NSPB Day

[Tonray's Ghost]

New Spin Bike Day....

When I lived in Bangkok, I was able to walk a lot every day, as there are innumerable places to see, and a zillion side streets to explore. Since moving to the suburbs (off a semi-rural road) I find myself far too immobile. Even though we have a small gym in our complex, it is still sometimes too much of a hassle to suit up and walk the 5 minutes over there...I know...the epitome of laziness.

Having said that...I noticed my jeans getting a bit tight in the waistline (being home all day a few days a week...leads itself to eating most of the day), I researched and purchased an exercise bike. I had owned one a few years back when I was in an apartment and it was great...but wanted to get one with magnetic resistance which makes it absolutely silent and eliminates the vibrations a resistance pad hitting the flywheel creates.

I bring you the Phantom:

[BatUtilityBelt]

Yup, I use an elliptical at home for the same reasons. I was trying to guess based on the title, and guessed it was going to be New Spacious Pedal Board day.

[nomadh]

Dont you have decent weather there ? Too humid? I hate inside exercise. If I couldn't get out I would absolutely get 0 excersize. During full ca lockdown I barely missed an outside 2x a day walk. Put on a mask passing people, stayed 6ft away mostly and aside from that stopping me would be a fight to the death. Just couldn't do it.

[pdcorlis]

Magnetic resistance is a huge plus! My wife and I love to ride bikes - but up here in Idaho that idea is a non-starter for 6 months out of the year. Our little indoor bike is a decent alternative. BTW - that’s a pretty snazzy bike you got there - well done you!

[ronnx]

Congrats Tonray!

[Tonray's Ghost]

Dont you have decent weather there ? Too humid? I hate inside exercise. If I couldn't get out I would absolutely get 0 excersize. During full ca lockdown I barely missed an outside 2x a day walk. Put on a mask passing people, stayed 6ft away mostly and aside from that stopping me would be a fight to the death. Just couldn't do it.

Weather not the problem although March and April hover above 95 degrees most days. The problem is that outside of the gated communities here, not very walkable due to many stray dogs and other obstacles to an enjoyable walking trip. Thailand is a wonderful place to be but some aspects of the society are still 3rd world like and you need to be careful. I've taken a few walks and you inevitability run across a few friendly mutts who follow along with you until you encounter a growler sitting around some hidden corner. So for now..this is a suitable method of retaining some level of fitness in my lethargic retirement

[tlarson58]

Good for you. Way to keep movin.

[Tonray's Ghost]

Good for you. Way to keep movin.

Too damned hot to be messing around outside these days

[Tonray's Ghost]

So here is an interesting tidbit:

I noticed the flywheel of my bike gets warm after use which confused me since the resistance is actually magnetic and zero physical contact is made between magnets and wheel. So playing around a bit I reallized not only is that confusing but even more so is the fact that the flywheel is made of aluminium and not a ferrous material !

Further research indicate that because aluminium is conductive, eddy currents are formed in the flywheel creating a magnetic field which repels the magnets...

always amazing how stuff works. More than what meets the eye

[Tonray's Ghost]

For those interested in the science of how magnets can slow an aluminum flywheel:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_current_brake