My physiotherapist has suggested that I need a recumbent bike for rehab. Sporting equipment seems to be in short supply and at inflated prices due to this Covid19 thing.
Any suggestions on the best place to look? Brands that have worked for you? Things to avoid?
Thanks!
I’m guessing they mean recumbent exercise bike.
How much do you want to spend. Big w has one for $500. Otherwise try marketplace or gumtree.
Im happy to spend whatever is required for equipment with the right features. I need step-through I believe. Heart rate monitoring might be useful but I already wear an Apple Watch for that. Something that’s ergonomic and will withstand daily use.
I have a couple of the Kogan cheap ones and they are fine (although I just checked and out of stock 'til March :( )
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/fortis-magnetic-flywheel-recumb…
Good to know thanks. Yeah I’m thinking with my watch monitoring my heart rate and my tablet for entertainment it’s probably not worth getting a really expensive one if the cheap ones work.
I don't even use the heart rate stuff, I basically use the timer and that's it :)
Do you find the tension control is ok? Another magnetic bike I had setting 1 was way too easy then setting 2 was very difficult… is there a good spectrum?
I got a free one on Gumtree a few months back. It's a Weslo Pursuit 360R and is in mint condition. My research shows it was big w or kmart offering.
It is a very basic unit but seems adequate for daily use. It's perfectly comfortable but I have not used it longer than 45 minutes and I have no pre-existing conditions.
Would this achieve the same exercise motion at a fraction of the cost?
I've seen these on late night shopping TV to help sedentary people get moving.
https://www.dshop.com.au/buy/mini-exercise-bike-portable-exe…
Possibly…however I’d still have the cost of an appropriate chair to exercise on which would need to be the right height and tilt and I’d want a stand of some description for my entertainment.
several years ago i paid too much probably in store at an exercise equipment retailer - elitefitness.com.au - because i wanted to be able to sit it in and make sure it felt right. depending on how important that is to you it's an option to consider.
it is a sturdy unit and has lasted well.
the seats are so much more comfy than a regular stationary bike.
but the angle is different and feels different.
you can buy dvds or stream online pov cycling videos to play on a screen while you ride - that can be fun and otherwise it can be a bit monotonous after you accomplish a good form and don't need to concentrate so much. https://www.amazon.com.au/Ambient-Collection-Virtual-Cycle-R…
i would also suggest getting one with extra features like programmed resistance if you can afford it and you know you will be using it a lot. - because again boredom.
it's good that you are buying it based on advice from a physio. is it possible they can recommend one and / or a source for one?
(do you need one that has power and moves your legs for really intense rehab? because if so you really need a lot of advice.)
normally gumtree marketplace classifieds etc can be such a good place to buy exercise equipment if you're patient, as people buy it new and then don't use it much, and then sell it for a fraction of what it cost. and you can try before you buy. but covid.
That was extremely helpful thank you!
you're most welcome :)
I own a electric powered recumbent trike. Would strongly suggest you test ride a recumbent bike before even considering that path. Recumbent bikes are very different to get used to compared with traditional bicycles. They are a bit harder to balance and the wheel base is usually longer. Plus there are tonnes of customisations depending on your height, the application (racing = more tilted position, touring = more padded seat/backrest). Plus lots of handle bar/grip customisations.