What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

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MrD
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Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:54 pm

What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by MrD »

Hello. I have installed the software & a Garmin ANT+ mini USB stick, which is now showing up in the software. I want to use this on my new Spinning S1 spin bike for now & may upgrade to a prober bike/power meter setup later. It is on a mid power PC with windows 7 for now, that runs the test video OK but I will probably get a graphics car or faster machine once I get the sensor's working. I have the Spinning Bio HR computer that came with it but that does not appear to support any ANT stuff.

I am unsure what ANT+ sensor's I need to get this working? Can this work with just a Cadence sensor, like the Garmin or Wahoo cadence sensor attached to a pedal or does it need to have a Speed sensor as well? I am after a basic setup so I can pedal around to make the videos move, so am not after anything too fancy for now. Thanks.
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admin
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Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by admin »

I think you might get away with basic ANT+ speed sensor if you manage to mount it properly on your flywheel and then select one of the awailable resistance trainers from a list (consult software manual for that). Your calculated power of course will be bogus but as you say you will get your video moving
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MrD
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Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:54 pm

Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by MrD »

Thanks for the reply. I will look at getting a speed & cadence sensor combined if I can get one that I can fit to the bike. The Resistance Trainer screen is a nice touch, so I will have a play with that.

Will any ANT+ speed & cadence sensor work? I was looking at something like the PowerTap ANT+ Dual Speed and Cadence Sensor #30321, that I think I can hook up to get speed of the flywheel & cadence off the pedals.
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admin
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Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by admin »

As I already said ANY ANT+ speed sensor will be enough for your case. If you want combined speed/cadence it is fine as well. As for particular kind - you know your spin bike so it is easier for you to decide on what is better in terms of mounting.
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Almspuffer
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Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by Almspuffer »

Hi Mr D

I agree with Admin, I bought the cheapest sensors I could find, a speed / cadence sensor for around £30. I guess it will be quite tricky to mount the magnet that needs to go on the flywheel to feed a speed sensor. one option is to mount a speed sensor to the cranks where you would normally mount a cadence senor. You could change the bike setting-wheel size to something very large so the crank revolutions give you a speed reading comparable to the wheel revolutions of a standard bike. If you like to use a heart monitor, you can also get an ant+ one for £40.
MrD
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Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2017 10:54 pm

Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by MrD »

Thanks. I plan to get a Sigma ANT+ Speed sensor I found for £24, then will probably get a Garmin cadence sensor as well, followed by a Heart sensor at a later date. That will all connect to the Garmin ANT+ stick that I already have working. The standalone speed sensor should be easier to mount than one of the combo ones & my spin bike already has a magnet on the fly wheel, so it should be easy to setup (I hope). Thanks for your help.
ethan07
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Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2019 5:53 am

Re: What sensors do I need for a Spin Bike

Post by ethan07 »

I bought the cadence/speed/HRM kit for my spin bike. Cadence are easy.

I started with the speed sensor out at the edge of the flywheel. Pedaling as fast as possible(dangerously fast), with very little resistance, I could only get up to 100w or so. Moved the sensor as far into the center as I could. Did a ride this morning and got up to 240.

I don't want to be a racer, I'm just doing it for the exercise. So round off numbers are good enough for me.
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