Recumbent bike for extra aerobic training

[aussieluke]

As it was just sat there collecting dust (that's what they're really for), I decided to borrow my parent's recumbent bike to try and get some additional aerobic work in the early mornings, since I've been finding it impossible to get out of the house for a run before the kids get up, and the noise of the erg wakes them up.

Dear god it's horrible. I already appreciated the Concept 2 erg as an amazingly simple and functional machine, but this thing makes me realise just how perfect it is. To be able to get straight on and just row or to set up a workout in seconds with no fuss and get going. This thing has beeps and 14 different programs plus some user programs and target heart rate and fat loss programs... there is no logic to the buttons and the screen is impossible to read.

Anyway my plan is to ignore the seemingly useless HR function of the bike and use my wahoo Tickr with my iPhone as a timer and much more accurate HR monitor to get a basic aerobic workout for 45 minutes or so.

Has taken me about an hour to stop the thing creaking and squeaking, and to figure out the simplest way to get on and start a workout - which I still involves switching it on, choosing workout 1, then pressing start, then upping the resistance to a worthwhile level (all of which beeps loudly every time you press a button) - then I will use the screen only to monitor RPM and use my phone for the rest.

Will see how it goes but no wonder these things end up as clothes hangers!

I really wish Concept 2 made a bike too!

[G-dub]

Luke - like you I run and bike. I am finding that the bike in the morning provides nice easy and controllable cardio that freshens the legs, which fits great with having to do harder erg sessions. I don't use a recumbent though, but a road bike on a magnetic trainer. Running was starting to pound the legs too much in association with erg intervals. But at least with running we can get outside!

[aussieluke]

I was thinking if I like the cycling I'd work on getting something better than a recumbent bike but I do miss running outside

[Livio Livius]

Pls check Wattbike https://wattbike.com/uk/home

[aussieluke]

Pls check Wattbike https://wattbike.com/uk/home

I'd love to have a spare $5k for one ...or even $3k for a used one!

[Brewster]

..... a road bike on a magnetic trainer....

I use cheap MTB with a high-quality saddle on a CycleOps gel trainer. For an economy rig, it works pretty well.

[G-dub]

Yep. The road bike I use is actually the one my wife DOESNT use. You really don't need anything fancy and a mag, fluid r gel trainer can be had used for cheap. I actually think I have fluid but I don't even know. If I had the money however:

https://www.cycleops.com/catalog/indoor-cycles

[jackarabit]

I hate all stationary bikes, Aerodynes, bikes with VR video. Best bank for the buck your road or mtn iron on good old rollers with simple mag resistance and your gears of course. Your personal geometry and fit without fuss and throwing bucks at a stationary adjustable trainer. Worse case you lock the fork dropouts on the optional front strut and don't have to worry about a livingroom endo.

[aussieluke]

Thankfully the wahoo Tickr and app work great so I managed to get a 40 minute workout avg hr135 max 144

Tried to keep cadence around 90rpm and didn't worry about much else.

Wish I had an actual bike but this will do for now.

With any luck it will get me used to getting up early and training again then I might be able to get out the door instead for a run. ...and I can send this thing back to my parent's house!

[Oarsome Fitness]

I use the recumbent bike at my gym when I can for some very easy LISS training. Get a film or netflix on the phone and just relax back whilst I pedal. My HR strap connects to the one in my gym so I just put it on a mid level of resistance and go for it.

We used to be encouraged to use this over a normal gym bike at my university club as the action is a bit closer to that of an erg e.g. you are pushing your leg more horizontally like you do on a leg drive.