Bike-less? Here's how to find one on any budget

Even with COVID-19 restrictions lifting and many gyms re-opening, people are still trending towards at-home fitness options. You can skip the commute, membership fees, class waitlists, and a number of other inconveniences. Working out at home, however, usually requires at least some sort of equipment that many may not have.

With Motosumo, as you may have figured out, a bike is required to participate. The good news is, you can use even the most basic bike to join our live and interactive classes. Our motion sensor technology allows you to use the Motosumo app and track workout metrics like a pro - on whatever bike you’re using. Finding a budget-friendly bike to use with Motosumo is much simpler than you might think.

Buying new is definitely an option when searching for a bike solution. But with seemingly endless options and some indoor bikes selling for thousands of dollars, it can seem like a daunting investment. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to gain access to a bike, without having to spend loads of cash. Here are a few suggestions for finding access to a bike other than buying new:

#1: Secondhand shops

It might seem obvious, but used, inexpensive indoor bikes for sale are all over sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craig’s List. Remember, you don’t need anything fancy! Whether online or in-store, secondhand bikes and parts are readily available at low prices. At Motosumo, we even use sites like these to help out our instructors in a pinch!

#2: Indoor Bike Trainer

A bike trainer is a budget-friendly way to bring your outdoor bike indoors. There are plenty of trainer options available to choose from at all different price points. With a trainer, get the most out of your bike at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Hint: Our friends at Alpcour will give you 20% off all their trainers with the code Motosumo20.

#3: Local Gym

Got a gym membership? Then you're good to go. Remember that all you need for Motosumo class is access to a bike - you don’t have to own one. Choose any available bike at your local gym, pop your phone on the handlebars, and join any Motosumo class.

Those are just a few of our suggestions for finding a bike, but you don’t have to take it from us. Here’s what some of our members have to say about the bikes they use with Motosumo.

I have a very basic Gold’s Gym spinning bike. I like it, it does the job. The downside is that the computer doesn’t work properly, but I cannot afford a new bike right now. I was going to sell it or give it away because I didn’t use it anymore. But somehow, Motosumo came across my phone screen one day. I read the reviews and decided to give a try... OMG, best decision ever. At this moment, I really don't mind what kind of bike I have when I have the Motosumo app. - Shirley Méndez Schmidt

I use a JLL IC300 spin bike. It’s a budget basic bike with a 20kg flywheel, and I just literally sit my phone on top with no problems at all. Even with such a basic bike, the spin classes are amazing and way better than anything I have found in a gym. I did worry at first that spinning at home compared to at the gym wouldn't motivate me and honestly, for a while it didn't. My little bike sat unused for about 9 months. Until I found Motosumo!! - Lady-Kirsty Pillay-Vinayagam

I bought a Lemond fitness bike on sale five years ago. So far it works great and has more than paid for itself - but honestly any bike would work. I love that you never have to drive to get to a class, I love how the instructors are all so motivating, I love how all the participants encourage each other. - Shannon Lisa Gattrell-Gauthier

I have a Direto X interactive power meter that my Trek road bike is attached to. It works wonderfully. The best part is that I can use my road bike year-round. - Natalie Manhard

I'm using a Schwinn IC8 and I love it. It's connected via bluetooth. Great value for money! - Biggy Ste

Our members are all different types of people around the world at varying fitness levels, riding all kinds of bikes. If you’re still looking to buy new, there are a number of articles which recommend indoor bikes based on your personal needs (like this one from Verywell Fit or this one from Bicycling.com).

No matter which bike you choose, at any price point, you can have a studio-quality experience with Motosumo. Share this article with your bike-less friends and family, and ride in class together!