Indoor Trainer

[UKCyclist]

I'm thinking of purchasing an indoor cycle trainer for the coming winter months. Does anyone have any recommendations as to a good model to buy and what kind of things to look for when making a purchase?

 

[Hont]

How much do you intend using it? Is it just for the foulest weather when you really can't get out? Or is likely to see regular usage except for those rare dry mild days?

Indoor cycling is mind-numbing so motivation can be an issue, which some of the more expensive options can help to overcome.

 

[cyberknight]

Get some warmer clothes and get out there !!

I wimped out and missed 1 week at the start of the year with the snow but other wise i commute all year round , except atm as i have a badly bruised toe i cant even walk on in shoes let alone cycle .

I f you do not want to knacker your nice bike maybe get a second hand one off flea bay etc as it could be the same cost /cheaper than a decent set of rollers etc.

I used to have a carl lewis spin cycle but i sold it when i got into "real " cycling again as i found it boring and sweaty.

 

[UKCyclist]

suggestions for best indoor trainer to suit my needs?

 

[rich p]

I like the turbo for 30 mins max. In the winter evenings it's a good option for me as there's no way I'm going to dress up for a fight with the rush hour traffic. It complements my cycling.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cycleops/mag-trainer-ec007001

this gets good reviews

 

[Will1985]

Tacx Sirius or similar plus trainer tyre would do the job. Set it up in front of the TV and you're away. Last winter I had DVDs on most of the time, but occasionally if the timing was right I'd have it on for a regular programme.

Can't help you on cooling issues - I was set up in an uninsulated building with a draft!

 

[sundaram]

I am happy because I have some space in my lawn to ride the cycle on a daily basis in the mornings before I go out on it. This is again because of the fact that I am not very confident of speed limits as I have returned to cycling after a long gap.

 

[marzjennings]

I intend using it daily for at least an hour.



How do the more expensive options help overcome the motivation issue? I'm not sure I'll have a problem on that front, can't I just set it up in front of a TV? that's what I've seen on youtube. Also I'll be able to listen to music which i'm not able to at the moment.



If I'm being honest it's more than just about the weather, I find long cycles pretty depressing. It's just me on the road going for miles and miles, no music and no one with me. The further you go the further you are from home, weird as it sounds I find it a bit soul-destroying.

I've had an Elite Volare Mag trainer for a couple of years and it's worked great for me. It's quiet enough to watch TV or listen to music that doesn't have to be so loud as to annoy everyone else in the house. My old fan based trainer was just too noisy. I like the fact I can adjust resistance on the fly and vary the workout. I'm thinking of getting a fluid trainer for this winter as I understand they have a more realistic resistant feel.

I plan my workouts on the trainer and follow a few routines either for V02 Max or intervals. If you have a planned session it's amazing how fast an hour can pass compared to just sitting there and pedaling. You can google for a bunch on the web.

Plus, you do know you can wear earphones and take your music out on the road. I ride solo most of the time and would likewise find the long hours out on the road depressing without some backing music.

 

[jethro10]

I also use a trainer over winter, I live semi rural and it's just too dangerous on the roads round here for me to take the risk.

Last winter i did about 4x30mins per week and it helped a lot.

i had a Magnetic trainer and it felt "wrong". Just felt cheap
I got a fluid trainer, expect to pay almost £200, but it's is quite realistic and I change gear ever minute or so working up and down to vary the workout.
If you can afford £180+ go for fluid, way way better - different class of product altogether.
Oh, and be prepared to wear out rear tyres, or buy special ones for trainers, or really cheap ones just for the trainer.

Jeff