I have two of the Sonos one SL’s. Pricey compared to other options but great connectivity and wireless other than plugging them in for power. I mostly use them for music when I am doing workouts (trainer or gym work). I typically use wireless ear buds if I am watching TV as they are far better hearing the TV with the trainer and fan noise.
My partner and I both have these. Sometimes we want to listen to the same music when we’re riding together. For some reason, the buds will throw off my vestibular system when exercising for extended periods and makes my RPE go up. Definitely an n=1 experience. ![]()
I have these (+ soundbar) for my other TV. I get frustrated that I can’t stream whatever audio is coming from my phone (or computer); it has to go through the app.
- My Vizio soundbar allows quick and direct connection to a phone/mobile device with nothing in the middle. Super quick for use that way or TV audio source. I’d have to search on a model, but it was on sale for around $120 USD at Costco one winter. I got one for our main TV and one for the workout room.
From a quick search, I think this is it:
We have a Roam SL. That will accept input over BT. From there you can stream it to all other Sonos devices on your network.
Earbuds can work great, but one should try them before investing money in good ones.
I for one don’t like them as my ears do get really sweaty during workout to the point that the earbuds slide out.
Sure, that’s a worthwhile consideration. But “trying” ear buds is tricky to a degree since not many places offer any of these for in-person testing prior to purchase. An alternate of testing budget ones (wired that are dirt cheap, some wireless are not terribly expensive) may not indicate how well a given wireless setup at a different price point might work. Differences in size, fit and weight are notable between so many models. Outside of actual testing, checking reviews is very worthwhile for questions like this.
Broadly speaking, there are “sport” models with a mix of methods like sticky rubber to even more elaborate retention methods (Bose as one example) to combat sweat. So the issue can be overcome.
Depending on where a person buys, use of return policies is a consideration as it ever is, so I think this is a problem with reasonable solutions for those that want this type of option.
I can’t stand ear buds. I use Beats Studio 3 over ear headphones and wouldn’t go with anything else. Sure, they get a little sweaty but they’re just so much more comfortable. Plus I don’t wake the house up by blasting music.
My Christmas present was clearing out the kiddo’s junk and reclaiming a corner of the basement. Scored a couple of TVs on after-Xmas deals and have Apple TV hiding behind the screens courtesy of in-law Christmas cash.
Have a cubby storage bench coming tomorrow to hold shoes and resistance bands and whatever else will fit. My LBS gave me back my cracked bike frame after the warranty replacement arrived so I’m going to hang it on my side in a makeshift wall art memorial.
Are you using an Apple device? I just use the airplay feature to connect my device to the Sonos speakers. Works for my phone, iPad, and laptop no problem.
Not sure how it works if you have an android or other phone though.
The fans seem pretty far from the bikes. Or they are super powerful ?
Same to be said for distance from the TVs. Seems a massive gap to the wall for some reason.
Maybe - they are Honeywell turbo force, 3 settings: pleasantly adequate breeze (my fave), weeks 1-2 of a decent ftp bump, and Cat 3 hurricane.
90% of the time, I’m on the lowest setting. I think he runs his on medium most of the time.
It’s not far, probably some photo optics at play. But I do spend 8 hours a day, barely 18 inches from two of those screens side-by-side so it does feel like I’m biking in a literal cave down there ![]()
Great set up.
there’s a tacx and kickr. Any reason why 2 different trainers? You’ve found one better then the other? Great smooth clean spacious pain cave BTW!
Hey, no offense taken ! Honest feedback is what makes a product go from good to great.
As our house renovation gets closer to completion (we finally got our windows yesterday. Don’t ask. Only took ~6 1/2 months), I’m now starting to focus on upgrades for the pain cave, and I’m looking for suggestions for a new weight bench. My criteria are:
- Well made so it will last / easy to wipe down after workouts / keep clean
- Rock solid so I can do step ups
- Good for upper body lifts - bench, incline bench, etc. [Added to clarify needs]
- Enough padding on the edge so that Bulgarian Squats are “comfortable” on the foot on the bench - I do these barefoot
- Adjustability
- Not too expensive
Thanks! The rest of the basement is a toy-covered disaster and that is why the bikes face that wall and not any other direction.
He bought the Tacx back in 2015 and for some reason, he wanted to “upgrade” when the Kickr came out in 2017 and pawn the Tacx off on me in hopes that I’d start riding more. But there was some reason that I can’t remember now… but seemed like my old mountain bike wouldn’t fit on/work with the Tacx so he just kept that one and I got the new Kickr.
He is a big fan of the Tacx. The Kickr is the OG model so it doesn’t have built-in cadence and can’t support 12spd. When it dies, I’ll probably just replace it with a Tacx.
I’d recommend adding wheels to your list! Makes moving it around much easier, especially if you plan on doing BSS and step-ups on it. Mine currently doesn’t have wheels and I miss that feature.
I’d like to change my answer. It’s essentially dead less than a month after getting it and I’m having a hell of a time getting a response from Technogym. I have serious regrets about getting this thing now, especially considering how much it costs ![]()
