Indoor Spin/Exercise Bike?

I'm looking to purchase an indoor spin or exercise bike but am quite lost on what to get.

I have a road bike, a cyclocross bike(that I use as an around town bike), and a Kurt Kinetic trainer. In the winter (or at night when I usually "exercise") I seem to always go to the local gym because I hate the feeling of the trainer. Maybe for a smaller individual it would be fine but it just doesn't feel sturdy enough for me. Plus, the noise. It's annoying

The upright bike I use at the gym is a Life Fitness upright generic fitness bike. I'm considering just going with one of those but they're pretty spendy... about $1700.

What is a good, SOLID, built for a not so tiny woman? (220lbs)

Thanks so much ladies!

Anyone heard about this XTERRA bike that's at costco?

You might be able to find a good deal on your local Craigslist, and you also want to check overstock.com to see if they have anything interesting.

I am curious about your feeling unstable on your Kinetic trainer however. I've the Kinetic Road Machine and it feels solid to me. Which Kinetic trainer is it? I am sure that you've set it up correctly - there isn't any slip when you adjust the resistance on the rear wheel? Which bike do you use for the trainer, and what kind of tires are on the bike? The type of tire certainly will be part of the noise level.

I also understand that using an actual trainer tire does cut down on the noise. Trainer tires are expensive, but far less than purchasing a spinning bike. That being said, trainers aren't for everyone...the important thing is the exercise, however you can get it :)

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I am curious about your feeling unstable on your Kinetic trainer however. I've the Kinetic Road Machine and it feels solid to me. Which Kinetic trainer is it? I am sure that you've set it up correctly - there isn't any slip when you adjust the resistance on the rear wheel? Which bike do you use for the trainer, and what kind of tires are on the bike? The type of tire certainly will be part of the noise level.

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I have the Road Machine-- and I think it is installed correctly.

The bike I have on it is a road bike-- with normal road tires. A second dimension to me not using the trainer is that the bike has a carbon frame and I just don't feel like this is a good combo (trainer + heavy rider).

While I *could* get another cheapo bike to put on the trainer, I'd rather just spend the money on a spin bike.

I teach spinning & have taught on many different bikes. For my money, you just can't beat the original spin bikes:

http://www.spinning.com/spinning-shop/spinner-bikes.asp

They don't seem to break down as often and have a smoother fly wheel & tension build up. Some of them, while they seem more adjustable, have lighter flywheels & don't mimic a real ride.

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

I teach spinning & have taught on many different bikes. For my money, you just can't beat the original spin bikes:

http://www.spinning.com/spinning-shop/spinner-bikes.asp

They don't seem to break down as often and have a smoother fly wheel & tension build up. Some of them, while they seem more adjustable, have lighter flywheels & don't mimic a real ride.

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+1 to this stated above...

I also teach Spinning and love the original Spinning bikes the best. When you go to the web site be sure to look at the technical specs tab of each model. One of the differences is the weight of the fly wheel. I think the heavier fly wheel gives you a better work out. The gym bikes have about a 40+lbs flywheel. Fwiw.

I have seen them posted on Craig's List before also. Or you might just ask around. Or post on FaceBook to your circle of friends.

I have a CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer and don't care for that ride either. I think the trainer is just harsh feeling. Without the movement of the real deal outside. Something about the spin bike just doesn't produce that same effect.

Good Luck.

:)