Gears and Turbo Training

[GmanUK65]

I have started using a turbo trainer but when I look up training workouts they have what I think is what gears to use by stating 42x19, or 53x19 etc. What does this mean? Is it what gear I should be in or something?

 

[screenman]

Yes, all a bit vague though. I prefer the use of my HRM, to see any improvements etc. my turbo has a power meter, speedo, calorie counter etc. fitted. I know some of the indicators may not be true but they remain constant.

 

[Kevin Alexander]

Having this problem myself so I am just going to do a steady 45 mins cycle, not pushing myself too hard but not taking it easy either and record what ive done. Next time that is my target to beat and just keep trying to beat my previous time.

I cant wait for the snow to come as I will get the turbo outside and cycle in the cool snow air as it gets hot if you dont have a fan

 

[Kies]

a fan is key or you will overheat indoors. use the first 10 minutes to warm up in a comfortable gear. 10-15 mins higher intensity, and finally 10 mins warm down is sufficient for new turbo users. some of the folks here use all sorts of measuring devices,but heart rate and speed are OK for the majority

 

[Scoop940]

Try and get hold of a Sufferfest video, a nice easy way of riding to some sort of plan and certainly gives you a battering! Think I'd find the turbo unbearable otherwise!

http://www.thesufferfest.com/

 

[Dusty Bin]

I have started using a turbo trainer but when I look up training workouts they have what I think is what gears to use by stating 42x19, or 53x19 etc. What does this mean? Is it what gear I should be in or something?

Ignore generic gearing suggestions. Choose whatever gears you need to, in order to achieve whatever it is you want to achieve from your workout.

 

[Grayduff]

Despite some very negative comments on old threads regarding the dreaded "Turbo", iand as debated works for some and not for others, i have been using the turbo for three weeks now and am i have to say a little addicted to the the "Sufferfest Videos", they do make me work harder, pass the time a little easier and focus the mind more and i do believe that when i do a proper ride i am so far a lot faster ,placebo affect or not it works for me.Heart rate monitor,cadence along with my Garmin 500 and a gear that makes me work hard is all i need....Negative comments not welcome , its winter lets be positive about training...

 

[BigonaBianchi]

Another.New turbo user here. Bkool with videos works for me. I got it so I.can ride on days it's just to wet windy or icy to.be happy and safe outside. It's a sweat machine though. Is there some way I can hook it up to a generator to power my flat?

 

[Boris Bajic]

I have started using a turbo trainer but when I look up training workouts they have what I think is what gears to use by stating 42x19, or 53x19 etc. What does this mean? Is it what gear I should be in or something?

It is indeed the gear you should be in. 42x19 is the 42-tooth chainring and the 19-tooth sprocket.

You quickly get used to where your chain is at any particular time, by grabbing a quick peek when riding on the road or by having a good, long glaum if on a trainer.

I go to the occasional Turbo session with my middle child's club and the sessions are run according to a schedule every participant has a copy of. The 'ringmaster' or coach strolls up and down between riders and shouts out the next gear, pedal speed or wattage or whatever we're using as a measure.

Not all bicycles will hav the same gear ratios available, but you can approximate.

I hope this has helped.

 

[GmanUK65]

Ignore generic gearing suggestions. Choose whatever gears you need to, in order to achieve whatever it is you want to achieve from your workout.

It seems these gearing suggestions are not as important as I thought they were so I will stick to the plan of picking the gears I need to. Ive got a Tacx Blue Motion turbo trainer and will be using their workouts as they incorporate the resistance levels into the workout and, also planning in purchasing some of their videos for virtual riding because these also instruct you when to use the resistance levels when climbing hills

 

[Scoop940]

I've found the easiest way to vary resistance is change gear interferes less with the riding

 

[LimeBurn]

I've found the easiest way to vary resistance is change gear interferes less with the riding

Me too - I set the resistance on the turbo to a level that I'm comfortable with (I have mine set to 5 out of 10), I find this also prevents will spin, as if my resistance setting is higher I tend to spin with an awful screech, then ride with the gears to alter the effort that I have to put in trying to keep cadence constant.

I also use the sufferfest videos, which I have to say are pretty awesome in a brutal way. 'Angels' is my go to choice, but I also have 'blender' and 'there is no try'. I wouldn't bother with blender if you're a beginner, unless you're a sadist, as I found it pretty soul destroying at first.

 

[Scoop940]

I have only tried The Hunted so far, enjoyed that, was going to try Angels next.

 

[LimeBurn]

I have only tried The Hunted so far, enjoyed that, was going to try Angels next.

What do you think of the Hunted?? was going to purchase the new one, islagiatt. or whatever it stands for.

 

[Scoop940]

enjoyed it, worked hard then a bit of a sting at the end. first one I've tried so hard to compare.