How to Change a Bicycle to an Exercise Bike
Biking is one of the most effective methods of cardiovascular exercise. It keeps your heart and blood circulation healthy and is less straining on your joints than running. If you have an old bicycle that you would like to convert into an exercise bike--or if your favorite type of exercise is bicycling but the weather is bad or you want to watch television while you work out--your bicycle can be easily be changed into an exercise bike through the use of a bicycle trainer. The trainer operates by holding up the back wheel and creating levels of resistance while peddling.
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Instructions
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Research and shop for a bicycle trainer that fits your needs. Basic trainers use wind resistance and feel more like actual bike riding, but can be noisy if you are looking to watch television while you bike. Magnetic trainers are quieter and allow you to adjust the resistance on the trainer. Others are fluid-based and allow you to change the resistance by changing speeds. If you are looking to strengthen your legs, make sure the trainer has a high enough resistance setting.
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Install the bike into the trainer. Set the back wheel into the trainer with the tire release lever pointing up. Insert the post on that side of the tire into the corresponding socket on the trainer. Open the lever on the other side of the trainer to release the opposite socket. Slide it in until it fits around the corresponding bike wheel post. Make necessary adjustments for fitting your bike by loosening the locking bolt on the first socket and sliding it in or out. Lock in the adjustable lever.
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Adjust the level of the roller on the trainer so it is touching the back tire with enough pressure to turn the tire, but not so much pressure that it will strain the roller or wear on the tread of your wheel. Lock in the roller's adjustable lever.
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Place a rubber mat under the front tire to protect the floor.
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