Spin v Upright bike

[mhorsman]

I'm looking at getting an excercise bike shortly and am undecided between a Spin or Upright.

Can someone please advise the advantages / disadvantages of each type and what each type is better suited for.

I am aiming to increase my leg strength and cardio and will likely combine the riding with a basic weigh session with either free weights or a home gym (also undecided).

My wife will also use the bike for increased fitness and weight loss.

Thanks in advance.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Take a look at the Schwinn Airdyne bike. IMO it is the best stationary bike workout you can get.




You can find them new on ebay for under $600.




They last forever with no maintenance.

 

[deschain]

I have had an upright, fan-style bike w/ the moving handles, and also a spin bike (the Johnny G Spinner Pro-that I bought used from a gym).

Hands down, I would pick the spin style anyday.

The movement is lighter, quicker. I like the variations it offers in the way of positions - you can ride "normal" (flat road), or you can do things such as standing hill climb, seated hill climb, running, sprinting....in any position you adjust the resistence as needed for your level.

Most all exercise bikes will provide adjustable resistance, but only the spin style (that I'm aware of) lets you do such a variety of things, other than just sit and pedal.

It was well used at the gym, and I use it frequently. I've had no trouble with it all, even though it's been through several years of regular commercial use.

I like to put together songs and do different things to each song, according to the beat, etc (basically just like a spinning class in a gym, but at home). It makes the workout go by faster and is way more enjoyable that just riding my other bike, which I sent to my mother's house b/c I never touched it anymore.