Stationary bikes are among the most popular tools for cardiovascular training available. The low-impact nature of cycling is an advantage for athletes with joint damage in the legs and back. Additionally, stationary bikes allow the athlete to continue his cycling training indoors during inclement weather. While every gym has stationary bikes, for the home-gym athlete with a do-it-yourself attitude and some basic handyman-type skills, building your own stationary bike can be a low-cost alternative to purchasing a commercially produced version.
Step 1
Buy a used 10-speed bicycle at a second-hand or thrift store. Select a steel-framed model to ensure adequate strength for stationary bike applications. Since you won’t be moving the bike by pedal power, the added weight of steel over aluminum or titanium won’t be an issue.
Step 2
Remove the front tire and front fork assembly with an adjustable wrench. This will remove the entire structure that holds the front tire in place. An open tube will remain just below the handle bars, as well as the steering mechanism of the bicycle.
Step 3
Install a 36-inch long piece of 1-inch diameter steel conduit into the opening of the tube. Slide it snugly in, all the way to the top. Leave at least 30 inches of pipe exposed below the tube.
Step 4
Drill a hole completely through the tube and the steel conduit, with a ½-inch diameter drill bit, from front to back.
Step 5
Bolt the steel pipe into the tube by running a ½-inch diameter bolt through the hole you’ve drilled. Use at least a 2-inch long bolt, in order to ensure that enough of the bolt end protrudes through the tube to allow you to attach a nut and lock washer. Lock the conduit pipe in place inside the tube by attaching the nut and lock washer.
Step 6
Bend a 20-inch piece of 1-inch diameter pipe with a conduit pipe bender. Bend the last 6 inches of each end with the conduit bender, into right angles.
Step 7
Drill a hole through the center of the front leg unit with a 5/8-inch diameter drill bit. Drill a matching hole through the upright steel conduit attached to the front of the bicycle frame. Attach the front leg unit to the upright with a 5/8-inch bolt and secure it with a nut and a lock washer. This is the front support unit of the bicycle. It also immobilizes the steering mechanism of the bicycle.
Step 8
Beat the last 6 inches of each end of your six pieces of 18- to 24-inch long, 1-inch diameter pipe, with your hammer, until they are flat. Put the ends of the conduit on a flat, hard surface and beat them flat. Use your 5/8-inch diameter drill bit to create a hole in the the middle of each flattened section of pipe.
Step 9
Form two triangles with three pieces of the worked pipe for each triangle. Connect the triangle frames together by securing 5/8-inch bolts with nuts and lock washers.
Step 10
Attach one corner of each triangle support frame to the rear wheel mounting bolt on the bicycle frame. Remove the bolt from the corner of the triangles, and use the nuts and lock washers to secure the triangles to the rear wheel mounting bolt.
Step 11
Set the completed stationary bicycle on the ground and be sure that the rear wheel will spin freely, without rubbing the ground or the triangle support frames.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use the different gears on the original bicycle frame to alter the resistance of your exercise cycling program.
- Always consult your personal physician prior to beginning any new exercise program.
Things You'll Need
- 10-speed bicycle
- Adjustable wrench
- Power drill with various-sized bits
- 36-inch long piece of 1-inch diameter steel conduit
- 1-inch tubular steel conduit, 20 inches long
- 1-inch tubular steel conduit, six pieces, each 18-24 inches long
- Conduit bender
- Nuts, bolts and lock washers
- Hammer
References
- "Ride Fast: Get Up To Speed on Your Bike in 10 Weeks or Less," Eric Harr, 2006
- "Smart Cycling: Successful Training and Racing For Riders of All Levels," Arnie Baker, 1997
Member Comments