Spin bike for short inseam?

[donnamp]

Thanks Erica and Alison - I think I will start w/ one of her beginner 20 min rides and see how it goes. Her channel for spin looks great, as does her strength channel. Low dread...

Donna

[Erica H.]

Originally Posted by donnamp

Thanks Erica and Alison - I think I will start w/ one of her beginner 20 min rides and see how it goes. Her channel for spin looks great, as does her strength channel. Low dread...

Donna

If you love her half as much as I do, you'll be thrilled!

Have fun!

Erica

[Hazel Porter]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

I don't know about spin bikes but I went to the local bike shop to buy my road bike. I'm 5'2" and they fitted me with a men's bike that works. Turns out I really don't like riding in town so I bought a trainer and just ride it on that in the basement. I don't know if you can use a trainer the same way as a spin bike though. I have never pedaled standing up on it and not sure how comfortable I would feel doing so. Probably doesn't help much, just wanted to say being fitted for a bike helps! Hope you get some helpful answers!

This is how I spin (using the Peloton app or Aaptiv). You absolutely can stand and pedal with your bike on a trainer, and honestly, I find it easier to do than standing and pedaling while riding on the roads, because the trainer holds the bike steady for you.

There is a learning curve with how to match your gearing to an instructor's calls for resistance, and unlike a spin bike, you can't just add "1-2 points" or "half a turn" of resistance -- your next gear is whatever it is, and might be more or less resistance than you want at any given moment (and it's not practical to be jumping off the bike to adjust the tension on the back wheel while you're riding).

I've never seen a spin bike marketed as being specifically designed (or particularly good for) people with shorter legs. All of them have adjustable saddles, though -- you might try to find out what an appropriate saddle height would be for you (usually the saddle should be level with your hip, but there are plenty of videos out there that show you how to fit a bike to your specs) and then do some research to see if there are any bikes with a post of no more than that length.

Barring that, a road bike on the trainer would be an excellent option, as bikes come in different heights and can be specifically fitted for you (and also can be taken off the trainer if you ever get a hankering to ride outdoors).

[Vantreesta]

Thank you for the feedback, Hazel! Maybe I will try out of the saddle at some point!

[dlb]

I'd like to try this on a trainer -any suggestions what to look for? I havent used my bike in a long time because I dont care to street ride.
I've wanted a spin bike for awhile but hesitate as I dont want it to sit unused.
My husband has a recumbant which I use on occasion.

Ideas? Thanks

Debbie

[Hazel Porter]

Originally Posted by dlb

I'd like to try this on a trainer -any suggestions what to look for? I havent used my bike in a long time because I dont care to street ride.
I've wanted a spin bike for awhile but hesitate as I dont want it to sit unused.
My husband has a recumbant which I use on occasion.

Ideas? Thanks

Debbie

Kurt and Cyclops are the two brands I recall -- neither is super cheap, but we've had ours for nearly 20 years and it has worked great for two riders (one being a 6'4", 200 lb man) for all that time with zero maintenance required. This is similar to the one we have:

https://www.cycleops.com/product/mag-trainer

You might check on eBay to see if you can get a good used one for somewhat less than new. You also might consider going to a bike shop and asking them to show you the different options, maybe even bring your bike and learn how to set it up. It take a bit of practice, but is not super difficult to get your bike on and off (assuming you ever take it off).

[jackie7]

The Peleton website tells you what inseam you need to be able to use their bikes. My inseam was too short.

[Vantreesta]

Originally Posted by dlb

I'd like to try this on a trainer -any suggestions what to look for? I havent used my bike in a long time because I dont care to street ride.
I've wanted a spin bike for awhile but hesitate as I dont want it to sit unused.
My husband has a recumbant which I use on occasion.

Ideas? Thanks

Debbie

Mine is very basic. I paid I think $50 for it on Amazon. A fancier one would be nice but so far I haven't ridden enough to justify anything that costs more. Let me know if you want the link to what I got.

[carly]

It will probably take some research on your part, but inseam does make a difference. If its not right it can be hard on your knees, back, etc. I am short and have a Sunny Bike I got from Goodwill for $25. It works for me and my 6'2" husband. That said I prefer my road bike on a trainer as it is much more custom in fit and I have sensitive knees.

https://thetonedwoman.com/the-best-s...-short-person/

https://www.firstlightcycling.com/sp...-short-person/

https://sunnyhealthfitness.com/produ...SABEgIouvD_BwE

[Venus]

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

Mine is very basic. I paid I think $50 for it on Amazon. A fancier one would be nice but so far I haven't ridden enough to justify anything that costs more. Let me know if you want the link to what I got.

I would like the link