Bought a Triban 5 today; now having a nightmare regarding Turbo Trainer

[razabbs]

Hi there ladies/gentlemen

So, I bought a used Triban 5 today via gumtree; had one a few years ago but didn't use it anywhere near enough so sold it and now I have the time (I think) to get into cycling again.

Due to the time of year, I'm going to get a turbo trainer so i can start putting in milage over the next couple of months while watching netflix for example

I've been looking at two turbo trainers in particular. Firstly, the Tacx from decathlon and also the Elite supercrono lots of words, from Chain reaction. Tacx is a bit more than I was hoping to spend to be honest, and apparently Elite do make good turbo trainers, but clarification would be helpful

Now, herein lies my problem and where i really need advice. I planned to get a turbo tyre, which then means an extra wheel, therefore an extra cassette, just to (overall) make my life easier. I've found sets on ebay where the entire package all comes together (cassette, wheel, tyre) at £80, but it seems like i could get them sepaately for cheaper than that. However I'm struggling to find a cassette that is the same 'speed' and tooth count as the current cassette on my Triban 5. It's a Shimano Sora 7 speed 12-25t at the moment.

I found a 12-25t 8 speed(This one infact) and was hoping that would be ok, but apparently not, so.. please help me

EDIT: I've just managed to find a Shimano 7 speed cassette, however it's 12-28 teeth. Would this work ok with my current set-up? I basically want to make minimal (if any) changes when changing between the turbo trainer wheel, and my normal back wheel. Here's the cassette in question.

 

[jamin100]

It'll work fine. I'd put the 12-28 on the outdoor wheel and the 12-25 on the trainer wheel

When you hit some hills outside you might be thankful of the 28

Don't forget you'll need the tools to attach the cassette to the wheel

 

[lpretro1]

You may find you have to adjust the gears a little with a different wheel

 

[Alan O]

I can't help wondering (as I'm thinking of getting a turbo trainer), does the gearing really matter that much given that you can adjust the trainer's resistance (which you can't do with real hills)?

 

[ufkacbln]

The gearing itself does not matter, but the mechanism and chain run will be affected by the gears.

 

[screenman]

Why are you wanting to change anything, just put the bike on the turbo and pedal.

 

[ufkacbln]

Why are you wanting to change anything, just put the bike on the turbo and pedal.

Because you are putting more pressure on the tyre than when on the road, and this increases as you ramp up the effort, the tyres wear quicker on a turbo

Some people use either cheaper (more expendable) tyres or ones with a higher wear to combat this

 

[screenman]

Because you are putting more pressure on the tyre than when on the road, and this increases as you ramp up the effort, the tyres wear quicker on a turbo

Some people use either cheaper (more expendable) tyres or ones with a higher wear to combat this

My road tyre gets used a lot and has been on the turbo for over 5 years, do you think I need another one. I have been using a turbo now for 28 years at least and before that rollers, not the same tyre, but wear has never been a wory.

My tip, chuck the bike on and ride it, tyre wear is the least of things to worry about.

Fact, most people stop riding the turbo long before they will put a bit of wear on a tyre.

 

[Alan O]

The gearing itself does not matter, but the mechanism and chain run will be affected by the gears.

Ah, yes, that makes sense - thanks.

 

[razabbs]

Thanks for the replies all. I'll be purchasing a turbo trainer and getting that set up straight away, and then will look at getting a third wheel for turbo training purposes soon after.

 

[Spiderweb]

Just ride it as is, if the back tyre wears out then replace it. Tyres dont have to be expensive, Vittorio Rubino's are pretty well regarded and can be had for £6.50.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/vittoria-rubino-3-rigid-tyre/#pid=29718

 

[Big John]

I once invested in an all-singing-all-dancing turbo tyre at considerable expense (yellow if I remember rightly - not that it matters lol) and didn't think much of it. I managed to flog it, thankfully. I use Vittoria Zaffiro's at about £4 each (look for the sales on Chain Reaction - usually crap colours) and they last for ages. I agree with everything Screenman says lol - throw the bike on and ride it. If you stick at it for an entire winter then if you still feel the same then get your extra wheel, etc.

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Have a like @razabbs , it's a good question and it's brought good answers. My wife wants to turbo through the winter and I'd half thought about a specific turbo wheel, but given the infrequent riding she'll be doing I think we'll ride her Giant tyre into the ground on the turbo and then put a proper tyre on in spring.

 

[razabbs]

Ordered last night, should arrive by Wednesday Looking forward to it