Exercise Bike vs Turbo Trainer

millskid, October 13, 2012

I own a exercise bike but I have considered getting a turbo trainer. When I am on my current exercise bike I can still hit the relevant heart rate zones when training. Plus the bike is very quiet, unlike any turbo trainer I have come across.

So the question is what benefit would I actually get out of a turbo trainer? Other than having a actual bike feel and multiple gears. When I am training at 155 bpm does it matter whether it is on a Turbo or exercise bike.

Tags

I still use my ancient old exercise bike. Seems a lot of faff to use a turbo.

posted by paulfg42 [158 posts] 13th October 2012 - 20:43

You use different muscles on an exercise bike I think, unless its something like a wattbike.

posted by Raleigh [1035 posts] 13th October 2012 - 21:54

No idea. Doesn't feel like it and the OP was more concerned about heart rate stuff.

posted by paulfg42 [158 posts] 13th October 2012 - 22:12

If all you are worried about it your heart rate, then it doesn't matter.

But for position, cadence, muscle groups....etc, Then you can't beat using your own bike on a trainer

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posted by Gkam84 [4809 posts] 13th October 2012 - 22:37

Using your own bike on a turbo sounds on the face of it a good idea but the truth is they flex too much.A good quality exercise bike like a schwinn spin bike £1000 or a Wattbike £2500 are much better.To be honest unless it's peeing down all winter dress up warm and ride out doors.Buy a winter hack (charity shop job) and ride.It's all shite in the winter but it has to be done.Better idea go to Tenerife for the winter 30c ha ha if only! I think your point about hr rate at 150bpm etc is also right.Your heart and lungs get the same work out and don't know if your in or out on your bike.Mind you 2hours on a exercise bike at 150bpm takes some doing.It's like climbing a 1% hill no free wheeling corners etc to take a brake also if thats your chosen route use a cooling fan it's gets hot in the house.