What's the difference between a bike like this:

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/product_images/info/prd{F8027A18-76FD-4C07-9FD1-56F818D4F2A8}.jpg

and one like this?

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/product_images/info/prd{7299AFA0-3CA7-4A42-A42C-86F84AFE9C5F}.jpg

In my opinion the 1st one looks a lot more comfortable. I've never understood why they put those massive fat seats on exercise bikes. They just get in the way of your legs. When have you ever seen a real bike with a saddle like that?

Anyway, asides from that, can anyone inform me as to how the 2 differ? Thanks.

Looks like the one on the top is a spinning bike, which is FAR different from a traditional exercise bike.

Basically, on a spin bike, the "wheel" is a weighted flywheel, and the pedals are directly linked to it (no "coasting"). So the difficulty is controlled by how hard and how fast you pedal (although there is a mechanical resistance adjustment... basically a brake which rubs against the wheel). Once you get the flywheel in motion, it will want to stay in motion, forcing your legs to either keep up or use your own muscle power to stop the wheel from "spinning."

On a traditional exercise bike, the pedals spin independently (you can "coast"), and the resistance is controlled by a computer. This allows for various "programs" that will simulate differing terrain. By the way... the exercise bike you posted at the bottom is not a very good one, and will not stand up to much usage.

Thanks for the reply, it was very informative.

Which would you recommend for a LISS workout?

Also, what about this kind?

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/product_images/info/prd%7BE0122C0C-CE58-4DA4-836A-A823CB86DD4C%7D.jpg

The "air-dyne" style bike is pretty much obsolete these days... what's your price range?

Unfortunately, I don't have a great deal of spend. Probably around £250-£300. So the ones on this page generally fit into that range:

http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/upright_exercise_bikes/10003_0c.html

I'd look for something with a computer-controlled program option... something like the Reebok RB2. Out of all that I looked at on that site I thought the ZTX Program was a nice bike for 349.

The reason they put they those fat seats on bicycles is to make sure you're still capable if fathering a child after a year of hour-long LISS sessions 4 times a week.....:)

The fat seats have a wider area of support which cushions the load over a greater area ....thereby supposedly limiting damage to the Kojones and certain nerves found in that area.....which a "banana"-style compact racing seat is said to aggravate over time.

Mnay seat styles have come out to address this issue.

I have found that the mounting plates on most stat bikes are different than the ones found on most real bicycles.....so it's tough to just go down to the bike shop,pick out their $150 "ergonomic" special and just bolt it on.....

I'd look for something with a computer-controlled program option... something like the Reebok RB2. Out of all that I looked at on that site I thought the ZTX Program was a nice bike for 349.

Thanks for the advice. I'll check out your suggestion later.

The other alternative for me would be to get those rollers you can attach a real bike to and just use the bike I currently have.

The reason they put they those fat seats on bicycles is to make sure you're still capable if fathering a child after a year of hour-long LISS sessions 4 times a week.....:)

The fat seats have a wider area of support which cushions the load over a greater area ....thereby supposedly limiting damage to the Kojones and certain nerves found in that area.....which a "banana"-style compact racing seat is said to aggravate over time.

I guess I am too used to a normal bike as all those fat seats do to me is limit the ROM of my leg which makes me end up sitting right on the end of the seat like I would a thin saddle so I can stretch my leg all the way down but with even less support.

As for it damaging the Kojones, is that really an issue? You don't sit on them. The only thing I can think of that might affect them is the greater ROM I mentioned. I used to ride on a racing saddle a lot and I've never had any trouble with my junk.

Maybe something like this is what I should go for?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=13649

Maybe something like this is what I should go for?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=13649

If you've got a real bike, yeah this is a good option.

Maybe something like this is what I should go for?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=13649
I don't think there's going to be any real resistance with that product. It looks like the wheels are pretty much just going to free-spin.

I don't think there's going to be any real resistance with that product. It looks like the wheels are pretty much just going to free-spin.

They are aimed a professional cyclists for training. There must be some degree of resistance or why would anyone use them?

Maybe something like this is what I should go for?

http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=13649

Unless you're a cyclist, no.

Rollers are a great tool for developing your spin: clean, perfect, smooth spin. The drawbacks are that they take some getting used to; they require a lot of balance; you can't really hammer on them; if you lose your concentration while riding, you will fall off.

Unless you're looking for a training tool as a cyclist, I would suggest you get yourself a trainer (http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=12739). On a trainer, your bike is fixed, so you can hammer and stand to your heart's content. More expensive ones also have variable resistance. You can set yourself up in front of the TV and ride without worrying about killing yourself. :nod:

They are aimed a professional cyclists for training. There must be some degree of resistance or why would anyone use them?

Yes, they have rolling resistance, plus resistance dependent on the material used and size of the cylinders.

You can also vary resistance through your bike's gearing.

Unless you're a cyclist, no.

Rollers are a great tool for developing your spin: clean, perfect, smooth spin. The drawbacks are that they take some getting used to; they require a lot of balance; you can't really hammer on them; if you lose your concentration while riding, you will fall off.

Unless you're looking for a training tool as a cyclist, I would suggest you get yourself a trainer (http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=12739). On a trainer, your bike is fixed, so you can hammer and stand to your heart's content. More expensive ones also have variable resistance. You can set yourself up in front of the TV and ride without worrying about killing yourself. :nod:

Thanks for that Chopaholic. I'll look into those.

Having used the rollers, the trainer, and several different types of stationary bike, I will say that there is no comparison between the three. All serve very different functions. If you are looking for an enjoyable experience, I'd still vote for the stationary bike. If you are looking to just "spin your wheels," then the trainer is fine (unless you have a mountain bike, which would be extremely uncomfortable). If you are looking to hone your skills as a cyclist, then rollers will do the job.

I still maintain that the computerized programming on most stationary bikes is the best feature to keep the experience from getting tedious. Even with a trainer (which may have some kind of resistance settings), YOU are in control of when the difficulty changes and how difficult it gets. With a stationary bike set on the "random hill" program, it's a matter of chance, which adds another level of challenge to the ride.

For me, there's nothing like being 70-80 minutes into a workout and seeing that the computer is going to throw an "as hard as it gets" hill into the mix... your legs are already dead, you are thinking that the worst is over, and then you have to grit your teeth and get through it.

I believe in part the fat pads are that way because newbies find them comfortable. I don't mean to offend, but elites, even when on a stationary setup, will not use those. With proper bike shorts and acclimation to a seat, it's possible to withstand hours with moderate comfort--certainly an hour is nothing after a few weeks in the saddle.

If you have a bike already and it's not a road bike, I'd swap its rear wheel with a slick and buy a $150 trainer. It will kick the balls off a similarly priced stationary bike. It lacks the computer and all that because it works. If you want, you can drop $60 for a nice wireless+cadence setup for your bike and rig that up to at least get feedback on your cadence, which can be extrapolated to speed, while cycling on the trainer. Get some padded bike shorts if you need to as well and you can use them in the summer, too!

Spin bikes are nice but I think they are overpriced. A good one costs more than a decent bike with a trainer, and that bike can be used outside!

My major issue with my stationary bike is the lack of resistance even on the highest level. In your price range it may be difficult but things to bare in mind. The ones with a larger flywheel should be better quality and capable of providing more resistance. Electromagnetic as opposed to resistance from a permenant magnet should be a better option (there are exceptions).

If I were you i'd go to one of their showrooms so you can have a go before you buy.

The other option is just you use your bike you have already and get out there (into the lovely dark/cold/rain) :)

My major issue with my stationary bike is the lack of resistance even on the highest level. In your price range it may be difficult but things to bare in mind. The ones with a larger flywheel should be better quality and capable of providing more resistance. Electromagnetic as opposed to resistance from a permenant magnet should be a better option (there are exceptions).

If I were you i'd go to one of their showrooms so you can have a go before you buy.

The other option is just you use your bike you have already and get out there (into the lovely dark/cold/rain) :)

The London streets don't lend themselves to an uninterrupted workout unfortunately. Not unless you are prepared to risk you life.

The London streets don't lend themselves to an uninterrupted workout unfortunately. Not unless you are prepared to risk you life.

I have a friend who cycles into cental London every day. He tells some interesting stories about the various times he's been hit by cars and had his bike run over (he just about managed not to suffer the same fate). So I'd agree the stationary bike may be a little safer :nod:

I have a friend who cycles into cental London every day. He tells some interesting stories about the various times he's been hit by cars and had his bike run over (he just about managed not to suffer the same fate). So I'd agree the stationary bike may be a little safer :nod:

Don't get me wrong. It's not that bad riding around central London, but if I wanted to keep my heart rate up I'd have to jump a few red lights here and there. That's where the danger lies.

what did you end up getting?

what did you end up getting?

I've not actually got anything yet, but I'm about to start a cut so I think I'll be getting a trainer to use my bike on. Space is very limited in flat, and I can't afford masses so it seems like the right option. My might go and look at some this weekend. If I come back with anything I'll post it in here.

Thanks for the all the advice it was very helpful. :tu: