best spinning bike for short people image
Serendipit
I am interested in losing a little weight and toning up a bit, but I don't want a short term thing. I was ready to buy a recumbent bike to work out indoors because it is getting cooler and i won't have an excuse not to use it. Although I saw on biggest loser the trainer said to get a spin bike. I am not sure what that is but he said that it is the best workout u can get? Any suggestions for me? I am strictly asking about the bikes. I already know about diet.
Answer
The one you continue to use is the best one. Real cyclists all use a regular outdoor bike on a trainer (see links below). The least expensive trainers, like I use, are less than $100 (minus bike). The benefit is that once you take the bike off, they take up hardly any space, and when you're riding, it feels the same as your regular bike, because it IS your regular bike.
If money is no object, Computrainer is the gold standard. It interfaces with your computer, (and HRM or Powertap if you have them), allowing you to ride various virtual courses, or even race friends on the internet.
Spin bikes are a specialized contraption used in spin classes. Spin classes can be a fun diversion, but I wouldn't bother with one of those for home use.
The one you continue to use is the best one. Real cyclists all use a regular outdoor bike on a trainer (see links below). The least expensive trainers, like I use, are less than $100 (minus bike). The benefit is that once you take the bike off, they take up hardly any space, and when you're riding, it feels the same as your regular bike, because it IS your regular bike.
If money is no object, Computrainer is the gold standard. It interfaces with your computer, (and HRM or Powertap if you have them), allowing you to ride various virtual courses, or even race friends on the internet.
Spin bikes are a specialized contraption used in spin classes. Spin classes can be a fun diversion, but I wouldn't bother with one of those for home use.
What are some cons to getting a full suspension bike?
Lipiew
I'm torn between getting just a front suspension bike or a full. I heard the rear suspension takes away from the pedal power but is more comfortable? Does it really and is it noticable?
Answer
If you buy a good full suspension design that has a "platform" rear shock, you won't lose much efficiency at all......and if you tune it properly, it can be darn close to riding a hardtail. Not totally, but only the really cruddy designs tend to bounce when you pedal. And if you pedal properly, it won't be an issue most of the time anyway, as long as you tune the shock correctly. In addition, any little squishing that you get when you pedal under power can be a benefit when you're climbing up steep, loose terrain.....it helps to dig the rear wheel in for more traction, while a hardtail will just spin out and probably cause you to stall unless you have very good climbing skills. The only other disadvantages to full suspension are the need to maintain the linkage and bolts holding it all together...more maintenance and higher costs when you need parts. And they usually add a little bit of weight to the bike, but not much unless you get into the long-travel bikes. The benefits of full suspension really outweigh the disadvantages, especially with today's bikes that are MUCH better than ones from several years ago.
Hardtails are really fun on most trails as long as you have some decent handling skills and are physically fit. Otherwise, they can bounce you around and either tire you out a lot faster or make you very sore in your back. In really rocky or rooty terrain, they can buck you right off the bike if you aren't careful and skilled. But they're fun and zippy and simple, all of which are nice. Hardtails also excel at jumping....when you see some of these riders launching ramps and bunnyhopping full suspension bikes, they deserve your respect! Full suspension is better for drops over a few feet, but for taking jumps with ramps, hardtails rule. If you run some 2.25 or larger tires on a hardtail, you can get a little bit of cushion to soften the ride. Put a set of 2.4 tires at 35psi and you'll almost feel like you're on full suspension unless it's really rough.
My advice would be to try your best to ride any full suspension bikes you're considering.....ride them on an actual trail if at all possible. Sometimes people will let you ride their bikes at the trailhead, or swap bikes with you for a short stretch.....ask around. This is a great way to get to know different bike designs and get a feel for what you really like before you start shopping.
Hope this helps you out some.....good luck! :o)
If you buy a good full suspension design that has a "platform" rear shock, you won't lose much efficiency at all......and if you tune it properly, it can be darn close to riding a hardtail. Not totally, but only the really cruddy designs tend to bounce when you pedal. And if you pedal properly, it won't be an issue most of the time anyway, as long as you tune the shock correctly. In addition, any little squishing that you get when you pedal under power can be a benefit when you're climbing up steep, loose terrain.....it helps to dig the rear wheel in for more traction, while a hardtail will just spin out and probably cause you to stall unless you have very good climbing skills. The only other disadvantages to full suspension are the need to maintain the linkage and bolts holding it all together...more maintenance and higher costs when you need parts. And they usually add a little bit of weight to the bike, but not much unless you get into the long-travel bikes. The benefits of full suspension really outweigh the disadvantages, especially with today's bikes that are MUCH better than ones from several years ago.
Hardtails are really fun on most trails as long as you have some decent handling skills and are physically fit. Otherwise, they can bounce you around and either tire you out a lot faster or make you very sore in your back. In really rocky or rooty terrain, they can buck you right off the bike if you aren't careful and skilled. But they're fun and zippy and simple, all of which are nice. Hardtails also excel at jumping....when you see some of these riders launching ramps and bunnyhopping full suspension bikes, they deserve your respect! Full suspension is better for drops over a few feet, but for taking jumps with ramps, hardtails rule. If you run some 2.25 or larger tires on a hardtail, you can get a little bit of cushion to soften the ride. Put a set of 2.4 tires at 35psi and you'll almost feel like you're on full suspension unless it's really rough.
My advice would be to try your best to ride any full suspension bikes you're considering.....ride them on an actual trail if at all possible. Sometimes people will let you ride their bikes at the trailhead, or swap bikes with you for a short stretch.....ask around. This is a great way to get to know different bike designs and get a feel for what you really like before you start shopping.
Hope this helps you out some.....good luck! :o)
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