Buzz
Back in July, Abu Zafar from our team walked you through how to create a DIY Peloton using a $100-ish bike trainer and an app on your phone. I’ve been using the same setup intermittently for a month now, and I’m pleased to report: it holds up. While it’s not as adaptable as a Peloton, it fills the same role I’d typically rely on my gym’s cardio machines for.
I used the same bike trainer as Abu—a green triangular stand that holds the back wheel of the bike. It’s not high-tech or flashy; it simply allows the wheel to rotate as you pedal, with adjustable resistance. I set mine up in the garage since that’s where I’ve been working out.
Creating My Workout Space
Unlike Abu’s sleek setup, mine was built using an old mountain bike that had been gathering dust for years. It was stored in a garden shed, so I had to pump up the tires and clear away a fair amount of cobwebs. If I were to ride it outside, a tune-up would be necessary, but for indoor use, I didn’t need to worry about breaking down mid-ride. The chain’s a bit rusty, but it works just fine.
I had to make a few adjustments to convert the bike from an outdoor ride to an indoor setup. For instance, I removed some accessories, including the bell on the handlebars, to clear space for the trainer’s resistance control and a small holder for my phone. I also took off a wedge pack that normally sits under the seat since the velcro strap kept scratching my legs when I pedaled in shorts.
I quickly realized there’s more to setting up than just getting the bike ready. Sure, I could technically use it anywhere, but why not have a water bottle on a nearby shelf within arm’s reach instead of stashing it on the bike’s frame? And why not set up a box fan to blow cool air on me while I ride? This was starting to feel a bit indulgent.
Achieving an Effective Workout
One downside of this DIY setup is its lack of versatility compared to a real exercise bike. I’ve never tried a Peloton, but I’ve been in cycling classes where you can easily adjust the resistance with a knob. This setup doesn’t offer that level of instant adjustability.
The bike trainer includes a resistance knob that connects to the bike via a long cord, allowing it to reach the handlebars. It works fine, but the difference between the highest and lowest resistance levels is fairly subtle. After struggling to get enough resistance to stand up in the saddle, I had to step off the bike and adjust a screw at the back of the trainer to find a resistance level that was tough enough to really challenge me.
After that, instead of fiddling with the trainer’s knob mid-ride, I realized I could make use of the bike’s own shifting mechanisms. My bike is a mountain bike with three front gears and seven on the back. By adjusting the trainer’s screw so I could pedal while standing on the highest gear, I was able to get a smooth ride, and shifting down to the lowest gear made it much easier.
With this setup, I could follow along with Peloton app classes. When the instructor tells you to adjust the resistance to a certain level, I had to ignore the specific numbers and go by feel. I focused on matching the cadence to the rhythm of the song I was riding to (no cadence monitor, of course), and made sure to go easy when instructed, and push harder when it was time to increase intensity.
Watch out for the little inconveniences
If you're a Peloton enthusiast, this might not be quite up to your standards. But it works for me: I can enjoy a light ride while listening to a podcast or dialing into a meeting where I can stay muted. Alternatively, I can follow a session on the app that simulates a ride with rolling hills, though I still don’t feel fully comfortable on the standing-up parts. (The bike is completely stable; it’s rock solid. The issue is the resistance isn’t always heavy and smooth enough. I end up staying seated for most of the ride.)
The trainer is pretty loud. My bike has smooth tires, but I’ve heard that if you use knobby tires, like on a typical mountain bike, it’s even worse. And the box fan definitely contributes to the noise. The overall result is that I found myself sweating away in my garage with two machines roaring in front and behind me. Not exactly an ideal setup.
That is, until I had the idea to use my noise-canceling headphones. Once I did, I could hear my music, podcast, or the Peloton instructor perfectly, and the bike transformed into a little escape from the noise around me. I even opened the garage door, pointed the bike toward the outdoors, and spent a rainy day like that—almost like going for a walk without getting wet.
Closing Thoughts
All in all, it’s a fantastic option for cardio when heading outdoors isn’t practical. My neighborhood isn’t ideal for biking, and during the summer, I wasn’t keen on braving the heat for a run. The DIY bike proved perfect for light to moderate workouts. You can crank up the resistance for some sprints, but you might not find yourself standing up as much as the instructor on the screen.
A friend shared a neat little storage tip with me: If you face the back of your bike toward the wall, you can pivot it on the back wheel to prop it up. The handlebars will be against the wall, so just be mindful of any installed knobs or phone holders that might be there.
