Can cyclocomputer be used to track mileage on a SPIN bike?

Answer 1

As long as the sensor and magnet are positioned on a wheel which is moving and an accurate size can be recorded for the circumference of the outside of the wheel then one should be able to take an accurate reading of how far that wheel would have travelled had it been on the road.

Be aware, though, that many spin cycles and exercise bicycles will have resistance added to them in the form of air or water systems to increase the difficulty of pedalling.

Whilst you may get an accurate recording of how far you would have travelled it would be harder to say whether you had to work harder to achieve this than on a normal bicycle in still and level conditions

I assume that you mean stationary bike with spin bike.

And yes, a cyclocomputer can keep track of "mileage" on pretty much anything that spins, as long as it's not spinning too fast.

Figure out a way to attach a magnet, either to the wheel or to one of the crank arms. Think of a way to mount the pick-up too. Then decide on an imaginary wheel circumference to feed into the computer set up. Done!

Keep in mind that distances for stationary bikes are wholly imaginary values, and that they don't compare well to riding IRL.

If you want to use it to keep track of service intervals for the bike - fine, but if you want to track your own exercise you're much better off with simply time on the bike, and effort.