Baller Fast351 Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 OK, I am shopping for a new piece of exercise gear. Just a little history: I used to be a pretty active runner. I ran 3-5 times a week for 45 minutes at a time, outside during the summer, and inside during the winter on a pretty decent treadmill. Great cardio workout, allowed me to keep in pretty decent shape. Fast forward to spring 2015, and my right knee started being painful enough to where it hurt to ascend stairs. I pushed myself too far when it was just uncomfortable pain, to the point where I did damage. Was diagnosed with IT Band Syndrome, which is really common for people that run a lot. Basically it's a tendon inflamation that is cause by rubbing across the end of the femur. I tried taking a month off and doing PT, and another month off, and another, and the pain returned almost immediately when I started running again (within a couple miles). Something had to change. So I started biking, and I find I like that a lot. Great workout, more to see because you're covering more ground, and much easier on the body. Only problem, I live in Minnesota, so biking outdoors is pretty much out of the question 6 months a year, because the days are short and the ground is covered by snow. I have started doing very mild treadmill workouts, with no incline, and limited speed, to get some cardio in, but I can tell I'm headed back for problems. So now I want to get something to ride bike indoors. I know there are several options out there, from a trainer that uses my road bike as a platform, to spinning, upright, and recumbant workout machines. There are so many options out there, I'm kind of trying to sort my way through it, but surely some of you guys must have gone through this and can give some advise. I'd like to keep it to stuff you have personal experience with. So what have you used, and what works for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thompjs Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Get a mag trainer so you can ride your road bike indoors. You might want to change to a cheap tire on the back, they usually wear out fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thompjs Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Get a mag trainer so you can ride your road bike indoors. You might want to change to a cheap tire on the back, they usually wear out fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Rollers are my choice number 1. More like real biking and more fun that being locked into a straight up and down position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Rollers are my choice number 1. More like real biking and more fun that being locked into a straight up and down position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buski Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 For fun and breaking up the monotony of indoor cycling check out Zwift (www.zwift.com). There are smart trainers & dumb trainers. Smart ones can control the resistance so it seems like a real virtual ride (or use in erg mode for specific workouts). There are high end smart trainers where you take off your wheel (wahoo kickr, tacx neo), some where you hook up your tire (tacx vortex smart is what I have and a pretty good price-performance pick). Dumb trainers won't be controlled and you can either use simulated power with a cadence/speed meter or real power if you have a power meter ($$). You could use zwift with rollers too if you have a power meter. They recently released workout mode so you can either do a free ride on the island or one of the predefined workouts, or with the workout editor make up your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buski Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 For fun and breaking up the monotony of indoor cycling check out Zwift (www.zwift.com). There are smart trainers & dumb trainers. Smart ones can control the resistance so it seems like a real virtual ride (or use in erg mode for specific workouts). There are high end smart trainers where you take off your wheel (wahoo kickr, tacx neo), some where you hook up your tire (tacx vortex smart is what I have and a pretty good price-performance pick). Dumb trainers won't be controlled and you can either use simulated power with a cadence/speed meter or real power if you have a power meter ($$). You could use zwift with rollers too if you have a power meter. They recently released workout mode so you can either do a free ride on the island or one of the predefined workouts, or with the workout editor make up your own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thompjs Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 @oldjeep How long did it take you to learn to ride rollers? I've heard it can take a bit of work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller thompjs Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 @oldjeep How long did it take you to learn to ride rollers? I've heard it can take a bit of work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 I had a set about 10 years ago when I was still doing sprint triathalons, used a wall to hold myself up to get started the first few times but if you have decent balance I don't think it is very hard. Couldn't stand the mag trainer I had, didn't feel like biking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller oldjeep Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 I had a set about 10 years ago when I was still doing sprint triathalons, used a wall to hold myself up to get started the first few times but if you have decent balance I don't think it is very hard. Couldn't stand the mag trainer I had, didn't feel like biking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pgmoore Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 I did a ton of research on this last winter and ended up selecting this one: http://www.cycleops.com/product/supermagneto I've been really happy with it and would certainly buy it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller pgmoore Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 I did a ton of research on this last winter and ended up selecting this one: http://www.cycleops.com/product/supermagneto I've been really happy with it and would certainly buy it again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Not exactly what you asked for but how about trying a rower for a change? Big fan of the C2 rower myself, and lots of ex "spin" folks are switching to rowing (apparently based on some googling for a good relevant link for you). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 Not exactly what you asked for but how about trying a rower for a change? Big fan of the C2 rower myself, and lots of ex "spin" folks are switching to rowing (apparently based on some googling for a good relevant link for you). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PatM Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 This is a spin bike that has spiked my interest. https://pelotoncycle.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller PatM Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 This is a spin bike that has spiked my interest. https://pelotoncycle.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 14, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 $2K is a little more than I'm looking to spend. I have not ruled out rowing machines either. I am a little leery because I haven't tried one to see how my ITBS would react to it. I know if I don't go nuts with a bike that I don't have issues, which is why I was looking at stationaries... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 14, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 $2K is a little more than I'm looking to spend. I have not ruled out rowing machines either. I am a little leery because I haven't tried one to see how my ITBS would react to it. I know if I don't go nuts with a bike that I don't have issues, which is why I was looking at stationaries... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 In the same situation, few years ago after injury, my choice was spin-bike. Using LeMond Revmaster Pro http://www.lemondfitness.com/sites/lemond/upload/products/3-large-lg.jpg?1260493387 1Mil % reliable, needs nearly zero maintenance ( just few drops of oil to leather brake pad a week) Minimum electronics, also could be used in 100% mechanical mode -all you need is heart beats monitor (smartwatch eliminate this issue :smile: ). Before I got electronics block I used Mavic velo comp for cadence control. Yes, I may by not cheap stuff, but u get absolutely immortal device that may by used for ages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller OldboyII Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 In the same situation, few years ago after injury, my choice was spin-bike. Using LeMond Revmaster Pro http://www.lemondfitness.com/sites/lemond/upload/products/3-large-lg.jpg?1260493387 1Mil % reliable, needs nearly zero maintenance ( just few drops of oil to leather brake pad a week) Minimum electronics, also could be used in 100% mechanical mode -all you need is heart beats monitor (smartwatch eliminate this issue :smile: ). Before I got electronics block I used Mavic velo comp for cadence control. Yes, I may by not cheap stuff, but u get absolutely immortal device that may by used for ages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rockdog Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 @Fast351 I got IT Band years ago also, it was extremely difficult to get over, I ended up giving running away because of it and have recently started again with no problem. Shocking thing for a runner to be afflicted with, good luck with the cycling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rockdog Posted December 14, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 14, 2015 @Fast351 I got IT Band years ago also, it was extremely difficult to get over, I ended up giving running away because of it and have recently started again with no problem. Shocking thing for a runner to be afflicted with, good luck with the cycling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller igkya Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I 2nd what @jhughes suggested with the rower. I've had bad arithritic knees for the last 10 years and the c2 rower is easier on them than a stationary bike not to mention a better workout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller igkya Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I 2nd what @jhughes suggested with the rower. I've had bad arithritic knees for the last 10 years and the c2 rower is easier on them than a stationary bike not to mention a better workout. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I am looking HARD at that C2 rower. That looks like an amazing machine for doing full body workouts. Thanks for the tip! (This is why I love BOS).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 15, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I am looking HARD at that C2 rower. That looks like an amazing machine for doing full body workouts. Thanks for the tip! (This is why I love BOS).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I'll third the C2 rower! Great training machine! Picked up mine right at the factory in Vermont.They sometimes have deals on rowers that were used once or twice in group competitions... My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I'll third the C2 rower! Great training machine! Picked up mine right at the factory in Vermont.They sometimes have deals on rowers that were used once or twice in group competitions... My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members OTF Posted December 15, 2015 Members Share Posted December 15, 2015 I'll 3rd the C2, found mine on craigslist $300.00 barely used, more dust than wear. Things are awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members OTF Posted December 15, 2015 Members Share Posted December 15, 2015 I'll 3rd the C2, found mine on craigslist $300.00 barely used, more dust than wear. Things are awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ lpskier Posted December 15, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted December 15, 2015 I use a trainer. Whatever you select, put you bike in front of the TV and, if you haven't already watched it, start with season 1 and watch 24 while you ride. You'll have no cadence issues. Lpskier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ lpskier Posted December 15, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted December 15, 2015 I use a trainer. Whatever you select, put you bike in front of the TV and, if you haven't already watched it, start with season 1 and watch 24 while you ride. You'll have no cadence issues. Lpskier Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BCM Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 My wife has a spin bike and I go back and forth between a mag trainer (dumb version with set resistance) and rollers. Time required to get comfortable on rollers will depend on you. I know some people that never got comfortable and others who took a few minutes. If you have good bike handling skills it shouldn't be bad. My wife loves the spin bike. I can't stand the spin bike. If I was the sole user and had it dialed I might like it, but being that I have to adjust it every time I get on it I struggle with it. I like rollers for base miles, just spin for however long you can. The mag trainer is a little safer to hammer on. I picked up a spare rear wheel that I put a cheap tire on for the trainer. They will eat tires. The one I am using has shot bearings, but it spins and was free. It makes it a little easier in the fall/spring when you might get out on the road one day and be stuck inside the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller BCM Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 My wife has a spin bike and I go back and forth between a mag trainer (dumb version with set resistance) and rollers. Time required to get comfortable on rollers will depend on you. I know some people that never got comfortable and others who took a few minutes. If you have good bike handling skills it shouldn't be bad. My wife loves the spin bike. I can't stand the spin bike. If I was the sole user and had it dialed I might like it, but being that I have to adjust it every time I get on it I struggle with it. I like rollers for base miles, just spin for however long you can. The mag trainer is a little safer to hammer on. I picked up a spare rear wheel that I put a cheap tire on for the trainer. They will eat tires. The one I am using has shot bearings, but it spins and was free. It makes it a little easier in the fall/spring when you might get out on the road one day and be stuck inside the next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I used to have a set of rollers and didn't find them that hard to get used to. If you hold a good line when you ride already it isn't that difficult. I set a chair up next to me to hold on when I started. You do need to make sure that you pay attention on the rollers though it isn't totally mindless. I would love that Peloton bike with the online spinning classes but I am not ready to spend 2K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted December 15, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 15, 2015 I used to have a set of rollers and didn't find them that hard to get used to. If you hold a good line when you ride already it isn't that difficult. I set a chair up next to me to hold on when I started. You do need to make sure that you pay attention on the rollers though it isn't totally mindless. I would love that Peloton bike with the online spinning classes but I am not ready to spend 2K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted December 15, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted December 15, 2015 schwinn Airdyne, a very robust machine. Had one now for nearly 20 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller_ Jody_Seal Posted December 15, 2015 Baller_ Share Posted December 15, 2015 schwinn Airdyne, a very robust machine. Had one now for nearly 20 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikegile Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 +1 for rollers. Great for balance and spin, especially if you have a fixed gear bike. I have some IT band issues as well. Skiing is not the best for it. With both feet in line the Q factor is severe. Not much you can do about it when skiing, but there are a few things that can help on a bike. I have moved my cleats all the way to the inside of the shoe so my feet are wider. You can also put spacers in on the pedal spindles to move those further to the outside. They also make snow bikes if you can't tolerate being inside. Specialized fatboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikegile Posted December 16, 2015 Share Posted December 16, 2015 +1 for rollers. Great for balance and spin, especially if you have a fixed gear bike. I have some IT band issues as well. Skiing is not the best for it. With both feet in line the Q factor is severe. Not much you can do about it when skiing, but there are a few things that can help on a bike. I have moved my cleats all the way to the inside of the shoe so my feet are wider. You can also put spacers in on the pedal spindles to move those further to the outside. They also make snow bikes if you can't tolerate being inside. Specialized fatboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 16, 2015 I ended up ordering the Concept 2 Model D today. I can't wait to get it, it really looks like the bad boy of indoor exercising as far as whole-body cardio workouts go. I might wind up with a trainer yet for my bike. The CycleOps Fluid2 seems to be the right balance between price and performance. As far as IT band with skiing, I may not be doing enough sets to notice, but I haven't really had any issues with it. Hopefully that trend continues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Fast351 Posted December 16, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted December 16, 2015 I ended up ordering the Concept 2 Model D today. I can't wait to get it, it really looks like the bad boy of indoor exercising as far as whole-body cardio workouts go. I might wind up with a trainer yet for my bike. The CycleOps Fluid2 seems to be the right balance between price and performance. As far as IT band with skiing, I may not be doing enough sets to notice, but I haven't really had any issues with it. Hopefully that trend continues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted December 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 16, 2015 Congrats! Lots of info here http://www.c2forum.com/ And on the UK forum. Happy rowing! My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Andre Posted December 16, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 16, 2015 Congrats! Lots of info here http://www.c2forum.com/ And on the UK forum. Happy rowing! My ski finish in 16.95 but my ass is out of tolerance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted December 17, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 17, 2015 The rowing machines are awesome. I do a fair amount of it at the gym. 5K on the rowing machine is a total suffer fest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted December 17, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 17, 2015 The rowing machines are awesome. I do a fair amount of it at the gym. 5K on the rowing machine is a total suffer fest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller tjm Posted December 17, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 17, 2015 Peloton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller tjm Posted December 17, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 17, 2015 Peloton Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller jhughes Posted December 17, 2015 Baller Share Posted December 17, 2015 As a relevant aside, I rode an Airdyne for the first time today. Unbelievable device of ultimate torture. This thing is straight from hell. So this week is testing week at CrossFit, and today the test was deadlift (pulled 305) and a 1 minute ride for max cals on the Airdyne fan bike, AKA "satan's tricycle". I'm going to talk about the second part. I have never ridden one of these old things but I remember them being very common in the 80's as a kid, in lots of living rooms out there. How bad could it be, right? I mean 60 seconds, big deal. I went all out and within 10 seconds I was totally gassed. Tried to keep up the pace through 30 seconds then really tapered off in an act of survival for the final 30 seconds. TIME HAS NEVER MOVED MORE SLOWLY. It took me probably 5-10 minutes to recover afterward from 1 minute on that machine of death. Keep in mind I've been doing completely insane high-intensity workouts for 3 years now and I'm more "conditioned" than the average bear but this machine brought me to my knees. Apparently it is because it forces the heart to pump to both arms and legs simultaneously and NEVER lets up so there is NO chance for the body to recover on the device. I pulled a mere 31 cals in 60 seconds, but that is 1 cal every 2 SECONDS! The machine is capable of forcing over 1 cal per second worth of energy out of you. Anyway, I'm amazed that this old dust-collecting relic from 30 years ago is still relevant and is now actually showing up in gyms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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