Any exercise bike recommendations for tall people?

[Scarpozzi]

I'm 6'4". I'm wondering if there's an affordable exercise bike out there that will work for me. I would go with an eliptical trainer, but one of decent quality would cost double what I'm thinking I can get a good bike for. Walmart has only a couple of models, but they're up off the floor so I can't try them out easily.

I was looking at the Gold's Gym 210U at Walmart.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog....do?product_id=7789782

The 230 Recumbent bike has also gotten good ratings.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog....do?product_id=7789781

Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[TallBill]

At 6'6" 240, I've had no problems doing any excersise or using any machine. Do you live in a good enough area where you could get a real bike?

 

[crt1530]

If you're going to be spending much time on this thing, the recumbent version will be much more comfortable. Of course, a rowing machine (ergometer) would be a better choice in equipment. Exercise bikes are pretty simple (mechanically speaking). I'd look on Craigslist first to see if you can find a steal.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Originally posted by: TallBill
At 6'6" 240, I've had no problems doing any excersise or using any machine. Do you live in a good enough area where you could get a real bike?

I own a bike. I'm just not a fan of rainy, cold, or extremely hot days. I usually go walking or jogging. My issues with cheap bikes are that the seats generally don't go high enough for my legs to get full extension. Also, if the seats don't go high enough...there's also a chance that my knees will hit the handles on some bike designs.

My biggest fear of the recumbent is that it doesn't move back far enough.

I've not had any issues using equipment in gyms. They're usually made to work with athletes...including professional athletes (basketball, football, etc). When you get to the home versions, they skimp. If they can use less metal by making the seat go one less notch up, they'll do it....and I hate them for it.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi

Originally posted by: TallBill
At 6'6" 240, I've had no problems doing any excersise or using any machine. Do you live in a good enough area where you could get a real bike?

I own a bike. I'm just not a fan of rainy, cold, or extremely hot days. I usually go walking or jogging. My issues with cheap bikes are that the seats generally don't go high enough for my legs to get full extension. Also, if the seats don't go high enough...there's also a chance that my knees will hit the handles on some bike designs.

I'm 6'5", and the seat post issues is easy, buy one that is designed for taller riders, just make certain it is the correct diameter. Sometimes issues with knees hitting the bars, can be due to the cockpit being too short for you, and you need a larger/longer frame.

And since you own a bike, just buy a resistance trainer like one of these Cheaper than a good spinner, and you get to keep spending TIS(time in the saddle) on your own rig.

BTW, the customer service reps at Performance, Nashbar, and Price Point, I have found to be knowledgeable and helpful over the years. Tell them what you are after and they will help you with getting the correct one to fit you and your bike.

 

[MiataPaul]

If you have a bike then I would just get a set of rollers with a resistance system. The rollers will help your normal ridding skills as well.

 

[zebano]

I second the resistance trainer. I have a magnetic trainer and I love it. My only suggestion is to make friends at your movie store as the time goes much faster that way (I just switched to netflix because it's cheaper).

 

[Scarpozzi]

I ended up ordering a resistance trainer after thinking about it. I wanted one a few years ago, but talked myself out of it because my mtn bike has knobby tires. Last season, I switched to 1.5" road slicks because I was doing more on-road than off-road riding.

I called up a friend of mine and he's going to see about getting me a 2005 Scott CR1 Pro racing bike for $600 with a ton of new parts off another friend's brand new top of the line Canondale. (new tires, chainrings, derailers, etc)

The resistance trainer I ordered was from 1upUSA. After doing reading reviews, I found that a lot of the $150 trainers would start squeaking or weren't stable enough....from all of the problems, I figured I can't go wrong with a lifetime replacement warranty (should pay for itself if I use it), a top rated trainer, and one with a 100% 60 day money back guarantee.
http://www.1upusa.com/bike_trainer.html


I'll give you an update when I get my mountain bike rigged up on the trainer. It should be here next week.