right, i'll keep it short.

i want to buy an exercise bike
i want to keep the cost low so second/third hand is probably going to be the way forward
i dont like/trust/want to use ebay
i've been keeping an eye on gumtree and will continue to do so

my question is:

any recommendations on brands/models to avoid?

avoid all retail 'exercise bikes' – they're made to last 2 months

buy a turbo trainer or a second hand spinning bike

I would say avoid them all, as in my experience they quickly become somewhere to just store clothes on top of.

freecycle in your area? There's bound to be someone off-loading a freestanding clothes hanger.

EDIT: barnsleyboy beat me to the clothes hanger jibe 😉

i would say second for turbo trainer as well. means you can ride your bike with your geometry etc. less space as well.

ride your real bike?

or rollers.

exersize bikes are gash

i've considered the turbo-trainer idea and there isnt space for a whole bike where i intend to exercise unfortunately 🙁

i would've probably replied to a thread like this with the clothes hanger suggestion too but my thinking is for the price of less than a months gym membership i could pick up a dirty old exercise bike. (which was pretty much the only thing i'd bother on at the gym anyway)

i've joined all the local freecycle groups, keeping an eye on them too 😀