Exercise bike- buying advice ?

PragueAddick

The one I have has clearly come to the end of the road after I think 23 years, time to replace it, and of course things have moved on a bit! Here are my main criteria:

i definitely dont need any subscriptions for complex workouts. Deffo not in Peloton market! Simple regular cycling in winter months, thats all I need it for
- but it will be nice to have programme options and some basic data on my exercise. 

- Í am 70 now. I noticed quite a lot offered the recumbent position, and suggested it is especially suitable for seniors. What are the pros and cons? 

- I have a room where it will sit, so it doesnt need to be portable, but I’d prefer a reasonably light one

What else? Budget? maybe up to £800? 

I won’t be buying it in the UK of course and I was surprised that none of the Best Buy brands of Which magazine seemed to be available here - that’s not usual nowadays, they must have picked smaller British companies. Anyway, advice and suggestions abou the best rated brands would be helpful.

Thanks! 

SporadicAddick

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

Rizzo

In my case, I always pay attention to the handlebars, to check their suitability for hanging clothes on. This appears to be the main function of my exercise bike.

eaststandmike

If you want a true cycling experience don’t get anything less than a 20kg flywheel, this will allow you to simulate tough hills as well as flat. However if you are willing to spend close to £800 you should be covered 

PragueAddick

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

Its an interesting idea but it has become more important to keep cycling regularly to help stave off the arthrosis which is trying to cause problems there - according to my othopedist the cycling is especially good for that, pushes the flow of blood around. Also on the exercise bike I often take my iPad and read CL. I am on the bike right now!😀

PragueAddick

Some suggestions for the bigger brands that have a good rep. would be valuable. 

tallboy

Not a recommendation for actual hardware but a plug for a free of charge, software training platform called MyWhoosh. All sorts of different workouts on there and you can create your own if you want.

https://www.mywhoosh.com/

AFKABartram

PragueAddick said:

The one I have has clearly come to the end of the road after I think 23 years, time to replace it, 

 

Ironic that a vehicle that had never moved for 23 years is finally coming to the end of the road! 

StrikerFirmani

Have you considered a cross trainer?

You will get a better workout. You can use it similar for legs also top body if you want.  

I intended buying a treadmill as I couldn't do road running due to a knee problem.  I was advised however by a guy that sells all this stuff to try a cross trainer as it doesn't have impact on your joints as a treadmill does.    

The one I bought was more expensive than your stated budget but it has been worth every penny.  I also have a exercise bike but have stopped using it because the cross trainer is so much better.  It has a program options and no subscriptions.

Fitness Superstore in Tunbridge Wells own make so don't expect you will find it abroad but there are plenty of universal makes.    

paulsturgess

I have a keiser M3i, would recommend (but equally I have that and haven’t tried other ones!)

Mendonca In Asdas

I’ve got a life Fitness C3 upright with a go console, would recommend, but whether you can get it where you are, and whether it fits your budget, is another question.

https://www.fitkituk.com/blog/recumbent-bike-workout-plan-for-seniors/#:~:text=Seniors%20looking%20to%20work%20out,to%20three%20times%20a%20week.

Athletico Charlton

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ct_addick

I bought a used Peleton for about 450 quid here in USA and yes there is a monthly fee for the subscription but I can also turn the screen around and do weight training, yoga classes etc…I love it 

Gisappointed

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

Mendonca In Asdas

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

I’ve had one of the water resistant rowers ( guy in shop swore by them, said they were the way forward).

Unfortunately the one I bought kept leaking for some reason, was a nightmare to get sorted out.

Have now got a concept 2 rower, if it’s good enough for Garry Neville, it’s good enough for me.

Only on Charlton Life, could someone want advice on an exercise bike, and then be convinced they need a rowing machine, poor old Prague! 😆

Leroy Ambrose

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

PragueAddick

The advice to get different machines is well intended and I appreciate it, but I think it’s important at this age to stick with what i know I will use. In winter I do also follow an exercise regime which uses light weights and is designed for seniors. I’m just wary that I will buy some shiny new thing but not really master it or just be too old to get much benefit from it. With a bike, I know I will use it. 

guinnessaddick

Get an electric one, it will be much easier.

PopIcon

PragueAddick said:

The advice to get different machines is well intended and I appreciate it, but I think it’s important at this age to stick with what i know I will use. In winter I do also follow an exercise regime which uses light weights and is designed for seniors. I’m just wary that I will buy some shiny new thing but not really master it or just be too old to get much benefit from it. With a bike, I know I will use it. 

I remember a few years ago, an Addick was looking for guitar lessons and a helpful poster suggested they take hang gliding lessons instead.

May I suggest adding a pogo stick to the mix? You still get a great leg workout, it’s highly portable and the storage convenience is top-notch!

Stig

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

I'm so glad you said that, 'cos I was privately having a wtf moment. 

Gisappointed

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells with lower turnover, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

eaststandmike

Gisappointed said:

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

I believe Leroy is a cycling coach so I am looking forward to this 

PopIcon

Gisappointed said:

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells with lower turnover, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

Okay, answer me this. Is it true a basket on the front makes you go faster?

Leroy Ambrose

Gisappointed said:

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells with lower turnover, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

"I don't use exercise bikes much"

Probably best to just shut up about them then, eh? Much like I don't use rowing machines much... so haven't offered my opinion on them

Suffice it to say that the ride I did last night, lasting less than 50 minutes, would have had you curling up into a ball and crying

Leroy Ambrose

PopIcon said:

Gisappointed said:

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells with lower turnover, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

Okay, answer me this. Is it true a basket on the front makes you go faster?

Depends how aero it is 😉

Gisappointed

I bow to your greater cycling knowledge, but 50 minutes seems under-training when a race is four hours?

Chunes

Prague, have you considered a Wahoo Kickr? It's very small and you can just connect your current bike's back wheel to it. Then you can link with apps like Zwift for training etc. 

oohaahmortimer

I use an Assault Fitness bike at home and it has done us fine think we got it just before Covid and it's still going fine with regular use from all the family .
Would have been recommended by some fruit from the gym where my Mrs goes 

Mendonca In Asdas

Gisappointed said:

Leroy Ambrose said:

Gisappointed said:

SporadicAddick said:

Do you have space for / would you consider a rowing machine?

Personal view that it gives a better all round work out (and is no less or more boring than an exercise bike!)

If you gjo down that route, I'd get a water resistance version, especially if you are of veteran persuasion.

An hour on a bike is really just getting warmed up. Half that on a rower is a decent workout.

You don't half talk some pony, you 

Just how much experience do you have of rowing machines?  I have owned different versions for 30 years, used them for 50.  I dont use exercise bikes much apart from at gyms but a better bet seems to be putting your road bike on rollers as I do.

Talk pony? I have two bikes, and because you need a high cadence, I maintain an hour is minimum.  Of course you can load the resistance up to do shorter spells with lower turnover, but that will destroy your performance on the road.

2 bikes?

Youre not 2 sheds are you?

NornIrishAddick

I don't have much experience beyond owning a spinning bike (which works for me, but might not be for everyone).

I have a Schwinn, more basic than some of the ones out nowadays, it's an international brand, so possibly available in Czechia.

The list price is often expensive, but they are regularly discounted (at least in the UK).

soapy_jones

Don't get one not fixed to the floor,  that's a bike.

Happy to help.