Bike Trainer vs Spin Bike for Cycle Max

[JT]

With the new spin workout in our midst, I decided to look at both spin bikes which are even sold at Walmart to Bike trainers, which attach to the back wheel of a mountain bike or a road bike.
Bike trainer attachment ranges in price from $120-$500 plus need a mat not to ruin floors or carpeting. Only found at bike shops. Some trainers fit better with some bike brands better than others. My road bike/touring is a 12 speed Raliegh Technium and my mountain bike is a Haro VGF, a lot less of quality of bike to my Raleigh and is considered novice in sport. One trainer may not fit both bikes well.
Spin Bikes range from $199-???. Walmart website showing one for $689.00. Advantage over trainer is not having to take bike on and off of attachment plus easy to slide over. Disadvantage is price especially if you're looking for high performance. My experience in biking, the better the bike, the higher the price. I purchased my Raliegh in 1988 ticket price was close to $700.00 back then and got it for under $300.00, replacement value is over 2K.
Goal is to purchase a trainer or spin bike by the time I actually do the video. Bought it because the pre-sale package was good to pass up plus I used to ride all the time.
Thoughts, advice and comments welcome.

 

[steppin out]

JT - I've been trying to figure out the same thing and had asked a very similar question on another forum I am on. A couple of people replied they like their trainers, but they are not very stable and when someone is spinning they are likely standing up a lot and you may feel like you are going to tip over with a trainer. I have also heard trainers are rough on bike tires. Just watch out for the sizing of a spin bike (I am only 5', and some say they are for people larger than that). Good luck with your decision!

I still have to pre-order!

 

[DirtDiva]

I opted for a trainer over a spin bike. I decided I didn't want another big piece of equipment in my home gym. Plus I already have 4 mountainbikes and one high end road bike. I was concerned that the carbon fiber frame would be damaged by the trainer skewer, but that's not going to happen with the one I got.

The rear tire will eventually flatten out and getting a trainer-specific tire is a good idea. The smoother the tire the better, because of noise and vibration. It is a pain to change out these tires, so ideally you get a spare cheaper wheel and use that. When you want to take the bike off the trainer you switch out the wheels and leave the trainer wheel with the skewer in it. So this can be a hassle if you have a complicated set-up. The trainer that I have has a one-handed lever, and the wheel is released. It comes with a skewer that fits most bikes too.

I went with the Kurt Kinetic Rock & Roll Pro (which has the 18 pound fly wheel) and a turn-table for the front wheel. The action on this is just like riding outdoors, so your rear is moving. I stand up on this all the time, sway, etc., and have never felt like I was going to fall off. I am also wearing my cycling shoes, so I'm clipped into the pedal which I think is key to a great experience.

This thing isn't small, and its probably one of the more expensive trainers out there at around $700 by the time you get the front turntable. That can be as much as a spin bike. To me though, I am on the bike that was fitted to me. This is personal preference, but I'm so happy I went this way. I've also heard that a quality spin bike can be fitted to you and the resistance is easier by twisting a knob, but I like the feel of riding and shifting gears. Another con may be the noise of the tires on a trainer if you have knobbies.

 

[JT]

With funds being limited, I may be purchasing a spin bike for myself for Christmas this year. My Cathe library is so huge, I have enough workouts to keep busy without doing STS.