I've not ridden for 8 weeks since my pacemaker operation and so I really didn't fancy getting blown, frozen or soaked on the road at this stage. I therefore looked for a turbo trainer that was reasonably quiet and smooth. I also wanted a resistance unit that adjusted automatically with speed (the whole concept of a resistance lever on my handle bar really didn't appeal to me). Anyway, as you can see, I set up my turbo trainer on a "slate tile" floor with a trainer mat and riser block (note: in my opinion the turbo trainer is too uncomfortable to use without the riser block under the front wheel).
If you look at the reviews some say this turbo trainer is silent, while others say it makes quite a noise. I've never used a turbo trainer before so I have nothing to compare it to, but my impression is that it is MUCH quieter than I was expecting. Yes, there is a constant low humming sound, but that's probably the sound of my tyre (by the way, I forgot to mention that I didn't change the tyre and I'm still using my road slick). I'm not sure how the turbo trainer would sound on wooden floorboards without a training mat or with a faster cyclist, but I don't really notice the sound unless I'm specifically listening to it, especially since I've also got my motivational music playing in the background on a Sonos speaker (i.e. no headphones).
I've used the turbo trainer 3 times so far, each time doing a 30 minute work out with a 1 minute water break every 10 minutes. There's no cheating with this turbo trainer because you can't set the resistance manually. As you change up through the gears it gets harder, so you need to find a gear and cadence that feels comfortable. By my first water break I'm getting pretty hot and have to remove my outer jacket, by my second water break I'm sweating buckets and by the end of the 30 minute session I'm "knackered".
Its nothing like cycling on the road because there's no letup (i.e. no freewheeling or down hills), and looking at the stationary front wheel is a bit de-motivating. However, I am still enjoying the workouts and given that its on my own bike (rather than some dedicated exercise machine) then I'm using the same muscles that I will need when I get back out on the road again.
Its too early to say for sure if I will get bored with it in the long run but I think NOT because my motivation is to maintain my fitness for when I get back out on the road and that for me is a very strong motivator.
