the top. Puts it right at eye level and I stream entertainment while riding.

WW

 

[WorldWatcher]

how small are the openings…I’m envisioning this chaos child of mine trying to put Legos in there to see what would happen

We don't have young kids in the house and the bike is in the master bedroom.

However the grill at it's widest is about 3/8", as an adult I can't put my pinky finger between them.

Since the fan blades are gear locked to the peddles, you could use a bike lock on the peddles to keep fixed in place when not in use.

WW

 

[CLAX1911]

I am pretty low key with fitness. Usually go for a 3 mile walk daily - or if the weather isn’t cooperating, will do a cardio video or yoga at home for 30 minutes.

But, I’ve recently enjoyed a few spin classes with a friend - and now am looking to add an exercise bike to my home options. (As much as I enjoyed the spin classes, becoming a member and being able to commit to attending regularly just isn’t going to happen. Life is just way too chaotic to commit to that at this juncture)

Does anyone have any recommendations they can share?

I’m not looking to go and get a super fancy studio level “bike”, but I’d like something that is relatively durable - as I know the kiddo will definitely play with it and may even use it. So, I don’t want cheap or unstable either.

Definitely want something that has Bluetooth or WiFi capability so that an app can be used to keep things engaging.

Not pro or against something like a Pelonton (?) but also don’t want to waste money on a specific brand, etc just because that’s what is popular.

Crowd sourcing as much feedback and suggestions possible.

Well the first thing I would advise is find something second hand. There are so many people that buy these and never use them so there's a huge second hand market and you don't have to have anything fancy if you're just trying to get some cardio in. The reason you would use a bike instead of doing like jumping jacks or something of that nature is because you have impact issues I have the same problem.

So find something second hand and see if it's something you're going to use. If it is and you like it and you use it then consider an upgrade. But I know so many people that spent $1,200 on some piece of equipment that they rarely use.

 

[BirdinHand]

Well the first thing I would advise is find something second hand

You know…I just went and looked and there are numerous in the FB marketplace in my area! Thank you!

 

[CLAX1911]

You know…I just went and looked and there are numerous in the FB marketplace in my area! Thank you!

Sorry I can't give you a brand or a model I don't know that much about them. But I'm being you can find someone selling exactly what you are looking for.