I tried the R1 an R3 made by Life Fitness but when I pedal my foot hits the rod between the bike and the pedal. I am 6'1" and also bowlegged. The XBR55 by Spirit Fitness is not quite as smooth as the R1 or R3, but doesn't have the above problem. It is also less expensive.
Spirit Fitness claims the following advantage:
"Through research performed with a leading sports scientist and physical rehabilitation expert,
Spirit engineering has developed a breakthrough in pedal design. Typical stationary exercise bikes
are wider than a normal road bike. The reason is to allow for the braking mechanism, pulleys,
drive components and beauty covers. Since the bike is wider, so is the distance between the
pedals; this width between the pedals is called the Q factor.
Spirit has designed our pedal system so the Q factor is the smallest in the industry, but we did not
stop there. We have also custom designed and tooled a new pedal that provides a two degree
inward tilt to compensate for the Q factor not being perfect. Having a small Q factor in addition to
the two-degree inward tilt of the pedals puts the user into a biomechanical neutral alignment. This
means that your feet, ankles, knees and hips are lined up properly ensuring a comfortable
workout."
Would this be good for someone who is tall and bowlegged or is this the opposite of what I should be looking for? If so, would it be better to purchase the Life Fitness and just place my feet on the outer side of the pedals (or would this create unnatural strain?) Thanks!!
Spirit Fitness claims the following advantage:
"Through research performed with a leading sports scientist and physical rehabilitation expert,
Spirit engineering has developed a breakthrough in pedal design. Typical stationary exercise bikes
are wider than a normal road bike. The reason is to allow for the braking mechanism, pulleys,
drive components and beauty covers. Since the bike is wider, so is the distance between the
pedals; this width between the pedals is called the Q factor.
Spirit has designed our pedal system so the Q factor is the smallest in the industry, but we did not
stop there. We have also custom designed and tooled a new pedal that provides a two degree
inward tilt to compensate for the Q factor not being perfect. Having a small Q factor in addition to
the two-degree inward tilt of the pedals puts the user into a biomechanical neutral alignment. This
means that your feet, ankles, knees and hips are lined up properly ensuring a comfortable
workout."
Would this be good for someone who is tall and bowlegged or is this the opposite of what I should be looking for? If so, would it be better to purchase the Life Fitness and just place my feet on the outer side of the pedals (or would this create unnatural strain?) Thanks!!