Real exercise bike vs a mini cycle.

My new bike arrived, a bit of a step up from my mini-cycle (the yellow thing in front of the new bike). But I am feeling like I am taking a step back. In the mini-cycle I can cycle for 2 and a half - 3 hours a night.

The new one I am knackered and sweaty after a less than half an hour. And while I realise the reason I feel tired from the new cycle is because it actually has resistance (something the mini-cycle had little to none of) So per minute I am burning more calories. But I can't help but feeling this is a step backwards.

If you have resistance, you'll be building muscles while you ride. With no resistance you're just using the muscle you already have. Therefore, the new one is an investment in you.

Oh I know, I've already given my old one to my Brother in Law. He's suffering the effects of having gone from a very physical job (Landscape Gardening) to a vastly less active one (London Cabbie). So I wouldn't be able to go back to it.

I just can't help feeling that in the short term, (until I can get myself back up to the level I was doing before)it's a step backwards in burning calories.

It really doesn't help that the new one is very uncomfortable.

well i managed 2 hours at level 4... it took me four hours overall. the problem is definetly the seat. but i will get there

That said I am rather tender today. It's not a muscle ache, I can only ascribe it to that bloody seat.

Someone elsewhere has suggested looking for an gel exercise bike seat cover to provide better cushioning.

Hi, over 2hrs on level 4 is brilliant. Does the bike give you the watt & rpm readings also?

In theory, once you have got used to the seat the aches should go away, easily said I know.
I'm just getting over the same-ish problem between the Gym bike & my cycle, my butt & inner thighs were on fire.

From the picture I can't really tell what seat it has. Looks more like a chair? Will a cushion/pillow do the trick?

Also long periods of time on your butt may play havoc on the Sciatica nerve too.


Good luck

That's a better picture of the seat, it's not a normal bikeseat as it's a recumbent, It's textures, but almost solid, it's like sitting on a wooden bench.

I've tried pillows and cushions. I think it's something I'm just going to have to live with for a bit. :/

Not really taken any notice of the watts though the bike does give them as part of the summary, but I know the RPM average is always around 61-64.

I have to say that keeping an RPM of approximately 60-65 is awesome. I'm lucky if I can maintain around 50. More resistance, by the way, usually equals more calories burned. No worries there. Also, if you are maintaining your heart rate above a certian level, you'll continue burning extra calories for many hours afterward (research gives times from 2 hours up to 24 depending on what you read). Yes, you are burning more calories.

If you haven't already, try a thinner cushion that you can strap down onto the seat. That will keep it from sliding around which can add discomfort to your glutes and back. Don't get too fluffy of a cusion or you'll be dealing with the same pain issue.

riocaz Hi. I guess its a case of getting used to it.

May I suggest you lower your resistance to about #2 or even down to #1 & up your spin (rpm) to around at least 80. Between 80 & 90/100 is about the ideal workout for a beginner. If you find its to easy then up the resistance, but keep the spin above 80. Make sure you monitor your heart rate.


Check this out, hope it helps.

Beginner Training Plans for the Exercise Bike



Good luck

Hi Riocaz, I think you're doing awesome! Don't let an uncomfy seat deter you from your goal. As your legs get stronger, you'll build up those butt muscles too. I have had both hips replaced so this is the only kind of exercise bike i can use that will make it even somewhat comfy. My rear falls asleep so fast. I honestly cannot be on it for more than 15-20mins at 0 resistance (more out of boredom) so what you're accomplishing is fantastic. I agree with Cimaen who said to try to keep your RPMs around 80 or higher, even if that means lowering your resistance. Is your goal calories burned or time on the machine? You may find that you're burning quicker at higher RPM and shorter time versus longer time and more resistance with smaller RPM. Do a comparison and see how you feel. Keep up the great work, stay motivated