Learn me: indoor cycling + zwift or the like

So, after 3 years of doing cross-fit like workouts and getting in great shape, I got a new job... and a new baby. The combination changed my schedule, finances, and eating habits. The result? I gained 20 lbs and haven't consistently worked out in months.

I'm over it, it's time to get back on that horse.

That said, I still have the challenges of time and budget (I can fix my eating). I've been looking at different things to get back in some form of shape. My boss is big into cycling, but when he just needs a workout he uses a trainer and an app called Zwift.

The combination seems appealing. I hate just running for the sake of running, I dislike working out alone, weather is an easy excuse to not go running. Biking and "competing" in the races on Zwift seems like an ok option. That said, I have no desire to spend $2500 on an indoor cycle or bike + trainer to find out if it will work for me.

What are your experiences? Know any good places to get the equipment on the cheap?

A former co-worker who is big into iron mans used it and a Schwinn aerodyne in the winter when he couldn't ride.

As for the 20lbs, dollars to donuts its the donuts rather than the lack of working out.

mtn wrote: As for the 20lbs, dollars to donuts its the donuts rather than the lack of working out.

Agree completely. I'm fixing the content currently, and slowly working on the quantity.

Still, I need to move more than my desk job affords. I enjoyed working out, and miss it.

I can't stand doing time on the trainer indoors. It occasionally gets bad enough that I'll dig the trainer out and ride indoors, but only in the deepest of winters. My distaste is such that I could never sink the money in zwift or one of those - competition has never been a motivation for me.

Good luck, though. Finding what works for you is key, and even the full priced gear is cheaper than the medical bills from not doing it.

My wife is big time into this. This is her set-up along with Zwift or Strava.

For some reason she likes Strava better, I'll ask her. The Wahoo Kikr was ~$500 and the bike I found used on Craigslist for $450.

If your work has an allowance for a gym, see if you can use it to pay for part of the trainer.

You can train with other people and she usually picks work outs that are 1 to 1:15 hrs.

Anybody know of a reasonably priced stationary bike that isn't stupidily fixed gear? I want a stationary bike that feels like a regular bike, complete with coasting. None of this spin bike nonsense.

I ride a fixie (sorry, not a hipster) and I still hate riding it stationary. I flip the rear when I put it on the trainer. I can't see paying for the whole app trainer but a couple friends of mine are sweating (edit: that was supposed to say swearing but either works) by it as well.