Spin/stationary bikes vs trainers

[jutes]

Wife and I finally added a spin bike + peloton app to our gym.
Wow, I’ve been missing out on spin, holy hell.

96509

Still shopping around for a spin bike. Canadian tire sells the bowflex ones, not sure where to start. Echelon, Peloton, they all look the same.

[vengie]

Still shopping around for a spin bike. Canadian tire sells the bowflex ones, not sure where to start. Echelon, Peloton, they all look the same.

We essentially did nothing but read reviews online.
Peloton bikes are way overpriced. You pay for the screen on it:
Our budget was $1000, picked this one up as a floor model.
Costco sells them- Sole SB700

[Buster]

Still shopping around for a spin bike. Canadian tire sells the bowflex ones, not sure where to start. Echelon, Peloton, they all look the same.

I'm going to get the wattbike atom 2020 when it comes into stock

[killramos]

I like my peloton, you are paying for the right integration with their service more than anything. Bike is pretty solid though.

[ercchry]

I'm going to get the wattbike atom 2020 when it comes into stock

If you have a decent road going bike already, the zwift ecosystem with a smart trainer is hard to beat for immersive experience. They even have the elite sterzo now that allows steering for online races or just free riding

[Buster]

If you have a decent road going bike already, the zwift ecosystem with a smart trainer is hard to beat for immersive experience. They even have the elite sterzo now that allows steering for online races or just free riding

I dont have a road bike, and my interest in roadbikes is zero. I just want something so I don't have to ride myself into shape for mountain bike season.

[vengie]

I just want something so I don't have to ride myself into shape for mountain bike season.


100% my motivation as well... nothing like suffering for the first month of riding season lol

[ercchry]

You can also strap a mtb to it, they even have a mtb course... challenging climbs on it too. Still more motivating way to go vs just watching an instructor on a spin bike yelling at you. Also have training programs too geared towards building mtb muscles and endurance

[Buster]

You can also strap a mtb to it, they even have a mtb course... challenging climbs on it too. Still more motivating way to go vs just watching an instructor on a spin bike yelling at you. Also have training programs too geared towards building mtb muscles and endurance

Yeah. I just want something that doesn't require me to mount and unmount my bike

[killramos]

What I like about spin is the TnA is on point.

Never got that real biking, just slot of dudes in too tight shorts.

[ExtraSlow]

What I like about spin is the TnA is on point.
This guy gets it.

[ercchry]

All I know is one day zwift was down and I tried riding and putting on Netflix... nope, gave up in like half the time :zzz::zzz:

[Buster]

What I like about spin is the TnA is on point.

Never got that real biking, just slot of dudes in too tight shorts.

mountain biking is great.

I don't understand the appeal of road biking at all. Slabbing along a straight stretch of concrete sucking diesel fumes every few minutes while you stare at some guys ass is not my idea of a good time. But it must have something going on because it's popular.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Because you get to wear spandex.

96517

[taemo]

I dont have a road bike, and my interest in roadbikes is zero. I just want something so I don't have to ride myself into shape for mountain bike season.

Buy a beater mtb bike or a fat bike and ride around in the winter.
I tried using a trainer 2 winters ago and found it boring, even with netflix/youtube on the screen.

I prefer road cycling simply because I can travel more distance and get to see more and I don't wear spandex either, maybe only cycling shorts and shirt/jersey when I'm doing 2-4 hours of riding.

[msommers]

Zwift is lyfe.

[Buster]

Buy a beater mtb bike or a fat bike and ride around in the winter.
I tried using a trainer 2 winters ago and found it boring, even with netflix/youtube on the screen.

I prefer road cycling simply because I can travel more distance and get to see more and I don't wear spandex either, maybe only cycling shorts and shirt/jersey when I'm doing 2-4 hours of riding.

Or I could just get a wattbike. I don't feel like maintaining a whole other bike for zwift

[Kjonus]

Buy a beater mtb bike or a fat bike and ride around in the winter.
I tried using a trainer 2 winters ago and found it boring, even with netflix/youtube on the screen.

I prefer road cycling simply because I can travel more distance and get to see more and I don't wear spandex either, maybe only cycling shorts and shirt/jersey when I'm doing 2-4 hours of riding.

I've been mtn biking for 10 plus years. Had a similar opinion regarding road biking until I had to rehab a major knee injury. I started on a stationary bike but got sick of being inside all the time. My mtn bike wasn't going to cut it for riding on the road so picked up a cross bike. I use that bike on the cycle paths a lot and have found that it's improved my mtn biking from a cardio distance aspect. Never have to breath in the fumes of cars or be worried of getting ran over. It's great for getting kms in when you don't want to drive out of the city. Still prefer my mtb and fat bike but the road bike has its purpose for me.

[ercchry]

So here is a collection of words:

Outdoor is always best - but we have weather in Calgary that can make it difficult to be outdoors
Indoor is boring - but there is interactive options that engage the user available
Indoor is more painful (as most options are rigid and the bikes do not move with you) - but there are options to give a natural movement back to the bike

So with the above truths what are the options?
Peloton/non zwift compatible designated stationary bikes:
Pros:
Turnkey, single purchase solution
On trend
Keeps wives happy
Cons:
Rigid frames
Locked into a single ecosystem
No gamification (less engaging experience)
No gearing (less engaging, again)

Stationary bike, zwift compatible (ie. wahoo):
Pros:
All in one, turnkey solution
Simulates grade (gamification, but also comfort as seat position moves)
Simulates gear changes, engaging riding in the experience, keeps rider’s muscle memory fresh for real life riding
Unlocks multiple apps for a variety of training options
Cons:
Rigid frame
No compatibility with future accessories (ie. interactive steering)

Wheel off interactive trainers:
Pros:
Choice of bikes to use
Ample accessories to add to experience (kickr climb, elite sterzo, etc)
Works with multiple apps
3rd party bases to add natural movement (ie. inside ride’s e-flex for wahoo kickr)
Cons:
Requires setup and tear down if using primary bike (not a huge concern if used seasonally)
With the many options available, and accessories. Not everything is compatible, more diy involved to create the “ultimate setup”

[msommers]

Agreed with E. Zwift is so much more engaging with feedback from grade changes and the necessary geae changing. Some trainers are less ridgid than others as well (ex. I have an Tacx Neo).

I'm curious about the Headwind fan again but fuck it's expensive for what it is. I love it's compact size and variable fan speed...

[taemo]

there’s also bike rollers, if i were to ride indoor again it’s what i would get

[ercchry]

there’s also bike rollers, if i were to ride indoor again it’s what i would get

I was looking at elite’s smart rollers, and also inside ride’s before starting on the kickr setup, future proofing was a consideration, if zwift goes VR, rollers would be even more dangerous :rofl:

[killramos]

I think in general people are massively overthinking this.

End of the day it’s about getting in quick and convenient cardio. You can build as much complication into that as you want.

[jutes]

I think in general people are massively overthinking this.

End of the day it’s about getting in quick and convenient cardio.

This is essentially it. I have other outdoor activities during the summer to fill my time, don't want to do cardio at the gym. Just want to quickly get my 30-45min cardio done with at home without having to wear a mask. We currently rent a Stages bike from a spin cycle business that's been limited to 8 people. The long-term costs just make more sense to buy one, especially something reliable under $1k.

[ercchry]

I think in general people are massively overthinking this.

End of the day it’s about getting in quick and convenient cardio. You can build as much complication into that as you want.

Cardio, sure. If you can stomach boring cardio go for it. Most people can’t, this is also off season training for me. So having a setup that replicates the actual activity better not only increases my probability of actually doing it, but also builds technique and muscle memory for the actual season

[Buster]

Cardio, sure. If you can stomach boring cardio go for it. Most people can’t, this is also off season training for me. So having a setup that replicates the actual activity better not only increases my probability of actually doing it, but also builds technique and muscle memory for the actual season

This. Gamification is a huge thing for me. I don't have the OCD impulse that allows me to train without tricking my brain,

[The_Rural_Juror]

How bout those airdynes that athletes like to use?

Me? I prefer water rowers like a villainous politician.

[killramos]

I think gamification is actually one of the stronger of peloton and spin, it’s very interactive and dynamic etc.

That being said, I’m really not that passionate about indoor or outdoor cycling lol so you do you.

[Buster]

How bout those airdynes that athletes like to use?

Me? I prefer water rowers like a villainous politician.

I've got an airdyne. It's a beast...but harder to use.

[ercchry]

This. Gamification is a huge thing for me. I don't have the OCD impulse that allows me to train without tricking my brain,

Zwift 100%, tough to recommend the wahoo bike, but it does tick a lot of boxes... glaring issue though is no steering input, which is going to become a bigger and bigger part of zwift.

When you have basically just a frame sitting on a wheel off trainer the maintenance is minimal, you don’t need a full suspension either, weight of the bike doesn’t make a difference. Easy enough to just grab something cheap with similar body position as your real bike to leave on the thing


I think gamification is actually one of the stronger of peloton and spin, it’s very interactive and dynamic etc.

That being said, I’m really not that passionate about indoor or outdoor cycling lol so you do you.

I’m going to say... your experience with anything outside of peloton is minimal?

This comparison would be a full blown race sim setup vs... console controller for racing games, do you need it? No... it’s is better? Absolutely

[killramos]

I used to bike a lot when I was a child. Mountain biking, downhill, little bit of road biking with my dad. Had a roller trainer hooked up at home that seemed fine?

I grew out of it when I realized there were better things to do with my time, like literally anything other than cycling lol.

[Buster]

Zwift 100%, tough to recommend the wahoo bike, but it does tick a lot of boxes... glaring issue though is no steering input, which is going to become a bigger and bigger part of zwift.

When you have basically just a frame sitting on a wheel off trainer the maintenance is minimal, you don’t need a full suspension either, weight of the bike doesn’t make a difference. Easy enough to just grab something cheap with similar body position as your real bike to leave on the thing



I’m going to say... your experience with anything outside of peloton is minimal?

This comparison would be a full blown race sim setup vs... console controller for racing games, do you need it? No... it’s is better? Absolutely

You've mentioned steering before, but I'm not so sure. I can see something that allows you to choose lanes or take one path or the other, but I'm not sure that's something that couldn't be more like a controller ont he bikes rather than a full handlebar steering setup.

I like the Wahoo one and the Wattbike one, at least from the reviews that DC Rainmaker did on them....but these seem to be more popular in Europe, and NA has no stock on either.

[msommers]

The reality is Spin vs. Zwift is worlds apart and targets two different audiences. Neither is right or wrong, however if you enjoy biking outside at all, Zwift is going to be the most seamless transition.

[ercchry]

You've mentioned steering before, but I'm not so sure. I can see something that allows you to choose lanes or take one path or the other, but I'm not sure that's something that couldn't be more like a controller ont he bikes rather than a full handlebar steering setup.

I like the Wahoo one and the Wattbike one, at least from the reviews that DC Rainmaker did on them....but these seem to be more popular in Europe, and NA has no stock on either.

Steering comes down to what’s actually supported, and what bikes can have that component retrofitted in the future.

Currently it’s only the elite sterzo that is supported, designed to accept any wheel up to 56mm wide, it’s pretty great. Too bad it doesn’t work with the kickr climb though. I have both, tried using a chunk of yoga mat between em, sorta works, not great though. So just choose which to use depending on type of ride I’m doing.

[Buster]

Steering comes down to what’s actually supported, and what bikes can have that component retrofitted in the future.

Currently it’s only the elite sterzo that is supported, designed to accept any wheel up to 56mm wide, it’s pretty great. Too bad it doesn’t work with the kickr climb though. I have both, tried using a chunk of yoga mat between em, sorta works, not great though. So just choose which to use depending on type of ride I’m doing.

Okay, this looks really cool.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPkX2Eza40A

[JfuckinC]

Does anyone zwift via Apple TV?

I have a wahoo I never use haha.. would nice to get it sorted out. Didn’t like doing it on the iPad.

[Buster]

I wonder if I should buy one of those bikes (forget what they are called), that look a bit like mountain bikes but are really designed just for the pathways and such.

[ercchry]

Does anyone zwift via Apple TV?

I have a wahoo I never use haha.. would nice to get it sorted out. Didn’t like doing it on the iPad.

I use a 4K one, solid graphics


I wonder if I should buy one of those bikes (forget what they are called), that look a bit like mountain bikes but are really designed just for the pathways and such.

A hybrid? Why not?

Just added a designated bike to our setup, was just leaving a bike on it for winter and actually canceling zwift for summer. But the gf uses it a ton now and will probably use it whenever she doesn’t commute to work on her bike, so way too much on and off (plus dragging dirt into the house)

[roopi]

I wonder if I should buy one of those bikes (forget what they are called), that look a bit like mountain bikes but are really designed just for the pathways and such.

Cyclocross?

[Buster]

I use a 4K one, solid graphics



A hybrid? Why not?

Just added a designated bike to our setup, was just leaving a bike on it for winter and actually canceling zwift for summer. But the gf uses it a ton now and will probably use it whenever she doesn’t commute to work on her bike, so way too much on and off (plus dragging dirt into the house)

Yeah... Hybrid. I've got a kickr core. May as well use it

[msommers]

Does anyone zwift via Apple TV?

I have a wahoo I never use haha.. would nice to get it sorted out. Didn’t like doing it on the iPad.

Yep it works fine. I'm using the older version of Apple TV with the optical jack still on it (no idea which gen).

[Buster]

I use a 4K one, solid graphics



A hybrid? Why not?

Just added a designated bike to our setup, was just leaving a bike on it for winter and actually canceling zwift for summer. But the gf uses it a ton now and will probably use it whenever she doesn’t commute to work on her bike, so way too much on and off (plus dragging dirt into the house)

Ok ercchry, you've convince me to keep my wahoo kickr and spend the $$$ on a hybrid bike and a steering setup. Any recommendations on a hybrid bike that would fit the bill?

[Buster]

Okay, maybe these two are candidates?

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/sirrus-x-3-0/p/187462?color=301083-187462&searchText=92421-7004

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/diverge-comp-e5-evo/p/175309?color=290926-175309&searchText=96220-5602

[ercchry]

Okay, maybe these two are candidates?

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/sirrus-x-3-0/p/187462?color=301083-187462&searchText=92421-7004

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/diverge-comp-e5-evo/p/175309?color=290926-175309&searchText=96220-5602

Does your core come with a 10sp cassette?

Dropper seat on the second one seems very unnecessary haha

But yeah, whatever does it for ya. I’m assuming the core is height adjustable for different wheel heights?

[Buster]

Does your core come with a 10sp cassette?

Dropper seat on the second one seems very unnecessary haha

But yeah, whatever does it for ya. I’m assuming the core is height adjustable for different wheel heights?

Yeah. On my last bike, my o ld mountain bike, which I sold for a crazy number during covid, Iactually bought a cassette to match the drivetrain. I'd expect to have to do that here as well.

[ercchry]

Yeah. On my last bike, my o ld mountain bike, which I sold for a crazy number during covid, Iactually bought a cassette to match the drivetrain. I'd expect to have to do that here as well.

If this is a dedicated trainer bike you can just pop the one off the wheel set that comes with it, the spare parts that came with the wahoo probably even has a spacer if you need it

[Buster]

If this is a dedicated trainer bike you can just pop the one off the wheel set that comes with it, the spare parts that came with the wahoo probably even has a spacer if you need it

Yeah I'll probably be using it for dial purpose so a cassette is a minute expense

[ercchry]

Yeah I'll probably be using it for dial purpose so a cassette is a minute expense

Ah, then I like the second one. That looks like it would be pretty fun in and around fish creek

[JfuckinC]

I have a Sirrus, mounts right to my kickr, just needed the correct axle/spacers.

But I’m fairly positive that axle came with it, and I bought a different one for my MTB.

[msommers]

Have a Sirrus as well. Great bike

[Buster]

I have a Sirrus, mounts right to my kickr, just needed the correct axle/spacers.

But I’m fairly positive that axle came with it, and I bought a different one for my MTB.

how do you like the Sirrus out in the wild, once its off the kickr.

[JfuckinC]

It’s a great bike, haven’t had any issues. Rips compared to my MTB obviously.

[Buster]

I'm also looking at the Spec Diverge...which I think is more of a gravel bike with an emphasis on off-roading. One option on the diverge is it has drop bars...I haven't ridden drop bars in 20 years. Are they a good idea for this type of bike? You can also get flat bars with it.

[ercchry]

I'm also looking at the Spec Diverge...which I think is more of a gravel bike with an emphasis on off-roading. One option on the diverge is it has drop bars...I haven't ridden drop bars in 20 years. Are they a good idea for this type of bike? You can also get flat bars with it.

Drop are popular on gravel/cx bikes for sure, obviously will put you into a more aggressive body position, I guess you have to decide if your back and neck enjoy that over the more upright position of flat bars.

I would think flats are the natural choice if your preferred bike is mtb vs road

[JfuckinC]

that's why i went sirrus, super comfortable ride to me. I'm tall and not overly flexible so i didn't want to be hunched over. kinda dorky, but mine actually has horns, just small ones but i find them nice to switch up my hand positions, my wrists are somewhat beat up from activates when i was younger.

[Kjonus]

I'm also looking at the Spec Diverge...which I think is more of a gravel bike with an emphasis on off-roading. One option on the diverge is it has drop bars...I haven't ridden drop bars in 20 years. Are they a good idea for this type of bike? You can also get flat bars with it.

I got a Diverge E5 Sport which I like and similar to yourself had no interest in drop bar bikes. I'm mainly a mtb'er but I find myself using it more than I figured I would.