Which do you prefer the spin bike or the trainer?

ARM

I'm thinking about buying one or the other since I live in the tundra and unfortunately I am getting old and cant take the cold like when I was a kid. I would like to hear from some hard core cyclist which one do your prefer?

Answer
I definitely prefer the trainer because I can ride my normal bike. This ensures the crank length and my position on the bike are the same rather than having to try to adapt to the set up of the spin bike.

A trainer generally costs less, too; you can get a good quality, new trainer for the same price or less than many spin bikes posted on eBay. A trainer is also pretty portable if you want/need to ride away from home.

starting position for bicycle with coaster brakes?

Nash R

How do children who ride bicycle with coaster brakes get the initial push/start? They cannot reverse pedal the right pedal into starting position like other bikes and push it down to get started. My son can ride the bike if I push the bike to start with but cannot start himself. What are some other common ways to get the initial movement?

Answer
Right pedal at the 2 o'clock position. To get it there walk the bike with a foot on the pedal or pick up the back tire and spin to position. I think tha's what you were asking about?

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Indoor Cycling Spin bikes?

KT

I'm looking to purchase an indoor spin bike. Unfortunately, I know nothing about what brands or features to investigate! I am 5'0 so I'm also concerned with buying something that will adjust well to my size. Any advice would be great! =)

Answer
Some bicycle and sporting goods stores sell stationary (indoor) bicycles. You can also buy them online. Shop around carefully because there are important differences between a LeMond RevMaster, a Schwinn stationary bike, a Spinner (tm) bike, and a Keiser M3. Most stationary bikes do adjust to fit people between approximately 5' and 6'3".

Contact the manufacturers to see if they can refer you to a local fitness center that has their bikes. Then you can go test them. Otherwise, try to find them at a store and take a test ride. This is important because you don't want to be stuck with a bike you dislike or makes you uncomfortable!

See if you can get any free DVDs or training. Is there any support if the bike breaks or needs maintenance? How will you learn to set up the bike properly, to ride with proper form, to exercise safely and to train appropriately?

You can also buy a a trainer, a frame that holds a regular bicycle still while you ride it. These are readily available at bike and sports shops too. I would definitely visit a local bike shop to discuss options involving trainers.

Where can i buy a 20 inch bike with training wheels?

jimmy

My son is autistic and has some muscular problems. He will be 11 soon and he wants to learn to ride a bike. He has a 16 inch bike but he is so tall he cant get comfortable on it. He has come a long way recently in his physical therapy and his therapist says a bike can help him build muscle on his legs. I bought a bike at walmart and a set of training wheels for a 20 inch bike but they weren't compatible with the bikes walmart sells. Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
I can find training wheels. I need a bike that is 20 inches at least and has training wheels already on it or at least can have them put on. The rear axle on all the 20 inch bikes at walmart are too short to put the training wheels on.
Thank you for the input but, he has muscular problems as well so the training wheels are a must.

Answer
I highly recommend Mongoose Spin BMX Freestyle Bike (20-Inch Wheels)

great bike for 11yro boy. top of the line bike, reasonalbe price
All of my other son (12yro) friends from his school want to ride Dylan's new bike. The 6th graders want one just like this Mongoose. Easy to assemble and sturdy quality. My kids use their bikes on ramps and in the woods. This bike still looks brand new after a month of rough use. I recommend this bike for its cool looks, popular brank with the middle school crowd and can take rough use by the whole group of friends.

I bought it with free shipping from...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001I90CFK?ie=UTF8&tag=aor-sale-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001I90CFK

And this is a training wheels
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011FTFNQ?ie=UTF8&tag=aor-sale-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0011FTFNQ

Hope this help :) Good Luck!

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What is the best type of bike to get for (more details inside...)?

Emanuel

...for outdoor cardio? I'm a big fan of spin classes (cycling classes) but I want to purchase a bike that would come close to duplicating the workouts of a spin class outside on a trail or track. I have no idea of what would be the ideal wheel size but I'm sure that I would need a bike that does not allow the rider to coast but also add additional resistance if needed. Can anyone help? I'm trying to look for something under $500...
If it helps I'm around 5'9" ....220 lbs...

Answer
The closest bike to a spin class bike is a triathlon/time trial bicycle, but that is overkill for your situation. If you get a bicycle with gears, you can change the gear to keep you from coasting. A road bicycle will be close to the same cycling position as a spin bicycle. You could probably find a good used one for under $500 on craigslist.

A hybrid bicycle would be cheaper but put you in a more upright position. Anything with gears will allow you to vary the resistance easily.

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 Maintanence Questions?

ERROL F

I purchased a 2007 Vulcan 500 used with no owners manual. For peace of mind, I would like to change fluids out for a clean slate so to speak. I have searched the internet everywhere so Ive brought this question to you Do It Yourself folks out there as a guide for me and for the many out there looking for the answers to these folowing maintainence questions:
1. How to change oil and filter w/ interval recommendations
2. How to flush coolant
3. How to change air filter
I believe this would be the first guide for the Vulcan 500 motorcycle for Do It Yourselfers on the net so thank you for your answers in advance.
Ps would rather spend the 50.00 for the manual latter so I can ride now!!!

Answer
The air box cover is under the seat, in the front below the fuel tank.
To remove the seat - remove the bolt at the rear of the seat - put your fingers under the piece of metal to prevent scratching the fender - hit the hump of the seat to the rear of the bike to un-hook it.
The filter is foam - wash it and re-oil it.
http://street.parts-unlimited.com/16/138/5972472

To get access to the radiator cap - remove the speedometer cluster on the fuel tank.
Have a pair of needle nose pliers ready to remove the speedometer cable when the meter is lifted.
Loosen the radiator cap.
The coolant drain bolt is on the water pump cover.
Right side of engine - radiator hoses go the water pump cover - drain bolt is on the bottom of the cover - it has a sealing washer on it.
Remove the bolt to drain the coolant.
Re-install the bolt.
Use 50/50 mix of coolant/water rated for aluminum engines.
Slowly fill at the radiator cap (slowly to prevent water pockets).


The oil drain bolt is on right "side" of engine - it has a sealing washer on it.
Put a drain pan under it - remove the bolt - sit on the bike and tilt it to the right to drain all of the oil out - re-install the bolt.
Put the drain pan under the spin-on oil filter at the front of the crankcase.
Remove the filter.
Dip your finger in oil and wet the o-ring of the new filter.
Clean the engine surface the filter touches and install the new filter hand tight.
Hold the bike straight up and down (as if you were sitting on it) when checking the oil level.
Remove the oil fill cap (top of the clutch cover - rt side engine cover).
Fill with brand name 10W40 4 stroke motor oil until it covers the oil level window (right side engine cover).
Install the fill cap - start and run the engine for a few minutes - to fill the oil filter and let the oil circulate throughout the engine.
Stop the engine and let it sit for a few minutes to let the oil drain down to the crankcase.
Re-check the oil level - bike straight up & down, the oil should cover 3/4 of the window - drain or add oil if necessary.
Purchase a manual
http://www.motocom.com/motorcycles/

Edit - Ment to say "air pockets" when filling the radiator.

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What is the best gel saddle cover for an exercise bike ?

Alva

I have recently started spinning classes and the hardest part is just dealing with pain from the bike seat itself !! I was told i should buy my own saddle cover but i have no clue which is the best or even if there are different types !?? What do you suggest ?

Answer
Bell Gel Base Bicycle Seat Cover
Versatile bicycle saddle cover for added comfort and reduced vibration
Shock-absorbing gel increases comfort on any bike saddle
Special anti-slip gripping material ensures cover stays secure on saddle
Breathable, stretch Lycra cover
Black color fits with any bicycle color scheme
http://www.amazon.com/Bell-Base-Bicycle-Seat-Cover/dp/B00005OKZ7/?tag=partptl-20
...........
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574865779&toolid=10001&campid=5336440665&customid=partptl&mpre=http%3a%2f%2fshop.ebay.com%2fi.html%3f_nkw%3dsaddle%2bcover%26_sacat%3d0%26_odkw%3dmarker%26_osacat%3d0%26_trksid%3dp3286.c0.m270.l1313

How to ride my bike comfortably?

Q. I just got a new bike and im super excited! I rode it all over the neighborhood. When I got back my inner thighs hurt from where the seat was and my legs felt stiff. Am I riding wrong?

Answer
Several problems & possible answers. Get ready for a lengthy answer...

First, you haven't ridden a bicycle in a while. You're leg & butt muscles are not used to it or trained for it. Would be like asking me to walk into a gym & dead-lift 400 lbs. without training. Can't be done. Saddles (seats) being too wide will rub or chafe the inner thighs. Most "newbies" think a wide saddle is the answer. It's not! A saddle should support your 'sit bones' only. Anything more than that is a waste. Also...what type or style of bike is it? Road bikes are designed for the rider to cover a distance comfortably. Comfort, hybrid & cruiser bikes are designed to cover short distances only. How far did you ride?

Back to the proper saddle... Is it a women's specific saddle? Or is it a generic saddle on a discount store bicycle? I would HIGHLY suggest the saddle on 1st link below for any hybrid, comfort or mountain bike.

Legs hurting? Was the saddle at the proper height? 2nd link. A saddle that is too low will cramp up leg muscles. Here's another key word to remember..."cadence". That's the rpm at which you pedal using only moderate pedal pressure. Learn how & when to shift gears to reach & maintain a cadence of at least 70-90 rpm in gears that are easy to "spin" vs. "push" or mashing down on the pedals. Links 3 & 4. Pros often hit 100-125 rpm when accelerating or climbing a hill.

In short...ride more often but go for shorter rides to start. Then build your way up to longer rides. You're using muscles & parts of your body that may not have been used in years. Last thought...read the on-line pamphlet Bicycling Street Smarts from cover to cover. Last link below.

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