Which Spin Bike? £200 max

[JohnWest]

I'm looking to buy a spin bike for the garage. I've been doing spin classes for about 10 years and have really missed not being able to go for the majority of this year. I'd like to spend up to £200 ideally, but if I need to increase budget to meet criteria then I will.

Speaking of criteria:
- has to be robust, will likely be used every day between the wife and I
- decent resistance level. I've used exercise bikes in the past where the pedals still turned easily with the dial turned up to 11.
- £200 max (negotiable)

The bikes I've used in the gym have been Technogym ones, more recently replaced with Livestrong. Something like that I would love, but they're more than double my budget.

I started my search on eBay, assuming that the larger the flywheel, the more expensive the bike. Not so:

- 8kg flywheel, £249
- 13kg flywheel, £195
- 15kg flywheel, £170

8kg flywheel
13kg flywheel
15kg flywheel

So, is my reasoning incorrect? Is the most expensive bike with the lightest flywheel better constructed than the other 2? Is there simply less demand/market for heavier flywheel bikes? Whatever the reason, it's not helping me make a decision! I've not narrowed it down to these 3, they're just ones I've chosen to illustrate a point.

As mentioned, I want something that will last as it will be used frequently. Generally "buy cheap, buy twice" I find is true. If I buy the cheaper one of that trio for the larger resistance does that mean it's not going to last as long as the more expensive bike? I would most definitely consider a refurb ex-gym bike, only problem is I can't find any at the moment.

If anyone has any real world experience of home spin bikes I'd love to hear it. Thank you.

[M22s]

If you can stretch a little (ok, maybe double) ‘spin’ now make a lifestyle rang - I got the most basic one and whilst you can tell it’s been built to a budget, is a good machine.

https://www.gymkituk.com/spinner-l1-home-spin-bike...

[JohnWest]

The budget is flexible but I’m afraid not that flexible! Given the lack of replies here I may just have to pick one that looks the nicest

[ukwill]

I bought a Schwinn AC Power for £700 off eBay that had done 13 miles, so was basically new. The guy was selling 30 (gym buy out by large group). They were selling for £2.5-3k new. I use it with the peloton app. It’s fantastic.

I would suggest looking at the JLL IC300 Pro. It’s a bit above you’re limit at £400 new, but they often come up on eBay. It’s a well specced bike - direct belt drive, mag resistance, 20kg flywheel, monitor etc.

[JohnWest]

It looks like my budget was misjudged given the 2 replies both suggesting I should spend £400.

ukwill said:

I bought a Schwinn AC Power for £700 off eBay that had done 13 miles, so was basically new. The guy was selling 30 (gym buy out by large group). They were selling for £2.5-3k new. I use it with the peloton app. It’s fantastic.

I would suggest looking at the JLL IC300 Pro. It’s a bit above you’re limit at £400 new, but they often come up on eBay. It’s a well specced bike - direct belt drive, mag resistance, 20kg flywheel, monitor etc.

A quick google found a JLL IC300 (non Pro) for £100 less. I noticed the display didn’t look as fancy, flywheel was 18 instead of 20kg and friction resistance rather than mag. All other features seemed to be the same.

Is the extra £100 worth it or would I be kicking myself wishing I’d spent the extra to get the Pro?

[ukwill]

I’d want mag resistance. I don’t want the maintenance or noise that comes with friction. The pro is worth the money imho.

Also, at £400 you’re close to grabbing an ex-gym commercial grade bike.

[JohnWest]

I got lucky, I found an IC300 Pro on Facebook. 18 months old, ‘barely used’ advertised for £200. Offered £180 and was accepted. Thanks for your help and to M22s for the suggestion.

[ukwill]

Nice one. Enjoy 👍