Spinning Bikes- Need advice.

[Vickie C.]

Hi Everyone,

I am thinking about buying a spinning bike, and I need some advice. I cannot stand exercise bikes, but I have heard that spinning is entirely different. Those of you that have spinning bikes, do you love them? Do you usually use a spinning video with them, and where did you buy yours and how much were you willing to spend? We (DH and myself), have been looking at the "MAD DOG " brand on their web site, probably the intermediate price range, $900-$1200. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Vickie

 

[sancho]

I'm in the middle of researching this also. I'll tell you what I know. Spinning is entirely different than a typical exercise bike. I would recommend you find a "spinning" class and give it a try before you make the investment. It will probably take a couple of classes before you will know. Initially, it will probably really hurt your butt. I like it because it is an intense cardio that is low impact. I love step aerobics and running, but my body can take only so much of it. I use spinning in between. I don't know anything about the bike you are looking at, but, at the studio I work out at, we use the Jonnny G Spin Pro. The woman that owns the gym said that she chose them because of the great reputation. She said that they need very little adjustments or work and have really stood the test of time. I have also been looking at the Lemond RevMaster. It was recommended to me on one of the exercise sites. I've ridden it twice at an exercise store and it compares to the Johnny G. Many people seem to prefer the RevMaster, but I did not think it felt much different from the Johnny G. The thing I really like about the Revmaster is that you can get a cadence meter to go with it. That will give you some stats about your ride. I am pretty goal oriented, and I think this will help me have fun riding. I looked for bikes on EBAY and found a guy locally that refurbishes them. I went to his place today to try one and it was terrible. If you decide to buy refurbished, be sure you try the bike before you buy.

There are videos for the spin bikes. Most people seem to really like spinervals. You can see a preview of them at spinervals.com and other cycle videos (one by Mindy Mylrea) at collagevideo.com

Good luck! I don't know if I'll ever be able to make the decision between the Johnny G and the RevMaster. I'm sure there are many other great bikes. I just don't want to get more confused by looking at other types.

 

[EricaH]

I have a V-Bike at home - I bought it 3 or 4 years ago and I spent around $750 I think. I don't like spinning at home, but I do it regularly because it's a great, nonimpact workout. I only spin with videos - I use Spinervals, Mindy Mylrea Sport Cycle and Jay Blahnik's Precision Cycling (something like that). I mostly run for cardio and find spinning at home very boring, but the videos give me a very good workout so I tolerate them.

Erica

 

[dogs2birds]

I don't know anything about spinning bikes, but I'm a cyclist and in bad weather or the off season I use Spinervals and love them. I have a road bike set up on a trainer in my basement. Spinervals workouts kick my butt and get me in great shape for cycling season. I know many other people who use Spinervals for the same thing. And like others have said it's a great, low-impact workout but very challenging aerobically.

Good luck!

Suz

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

http://www.picturetrail.com/dogs2birds

 

[Vickie C.]

Thanks so much for your input guys. The "Y" here has a group cycling class that I can try out for free, so I think I might do that.
Thanks again, Vickie

 

[Rogue]

I got my Johnny G spin bike almost 3 years ago. Paid about $1,000 for it. Never took a spin class before I got it. I LOVE it. At first I would put some kickin' music on and just go at it. Then I read about Spinervals on here and got a bunch of the competition series DVD's. They are awesome and totally kick my butt. I have always been in very good shape but after doing the spinervals a couple of times a week for the past year and a half I am in incredible cardiovascular condition. For real! The Johnny G is a great bike. It came with an extra seat and extra parts. I have used it 2-3 times a week since I got it and have never had any problems with it. I hope this is helpful to you!

 

[Runcrazy]

I have a Schwinn Evolution SR and just got it for Xmas this last year - I love it! I use Spinervals and Mindy Mylrea. My bike retails for about $1200 and I think we actually paid $1000 - we bought if from a local sports equipment retailer. It's a great bike and I use it a couple of times a week. So I cross train with that, stepping and kickboxing for my cardio. If there is something on TV I really want to watch I'll ride it and watch TV but most of the time (99% of the time) I use my Spinervals to get a tougher workout.

I had done spinning in a gym before I bought the bike so I knew I loved it; it's really a butt kicker and I highly recommend it!!

Jo