Trainer or spin bike?

[Lisa Nesbitt]

Hi peeps!

We are debating the merits of a trainer for our road bikes vs a dedicated spin bike. My preference is a spin bike but I've only ever used a ?15 yr old tacx trainer. I found it lacking in levels of resistance and had some dead spots in the revolution cycle. Are the new models better? Would appreciate your thoughts. Thanks a ton!!! 

[mkxm...@gmail.com]

I had this Tacx trainer too and same problems; technology has changed significantly. 

Trainer pros and cons:

- new smart trainers are capable of connecting to apps such as zwift and sufferfest

- easier to put aside temporary or move with you on a trip

- don't require maintenance

- if direct drive, you have to remove the back wheel every time you use it and connect your bike

- if not, they will warn the tire unless again you buy a second back while and swap it every time on the trainer (during riding season)

- if you are a coupls, and if you have the money, you can buy 2 trainers and spin together in the winter without taking too much space (move aside afterward)

The spin bike:

- heavy not easy to move around

- requires maintenance

- very easy to use without having to touch your bike setup

- very easy to switch riders (with seconds effort to readjust the bike fit)

- I only know about peleton when it comes to smart app (there might be ones that can connect to zwift and etal)

- you can't spin together if you are couple because of the space a spin bike takes

 This is the analysis I would have done for myself.  space is a huge thing for me now as I moved into an apartment and started to notice the space constraints in every thing (compared to a house).  mobility is also a huge factor for me.

Be safe!

[Lisa Nesbitt]

Thanks very much for your thoughts on this. Very helpful!