Ordinarily, you require a trainer to convert a regular bike into a stationary one. This piece of equipment enables you to ride a bike when the same is fixed at a stationary position. In some instances, though, you may not have this equipment at your fingertips.
In such instances, you may need to look up other forms of intervention. We draft this article to explain how to turn a bike into a stationary bike without a trainer. This we do by recognizing that you may never have this tool and the need to respond to emergencies if and when they happen.
Tools and materials required
You will need to garner the following tools and materials to do the job:
- Screw
- Spanner
- Hammer
- Mallet
- Goggles
- Aprons
- Overalls
- Gloves
- Boots
How To Turn A Bike Into A Stationary Bike Without Trainer In 11 Step
Now follow the detailed procedures stipulated below to accomplish turning a bike into a stationary bike:
Step 1: Find a suitable location for the exercise
Start the exercise by finding a suitable location whereby you may undertake the conversion exercise. The spot has to be secluded from the rest and well sheltered. You do not want to imperil the lives of those who roam around and about space as you go about the business of converting the bike.
This space has to be large enough to accommodate the bike and you. Also, there has to be extra space to cater for your easy movements while working. Generally, the room has to be level and preferably non-carpeted to allow for seamless handling and operations.
Step 2: Prep the working space
Go ahead now and prepare the working space. This means encircling the area in such a way as to prevent the outsiders from straying while the work is in progress. You may have to use a yellow line to cordon off space and mark it as ‘Work in Progress.’
Step 3: Put on the necessary protective gears
Your safety also matters. Indeed, this exercise is prone to some injuries and other issues that may compromise your health. To deter any ills from happening, you have to put on the necessary protective gear. Examples of these include a pair of gloves, aprons, overalls, goggles, mavens, boots, and shoes.
Step 4: Position the bike strategically
You have now got to the core business of making the conversion. This starts by positioning the bike strategically for the task ahead. Place the bike at a vertical position next to some support that will prevent it from fidgeting or dropping off unnecessarily. Check out for any impending safety issues.
As part and parcel of your safety, you may also think of clamping the rear wheel in as hard as possible. In this way, you will prevent the bike from wiggling excessively in handling and engagement. Then, it lets you tackle your chore with the utmost levels of freedom manageable.
Step 5: Work on the saddle heights
With the bike in the strategic position above, you now have to start working on the saddle heights. Ensure that the saddle is placed at the point of convergence between the hip and the femur. Sit directly on the saddle while putting your heels on the pedals.
Do a complete turn using your feet. Take care that you do not lose any contact with the pedals as you do this. While at it, you ought to straighten your legs partially on the lowest point. Take care of the parts as some bikes are delicate and able to let fall off easily.
Step 6: Adjust the handlebars.
Adjust the handlebars now to line up with the same position as that of the saddle bar height. The new size must also consider each rider’s unique measurements to prevent any clashes and ensure proper fit. As you do this, you should also be mindful of the comfort of the persons who use it.
Step 7: Adjust the saddle horizontally
After you are done with the saddles and the handlebars, you now have to work on the item’s horizontal alignments. Push the pedal to the 3 o’clock position ensuring that the central axis aligns with the front of the knee. Take care that you do not misalign the parts to ensure smoother fit and operations.
Step 8: Lay the other parts of the bike out.
Follow the procedure above by laying out the other parts of the bike. This is a very significant step as it can make or break the entire exercise. You have to be sure of how the pieces fit to prevent you from getting confused along the way. This may entail the use of video recording machines.
Step 9: Place the front wheel on the stand
Place now the front wheel on the stand. Secure the bike and the front wheel tightly while in this position. Proceed to re-tighten the rear wheels of the frame a second time. Ensure that the same is solidly in place but not too tight to inflict frictional damages to the bikes.
Step 10: Even out the mounting
Take a step back now to find out whether the bike is evenly mounted or not. The purpose of this is to ensure smoother and unbridled support for the riders. If you note a slant or dip of any part of the bike, take the earliest opportunity to remedy the same to ensure its planeness altogether.
Step 11: Test the system
You are now almost good to go. But before you go, you have to test the system. You do this by wiggling the bike from side to side to see that it is tip-proof. Do not hesitate to tighten any joints and lose parts of the cycle thereof. Be fully certain that the bike is wholly stable before you dedicate it to its intended purpose.
If you need a bike can read
FAQs
We now dedicate this final segment of our article to providing answers to some of the commonly asked questions with regard to this particular subject matter:
Q1: Can you turn a mountain bike into a stationary bike?
YES, you can! It is indeed possible for you to convert just about any bike include mountain bikes into a stationary exercise bike. This, however, depends on the specific kind of bike you have and the level of expertise you possess. To be on the safe side, you have to adhere to the recommended manufacturer’s guidelines.
Q2: How do you make a homemade bike stand?
Following the steps below will help you to make a homemade bike stand:
- Search for the necessary raw materials like the PVC plastic sheets
- Cut off the head of the steel pipe
- Mark out the dimensions of your stand of choice
- Follow this by making precise cuts along the demarcated lines
- Shape the material in the way you want it to be carefully
- Mount the new stand in some wood piece
- Screw the stand on the steel pipe and the PVC by drilling a hole and slotting the attachments
- Firm the joint by tightening using a screwdriver
- It should work well now
Q3: How much should I cycle a day to lose weight?
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) opines that you should spend no less than 30 minutes per day riding the bike if there is any hope of shedding excess weight. Of course, you have to increase the pace of riding if you want to burn more calories. This may also happen by incorporating two or more activities over and above bike riding.
Q4: Can you turn a regular bike into an exercise bike?
YES, you can! However, as stated above, the exact procedure varies significantly from one kind of bike to another. You hence have to take the time to study yours before embarking on this exercise. You have to consult an expert if you have never attempted this before.
Q5: Is a trainer terrible for your bike?
Not really! The activity in and of itself is not disparaging to the bikes in any shape or form. All you have to ensure is that you exercise moderately and take care of your health and stature. You have to repair and upgrade the trainer quite often for the best ends.
Final Verdict
We are now confident that the inspiration we have given you above about turning a bike into a stationary bike without a trainer is sufficient to let you start well. As you may note, this exercise is not complicated but is nonetheless risky.
You do not want to embark on it if you are unsure how to go about it. That is why we strongly recommend that you invoke a trained expert’s assistance to guide you through. Let the person help you by clarifying any ambiguities that may stand your way in achieving accurate results.
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Last Updated: July 7, 2022
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