Turning bike into an exercise bike.

[Doon frae Troon]

Anyone know a simple way that I can rig [lift] up a normal bike safely so my wife can use it for exercise.
I have a garage with most DIY stuff and wood etc.

Where we live the only way we can walk is up a couple of pretty steep hills soon after we leave the house.
She has mild BP and other health problems and the hills bother her, even when she takes them very slowly [more mental than physical IMO but for God's sake don't tell her that ]
Doing 'steps' on our back doorstep is also on the agenda.
Thanks.

 

[GreiginFife]

You could build a wooden stand with notches cut out the uprights for the wheel nuts.
Problem you will have is creating resistance.

 

[AmandaJR]

https://www.instructables.com/id/Indoor-Bike-Trainer/

As said the problem is creating resistance - just lifting the rear wheel will allow pedal strokes but will be like pedalling fresh air.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Not really a problem for her with resistance...…….just get gentle exercise.
Normally I drive her a mile up the hill so she has a gentle walk back.
Thanks for info.

 

[Crow]

You could put tape between the spokes to create air resistance, that would increase the effort required by a small degree.

That's tape going side to side so you end up with a paddle wheel effect.

 

[patricks148]

it would be cheaper and safer to just get her an exercise bike TBH, but is she's feeling brake you could get her a set of rollers.

what we used to us to warm up at the track back in the day.... need consentrate though. imagine they can be got pretty cheaply

or one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/3527415568...zBVVVtGTRUgy4rhU5A07cwBms8__QHjIaAhK9EALw_wcB

 

[Deleted member 23270]

This is the cheapest turbo trainer I've been able to find

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292646575819

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I bought a cheap one from Wiggle just after Xmas. It was £40 minus a penny and free delivery. I suspect they aren't that price now...if they have any

 

[Doon frae Troon]

You could put tape between the spokes to create air resistance, that would increase the effort required by a small degree.

That's tape going side to side so you end up with a paddle wheel effect.

Thanks, interesting idea, I take it you just do that at the top of the spokes or would you alternate and graduate it downwards.

Would a bus ticket and a clothes peg work the same [circa 1954] used to make a great vroom.
Historic fact, you used to be given a cardboard fare ticket on buses.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Thanks, interesting idea, I take it you just do that at the top of the spokes or would you alternate and graduate it downwards.

Would a bus ticket and a clothes peg work the same [circa 1954] used to make a great vroom.
Historic fact, you used to be given a cardboard fare ticket on buses.

Wouldnt it be just easier to adjust the brakes so that they are binding, thus creating the resistance you need.

 

[Crow]

Thanks, interesting idea, I take it you just do that at the top of the spokes or would you alternate and graduate it downwards.

Would a bus ticket and a clothes peg work the same [circa 1954] used to make a great vroom.
Historic fact, you used to be given a cardboard fare ticket on buses.

I've never done it so it would need a bit of trial and error to find the optimum arrangement, assuming it's effective at all of course!

 

[jim8flog]

As per Bunker Magnet

Creating resistance is simple- pedal with the brakes on.

 

[jim8flog]

Would a bus ticket and a clothes peg work the same [circa 1954] used to make a great vroom.

There is a memory ( but not from 1954)

 

[AmandaJR]

As per Bunker Magnet

Creating resistance is simple- pedal with the brakes on.

Would it get very hot?

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Would it get very hot?

Of course the resistance would create heat, but I doubt it we are talking disc brakes here, so rim brakes would more than likely cool through the air movement.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

As per Bunker Magnet

Creating resistance is simple- pedal with the brakes on.

Sounds simple enough for me.........tape the breaks up a bit.
I looked at the bike and propping up the back axel looks like a no go with all gears etc.
Bike is going to grandson this summer and I don't want to mugger it up.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Sounds simple enough for me.........tape the breaks up a bit.
I looked at the bike and propping up the back axel looks like a no go with all gears etc.
Bike is going to grandson this summer and I don't want to mugger it up.

I assume they are probably v-brakes, so just adjust the cable at the leaver so the blocks are in contact with the rim

 

[AmandaJR]

Doon - this is inspired!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10156851800745143

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Doon - this is inspired!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10156851800745143

Brilliant...…….that baby on the back looks a bit unsafe though.

Bike engineering and I, for some reason have never seen eye to eye.
I have decided not to ruin a good bike due to be handed on this year and will pass on this.
Thanks to all for their input........perhaps it will inspire others.

 

[clubchamp98]

Rope on the back of the seat post and over a joist on the roof.
It requires a bit of balance but you can’t fall off.