is using indoor cycle trainers as good as going to spinning class?

Question

if so, what kind of trainer should i get that will simulate going to spin class?
are you able to adjust the tention as if you are going down a hill( very fast) or up a hill( very tough/slow)?

what brand/ type would be the best for this, i consider myself intermediate. i am looking for the trainers you attatch to the back wheel of your regular bike, not a stationary bike.

thanks

Answer 1

The big differences of spin class bikes vs a trainer stand:
- spin bikes have that heavy flywheel that simulates the mass of your entire body; this tends to "smooth out" your pedaling effort. On a trainer stand, there's hardly any flywheel so your pedaling feels (is) much "jerk-ier" which really bugs me. It may not bug you as much.

- On a trainer stand, you're on your actual regular bike that fits you the way you're used to. On a spin bike, even though it's adjustable, it's never quite exactly the same. This may or may not make any difference to training, but it does bug me.

- In a spin class, you have the instructor yelling, everyone else working hard, loud music, it's really motivational and the time goes by fast. On a trainer stand, it's just you and your tunes and the clock, and if you start slacking off nobody will know. Plus psychologically, it's harder for me to really push myself for more than a few minutes riding solo on the traininer, but in a 60 minute spin class I can hammer the whole time.

- Tension / resistance: really depends on the equipment. Some spin bikes I've been on I can crank it all the way down and still not have it be hard enough. Others, if I crank it down a few turns I can't even move the pedals. On a trainer stand, you have the bike's gears, plus some models have a resistance setting. But the big problem is if your tire slips on the roller. Generally, strong riders complain they can't make it as difficult as a good spin bike or being on the road. For an intermediate rider, any good trainer stand should be hard enough.

Finally, how much can you spend? You can buy for-real spin bikes if you have the $. Figure a used one in the $500-$1000 range, new is up to $2k. Check with the used fitness equipment stores.

Oh, and always use a fan blowing air over you, trust me you'll be able to push harder and get a better workout.

Scott

Answer 2

It has been my experience that the spin class bikes give a better workout. That being said, however, the trainer I have for my bike works pretty good. I have a magnetic resistance type trainer with a remote adjustment feature that mounts on the bars. By using the gears on the bike and the resistance on the trainer you can simulate to a pretty close measure the actual riding conditions you are seeking. Obviously, nothing beats putting on the miles in the great outdoors, but when weather or timing won't allow it, a home trainer setup is a good alternative. There are several brands of trainers out there and a little research online will help you find the one that fits your needs and budget. Good luck and keep on pedalin'!

Answer 3

It depends on the workout your looking to get, if you want to get fit and burn calories the spin class is fine. I'm a roadie and triathlete and I can't find a spin class geared toward my goals (stand up, sit down every other pedal stroke, it's just not realistic for me). If I don't have time (or daylight) to get out on the road I'll put a bike on my trainer. You can get workout videos geared toward what you want to work on (time trialing,climbing,sprinting, ect.). Spinnervals are a great series and a must have for indoor riding by yourself. Also be prepared to burn through tires! It might be a good idea to get a cheap rear wheel you can swap out when using your trainer, so you don't burn through tires you plan on using on the road. As mentioned if you are looking for just the fitness end of it and don't plan on doing a lot of outdoor riding, the spin class might be best. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

A spin bike won't enable you to coast. a bike on a coach will, till you have a fixie. in case you quite want a spin bike i might propose finding at your community want classified ads. See if any gyms are doing away with any of their previous spin motorcycles. I picked one up rebuilt for $3 hundred.00. What ever you get determine you do no longer settle. Indoor training is uninteresting at superb and in case you haven't any longer have been given kit which you delight in you will no longer totally placed it to apply.

Answer 5

fluid trainers are the best, they offer the best road simulation. I have a cycleops fluid trainer, its great.

as far as trainers vs. going to a gym for a 'coached' spin workout, well it probably depends on your intensity when youre by yourself. if you can exert the same level by yourself or elevated, then go for it.

Answer 6

Why not just get out on the bike? It is better for you than both mentioned. (P.S. If you are going to use trainers, fluid type best.).