Bike Trainers, Bike Rollers and Exercise Bikes : What is the Max Load?
March 25, 2013 6:24 AM   Subscribe

I need a bike trainer, bike roller, or an exercise bike. The problem is, I weight 132 kilograms / 290 pounds. I can afford $350, at a stretch. Is there a model of any of these which will both accommodate my weight, and be affordable? My googling turns up nothing.
posted by Chasuk to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)
 
It's probably not going to be great equipment, but: Here's one.

I still have not personally worked out a comfortable way to do this for more than about a half hour at a time, but half an hour's not bad a all, and I think it's easier for a recumbent to accommodate more weight easily without there being problems with stability, etc.
posted by gracedissolved at 6:37 AM on March 25, 2013


I currently weight ~380lbs and have used the spin bikes and standard exercise bikes at the gym with zero issues. Most gym quality equipment is probably not going to be rated for over 300lbs but will have few issues supporting weights up to 400lbs. That said, get a good bike trainer, just make sure you set up on a level surface. Out of curiosity, why aren't you riding outside?
posted by playertobenamedlater at 8:14 AM on March 25, 2013


I think you'd be fine on a turbo trainer/mag trainer. These are solid bits of kit, often with lifetime warranties. They don't really suffer any impact, so weight becomes less of an issue. If the manufacturers were worried about excess weight on them they'd specify. I wouldn't go for a bike roller unless you are more confident and have a smooth cycling rhythm. No exercise bike worth $350 new will be that great.

Also: if you are looking to lose weight by exercising indoor and are on a budget, you could consider renting a Concept 2. Great exercise, not so hard on your joints, would be fine for your weight too.
posted by MuffinMan at 9:29 AM on March 25, 2013


If you have a bike already, I second (or is it third?) the suggestion to use a trainer. If you do much of this, a trainer specific tire will reduce your need to replace tires often but this has nothing to do with bearing weight.
posted by dgran at 12:10 PM on March 25, 2013


I have a Travel Trac fluid trainer from Performance Bike, and it's great, quiet, and cheap. I'm a ~200 lb. rider and haven't noticed any trouble from it (nor have I when I ride a CompuTrainer at the studio, but those gadgets are in a whole 'nother price range). Give them a call and ask if there's a max weight restriction?
posted by sldownard at 3:09 PM on March 25, 2013


Response by poster: I bought a trainer, the CycleOps Fluid 2.

As to why I choose to bicycle indoors, well, I live in South Korea, in the middle of the dense city, in a skyscraper. I'm working long hours. I know myself: I will seldom manage enough motivation to haul a bicycle downstairs, but I might manage enough to bike indoors.

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful answers.
posted by Chasuk at 2:28 AM on March 26, 2013


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