Spin Bike Insights: Understanding the Utter Importance of Good Pedals and Shoes
Spinning is a type of indoor cycling workout that’s more intense than exercising using a stationary bike. Depending on your fitness level and just how determined you are, you can burn up to 900 calories in a 30-75 minute session. With spinning you are indoors, the bike will keep track of your pulse, mileage, and calorie burn, and you won’t even need to wear a helmet. When it comes to spin bikes, it’s all about the pedals and cycling shoes, so when you go shopping you need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Here are some tips to help you.
Choosing a Spin Bike
When you want to find the best spin bike, there are some specifics to bear in mind.
Flywheel weight: This is the weight of the wheel at the front of the bike and should be between 20-22kg.
Drive system: Your two options here are chain or belt. The latter is quieter and can be easily adjusted.
Frame: A strong frame and stabilizing legs are important.
Braking system: In this case, your options are leather pad, fabric pad or a magnetic pad. Fabric pads are usually found on entry-level bikes. Leather and magnetic pads are usually found on high-end or commercial bikes.
Console: Most spinning bikes will have a console, though not all are equally sophisticated. Look for one that will show your mileage, the amount of calories you burn, your pulse or hear rate, and your speed.
You may not realize it but there are some variations in pedals, and you may find some more comfortable than others. Bear in mind, the more specialized the pedal, the more expensive the bike will be.
Standard Pedals: Just like the standard pedals on your road bicycle, these pedals are pretty basic; you simply rest your foot on them. Though they’re easy to use, there’s nothing to hold your foot in place, and if you’re pedaling with a fury, your foot might start slipping off.
Toe Cages: This type of pedal has a fabric or plastic cage over the top of it. You slide your foot inside and tighten the strap to keep yourself securely attached. This type of pedal works best if you’re wearing athletic shoes.
Dual Pedals: These spin bikes have a double pedal on each side, so you can flip them over to choose which one to use. On one side you will find toe cages, and on the other, SPD fittings (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) to pair with your cyclist shoes. This is a great option if you want to experiment and become more experienced, or if you are sharing the bike with someone who has different preferences than you.
Specialist Pedals: These are usually Shimano Pedaling Dynamics that you clip your cleats onto. They do have advantages over toe cages because the shoes tend to have a stiffer sole. This means you get a stronger stroke because your pushing force is not dissipated. You won’t get so tired or so sore, so quickly. And of course, once you’re clipped to the pedal, your foot won’t slip.
Choosing Indoor Cycling Shoes
Indoor cycling shoes are rather like a blend of mountain bike and road bike shoes. They tend to have more sole rubber than a road shoe, so you can walk freely around your home or gym without slipping, but they have a sleeker design than a mountain bike shoe.
The number one difference between indoor cycling shoes is the cleat that attaches your foot to the pedal. The main two are:
SPD: Also known as the two-hole system, this cleat is more common in gyms and spinning studios. Because they are small and flat, they are easy to walk around in.
Delta: Also known as the three-hole system, these are less common than SPDs. These are worth buying if you are considering using your indoor cycling shoes for outdoor cycling as well.
Things to Remember:
If you’re new to spinning, you can rent shoes from your studio until you find the ones you are most comfortable using. When you are ready to buy your own cycling shoes, make sure the cleats are compatible with the spin bike you’re using. If you are still not sure which ones to buy, you can ask your spinning instructor for advice. As for the rest of the shoe, that is up to your own personal preference.
Isabella Brown loves the feeling she gets from working out and competing in sports. She has experience working in a gym, training people how to use all of the equipment, and is now working as a personal fitness instructor, starting her own business doing this just last year.
Jane says
Thanks for sharing these insights!
I am starting to do workout for health improvement. I do a lot of biking for starter. This would really help me.
Crafty Nunn says
I did not realize there was so much to spinning. If I start, I will come back to this article. Thank you for the information.
vickie couturier says
that looks interesting,,never rode one of those before
Deborah D says
I wish I could exercise like this but I can’t do to a disability.
Sandra Watts says
Interesting. I had heard the term before but was unsure what it was exactly. Thanks.