Cycle trainers
- Thread starter jsmoke
- Start date
Soldato
Yes, it is invaluable if you want to fit in a workout with limited time for a proper ride or aren't prepared to brave horrible weather over the winter period.
That said, just spinning around the pedals for an hour isn't worthwhile. Some HIIT videos (e.g Sufferfest) make the workout interesting, structured and challenging. Others are using this new-fangled thing called Zwift to add a competitive element to turbo training.
That said, just spinning around the pedals for an hour isn't worthwhile. Some HIIT videos (e.g Sufferfest) make the workout interesting, structured and challenging. Others are using this new-fangled thing called Zwift to add a competitive element to turbo training.
Man of Honour
Zwift makes it slightly more interesting. I couldn't do a turbo session just staring at a wall, or even watching a film... but somehow watching a bunch of other riders/looking at a road makes it bearable.
You'll want a fan, too. Gets damn hot this indoor cycling lark.
Brave the horrible weather, instead. Far more fun.... maybe.
You'll want a fan, too. Gets damn hot this indoor cycling lark.
Brave the horrible weather, instead. Far more fun.... maybe.
Soldato
I've had one for ~10 years (Elite Volare Mag Lite) and I will man up and admit that in hindsight, it was a waste of money. It got used for ~3-5 hours during its first few weeks of ownership and has sat mummifying in the garage ever since!
Just to compound the bad investment further, I bought a front wheel riser from PlanetX the other week for a tenner, thinking I would dig the trainer out and use my old singlespeed bike.
Except on the way down to the garage a while ago, it suddenly dawned on me that the singlespeed (Tricross Singlecross) has bolted wheel axles, rather than quick release. The trainer's clamp fits over the bolt fairly snugly, but I have no idea if it will be safe to use with my 90-odd Kg lump sat on it!
If you can set the trainer somewhere where the noise does not drive others crazy while you train, where you can use gadgets/tech to get over the boredom, they can be useful (eg. it's blowing a gale outside this afternoon here).
But it is very different to the sense of freedom I feel when cycling in contact with tarmac and off-road trails.
Just to compound the bad investment further, I bought a front wheel riser from PlanetX the other week for a tenner, thinking I would dig the trainer out and use my old singlespeed bike.
Except on the way down to the garage a while ago, it suddenly dawned on me that the singlespeed (Tricross Singlecross) has bolted wheel axles, rather than quick release. The trainer's clamp fits over the bolt fairly snugly, but I have no idea if it will be safe to use with my 90-odd Kg lump sat on it!
If you can set the trainer somewhere where the noise does not drive others crazy while you train, where you can use gadgets/tech to get over the boredom, they can be useful (eg. it's blowing a gale outside this afternoon here).
But it is very different to the sense of freedom I feel when cycling in contact with tarmac and off-road trails.
I have one, I don't really like using it. From my limited use-
Some kind of structure makes it more interesting. I went back to Zwift when they introduced the training plans and it did the job for me.
Fan is essential.
Rubber matting takes the sound down a bit but it'll still get on your wick with a magnetic trainer, no idea how loud fluid ones are.
Don't start a 20 minute FTP and realise mid way through the warm up that you haven't got a drink to hand
I'm trying to be more consistent with my riding so it'll keep me spinning when it is dangerous to be on the roads.
Some kind of structure makes it more interesting. I went back to Zwift when they introduced the training plans and it did the job for me.
Fan is essential.
Rubber matting takes the sound down a bit but it'll still get on your wick with a magnetic trainer, no idea how loud fluid ones are.
Don't start a 20 minute FTP and realise mid way through the warm up that you haven't got a drink to hand
I'm trying to be more consistent with my riding so it'll keep me spinning when it is dangerous to be on the roads.
Man of Honour
Still pretty loud.