stationary bike - spin or electronic

[joel]

been looking at getting a stationary bike so i can work out from home and help with my rehabilitation... not sure whether i should go with a spin bike or an electronic one...

the one i use at my work office is electronic and i don't have much experience with spin cycles. but they seem a bit more compact and i'm hoping the lack of electronics = less maintenance long term.

[se7entse7en]

If I understand what you're asking, here are some cons of bike trainers depending on the type:
1) You need a bike
2) Expensive
3) Can be noisy
4) If it's hydraulic, note that all seals eventually leak.
5) Can be hard on your rims

Whatever you decide though, stay away from the roller trainers. You WILL fall off your bike with one of these... and not just once or twice but several times.

This is what completely turned me off the idea of rollers:


http://www.livestrong.com/article/14274 ... formation/

I'd say that if you're gonna have to buy a bike anyway, you might as well ride outside.

[joel]

no i wasn't really looking at this bike trainer thing but something like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_cycling as opposed to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_bicycle

[se7entse7en]

Oh, I see.

Well, just looking at the pictures, the exercise bike allows for a more upright seated position whereas the Indoor Cycle is a more conventional posture. I suppose if you have back issues the seated position may be helpful, however, I believe it is less efficient from a power transfer perspective... it will also likely be harder on your bottom (believe it or not).

I think the best suggestion would be to just get out there and try them. You're gonna be spending hours and hours on it. Might as well find one that you can ride comfortably... without knee strain, chaffing, etc.

[nature boy]

lol at the video.
wouldn't it just be easier to prop up the rear and bike? i guess there won't be much resistance though.

[se7entse7en]

The point is to work on your balance.

[nature boy]

haha, oh. in that case, that guy's balance sucks.

[joel]

i think i am going to go with the spin bike. it's a little less bulky and i think in the end it'll need less maintenance. it's also a bit cheaper for something on the high end. I'll just have to do without all those preset programs, and heart rate monitors etc..