Stationary bike ?

[Garyb]

I need to keep my fitness level up over the winter months, unfortunately it rains all the time where I live and its often dark when I get home. Sooo....Iam thinking stationary bike, the problem is I dont know which one. I think I would like one with a heartrate monitor so I can get the most out of it.
Any recommendations ?
Thanks
Gary

 

[Anssi]

I much prefer a rowing machine, it's more MX specific with the motion and also lets you work the upper body. Too bad the only good one is the Concept 2 and those cost a bunch. I go to the gym to get my fix.

As for the HRM, I think you want a bike or rower that has a sensor that picks up the signal from a Polar or similar with the band around your chest. Those things with the electrodes in the handlebar and stuff are pretty stupid.

 

[colorado-high]

I agree that the rowing machine is the best way to go.They get very expensive for a high quality machine.If you cant afford a rower the next best would be the Schwinn Airdyne bike. It works the upper and lower parts of your body.

 

[KXKen]

You can buy a decent jump rope for about 10$. I have a (reasonbly) high quality stationary bike but I prefer jumping rope. I try to alternate on the 2. If you have the cash for a rower that's probably the best of the 3.

 

[Anssi]

You have to be pretty fit to keep jumping rope for over half an hour. I'm not saying it's not effective, but somehow I've never gotten around to keep jumping rope for any significant duration.

I have a leather rope that has wooden handles that let the rope spin freely. I think that thing is pretty good.

 

[pursang262]

Forget the stationary bike, get a set of rollers. You can ride your mountain or road bike on them, and you HAVE to balance. It's great practice for a smooth pedal stroke, plus it's funny as hell to watch your buddies try to balance on the thing at parties.

 

[Payday2]

Keep your eyes peeled for local rowing contests. Normally they will use Concept 2 rowers and sell a boat load of them after the competition at a drastically discounted rate. Also, keep an eye on ebay and your local classifieds. Many times people will buy exercise equipment, and 3 weeks later it turns into a clothes rack. :confused: Keep beating the bush and you'll come up with a killer deal on a Concept 2.

J&K

 

[KXKen]

Originally posted by Anssi
You have to be pretty fit to keep jumping rope for over half an hour.

It's just like anything else you have to do it often enough to get to that point. Right now I can jump rope longer than I can ride full bore on an MX track.

 

[P_Taylor]

I have the Schwinn AirDyne and the Cycle Ops fluid trainer for my mountain bike. When used with the Spinerval tape series they bought really get your heartrate up.

I have also used the Concept II , they work well. It is just easier to stay mentally into the workout with the tapes to follow on the bikes.

 

[Garyb]

Thanks for all the input - I have a bid on a airdyne on e-bay and also looking at the concept 2 if I can pick up a sweet deal.
Gary