Cathe Friedrich Forums

feebee · #1 05-03-2011, 04:32 PM

Cathe or SNM, will you be posting on which type of bike will work best for the spinning dvd? Like what specifications would work best, upright or spinning, weight of flywheel, straps on pedal necessary, etc. I have not purchased an indoor bike in twenty years and my, how they have changed. I want to purchase but am not sure what features to be concerned with. Any help or suggestions would be great!
Thanks so much,
Colleen

SNM Videos · #2 05-03-2011, 06:54 PM

There are a lot of good spin and indoor cycle bikes you can select from. At our health club we use Star Trac V-Bikes for our cycle classes, but these bikes were purchased 5 years ago and if we were to buy again we would probably get Star Trac NXT bikes or perhaps another brand.

Spin bikes for a health club have to be extra sturdy because of the abuse they have to be able to take. The home exerciser can purchase a much cheaper bike and still get a high quality product.

We may use our V-bikes for the Cycle Max video or we may use another brand, we just haven't decided yet as we're still considering options. Any good spin bike will do and I suggest reading the reviews from those who have them.

cab128 · #3 05-04-2011, 05:31 PM

SNM Videos - For what it is worth, I have taken many spin classes on the bikes at your health club as well as classes on the Star Trac NXT bikes at another nearby facility. Your bikes have much more comfortable adjustments and hold up better. Your spin classes are better too.

feebee - I know others have posted information on the bikes they use at home. I have a ProForm 290 SPX Indoor Cycle Trainer at home that sells for $239.99 on Amazon. The spin bike is inexpensive and I get just as good of a workout/calorie burn on it that I get at the gym.

exercise-lover · #4 05-04-2011, 10:04 PM

I have asked this question before, but no one has answered it that I've seen. Can you use a regular stationary bike for this upcoming DVD? How does a spin bike differ from a regular one? Thanks.

DirtDiva · #5 05-05-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exercise-lover

I have asked this question before, but no one has answered it that I've seen. Can you use a regular stationary bike for this upcoming DVD? How does a spin bike differ from a regular one? Thanks.

There are differences.
A spin bike allows you to climb standing out of the saddle, you can also lean forward and your body geometry is that of when you outside on your bike climbing. You can sprint forward on the bars on in the drops the handlebars. The spin bike or bike trainer works with a flywheel which keeps the pedals moving.

Stationary exercise bikes usually have large seats, versus the real saddle of a spin bike or your own bike on a trainer. That will get in your way if you are wanting to stand and climb. The upright geometry of a stationary bike may make this difficult to do also. You will still be able to spin and work your body/legs on an exercise bike and some models can be adaptable. The real differences are body geometry and the flywheel, plus the resistance features of the spin bike or your own bike with gears on a trainer.

I have been on all three and prefer my own road bike on a moving trainer. Some prefer spin bikes, and others stationary bikes, anything can be adapted, you will still be moving and having fun with the music. If you have the chance, bike shops usually carry spin bikes and bike trainers, plus stationary bikes and you can give it a whirl.

exercise-lover · #6 05-05-2011, 10:06 PM

Thanks for this explanation. That's an excellent suggestion to go to a bike shop and just scope it out. I wonder if I could get a different saddle for my bike. It is adjustable and even has programs for doing mountains, etc. I don't use it as much as I should and would love to be able to use this DVD on it. I think I'll go look at the differences. Thanks.

DebbieH · #7 05-06-2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exercise-lover

Thanks for this explanation. That's an excellent suggestion to go to a bike shop and just scope it out. I wonder if I could get a different saddle for my bike. It is adjustable and even has programs for doing mountains, etc. I don't use it as much as I should and would love to be able to use this DVD on it. I think I'll go look at the differences. Thanks.

I thought the same thing about just getting another seat on your bike. I still don't understand why it wouldn't work though. Seems to me like it would be fine but maybe I'm missing something. If you can change the tension, I'd think you'd be able to stand/jump....but, again, maybe I'm just missing something.

DirtDiva · #8 05-06-2011, 10:01 AM

Oh definitely swapping the seat for a bike saddle would really be helpful. That is what I did a few years back when I had a stationary exercise bike. If it has a panel in front where the programs are displayed like mine did, that will limit certain positions, but other then that I would still go for it. I used to go crazy on mine, got it so covered in sweat it rusted in certain spots!

DebbieH · #9 05-06-2011, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtDiva

Oh definitely swapping the seat for a bike saddle would really be helpful. That is what I did a few years back when I had a stationary exercise bike. If it has a panel in front where the programs are displayed like mine did, that will limit certain positions, but other then that I would still go for it. I used to go crazy on mine, got it so covered in sweat it rusted in certain spots!

Now, that is what I call a good workout!

That is a riot!