ADVICE ON PUSH BIKE AND TRAINER PLEASE

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
I don't ride and have got no desire to get a bike and go on the road. However, I would like to do some more and regular exercise as only doing an hour of 5-a-side one to twice a week at the moment.

I know nothing about bikes or these trainers. However would happily throw £1k at a bike and a trainer.

Any thoughts and pointers on what would be good to get? Racing bike or hybrid? I might use it possibly with the kids maybe at some point but mainly for training in the garage.
 

JonW

Member
Messages
3,259
Using a turbo trainer can be soul-destroyingly boring, but well worth looking up some of the modern apps (Zwift, TrainerRoad, Sufferfest, etc)... Some of these are more focussed on the serious cyclist, but Zwift is great for helping pass the time.

In terms of bike and trainer, I would go cheap on the bike and spend more on the trainer. Any old hybrid or road bike would be fine (as long as it fits you), and there is very little point in spending more than the bare minimum. However, for the trainer, I would definitely recommend one that is direct (no back wheel required), and one that is Smart - which means the resistance can be varied via a computer.

As with all things, the price range is considerable, and a top of the line trainer could soak up the £1k budget ...
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
Thanks all. I think a Smart trainer would be ideal to keep it interesting. I will have a couple of 42" large screens on the wall in the garage for the dual seat gaming chairs I have. Could all be hooked up to that. I don't mind spending a bit more if needed. I don't think a typical upright bike would work as I have a cheap one already and hate the feel and position. A proper bike with an app on a large screen with some nice surround sound music would keep me interested and motivated.

Seems like some obvious front runners are the Tacx Flux or Neo, Wahoo Kickr.

Are they quite stable or need good balance and concentration to keep you upright? If stable are they stable enough and hard pushes for me to end up not flat on the floor?!
 

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,593
Forget a trainer, after a week of staring at your lounge wall you will lose interest.

I agree, don't go on the road and road bikes are very unstable due to their thin wheels. Buy a second hand, carbon framed 29'er hardtail and go play in the mud in the woods, its better fun and better workout.

You will spend a bit on accessories, you need a phone mount/satnav drinks bottle, tank bag with spares and most importantly clip in shoes and matched pedals. The type I have the cleat on the bottom of the shoe looks like the ace of clubs and are the best ones to get.

Frame size large I would suspect.

Gear sets take a hammering so get one with good teeth, I run Campag on my road bike but would recommend Shimano XT and SLS/SLR on a mountain bike, its cheaper and more robust.

If you can find one with Fox front shocks that would be a winner too.

Carbon frames do break, so if you can get one with a lifetime transferable warranty, that would be best.

Makes:
Jamis/Trek/Cannondale/Scott

Avoid:
Specialise, BMC and Cube

...everyone has their own preferences.
 
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Oliver6796

Member
Messages
497
Im TACX bias as I have one but I did put a lot or research into it. id suggest as above, spend the money on a TACX Neo or Flux and get whatever bike you can to suit it.
Stability is no issue whatsoever, you cant fall over or tip it (unless your trying really hard to tip it to prove a point lol)

Cycling is boring as **** in the garage so you may as well get the best experience you can to keep you motivated.
 

JonW

Member
Messages
3,259
Thanks all. I think a Smart trainer would be ideal to keep it interesting. I will have a couple of 42" large screens on the wall in the garage for the dual seat gaming chairs I have. Could all be hooked up to that. I don't mind spending a bit more if needed. I don't think a typical upright bike would work as I have a cheap one already and hate the feel and position. A proper bike with an app on a large screen with some nice surround sound music would keep me interested and motivated.

Seems like some obvious front runners are the Tacx Flux or Neo, Wahoo Kickr.

Are they quite stable or need good balance and concentration to keep you upright? If stable are they stable enough and hard pushes for me to end up not flat on the floor?!

I went the Wahoo Kickr route, and it’s a great piece of kit... Very stable, and with the right set up Zwift can be incredibly immersive. It’s also much more convenient than cycling outside...

Below is a pic of my set up...

67E742DB-B18A-419C-918A-123B91D99603.jpeg
 
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rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
Swaying towards a Tacx Flux or Neo at the moment. Seems hard to justify the cost difference of over double from Flux to Neo at the moment.
 

Oliver6796

Member
Messages
497
ill buy a new Flux and you can have my Neo for £800 :D. I think the only difference is the max wattage and resistance on Hills. (not sure if the Flux folds as compact) either way the flux for 400 is a steal
 

Oliver6796

Member
Messages
497
Try a mountain bike and get out in the real world rather than a virtual world
You can actually talk to people too

Fair point there but im assuming most like myself have our.. dinner, kids, bath, bed routine before we get to think of getting on the bike. nothing beats being outside but when you cant, being on your virtual is the next best thing IMO.
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
ill buy a new Flux and you can have my Neo for £800 :D. I think the only difference is the max wattage and resistance on Hills. (not sure if the Flux folds as compact) either way the flux for 400 is a steal

It is a kind offer but it is looking like the Flux is the way forward with Zwift added on a nice 42" screen. Should be a good enough set up for me. I am not an amateur rider let alone a pro. I only want it for a bit of regular exercise to keep me a little fitter than I am now. I was an amateur footballer many moons ago was was used to being pretty lean and fit. I'd like to get a little way back to that.

My wife wants a cross trainer but maybe she can have a bash at this set up first. A little more cost effective!
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
Is it going to make a jot of difference what bike I get if it will mainly possible only be used indoors? I know less than zero about bikes!
 

Oliver6796

Member
Messages
497
Flux will be more than enough for you (or me for that matter) get Strava also so you have all the data from Zwift logged. Id also suggest getting a heart rate motor as its nice to see progress with the heart data/Power/Miles/Times etc (yes im a data junkie) plus over stressing your heart will make you worse off.