Newbie on the Indoor Training

[Colin Grigson]

There are some good recent turbo reviews on Youtube. Some turbos can make considerable noise. In the end we went all out and bought the Tacx Neo 2T. We chose it because it is direct drive, beltless, good heavy flywheel, whisper quiet, can work without a power supply as it self powers all functions from the flywheel (except for downhill decent mode). One feature is switchable, but it even manages to replicate different types of road surface - so if you are a cobbles specialist say, this might be for you.

It folds away easily though a bit heavy, it's not backbreaking. We bought a skate from Aldi for £10 from which is perfect for wheeling it around on. It connects via bluetooth with no fuss whatsoever. One downside was the cost, especially as you don't get a cassette with it, though you do get everything else including various adaptors for the range of axle and skewer types. You'll also need to buy a heart rate monitor if you don't already have one.

Tacx provided basic free access to their on-line training programmes for both of us. I'm happy enough to use this myself, whereas my other half chooses to subsribe to Zwift.

It is a truly brilliant piece of kit though and heartily recommended by us (FWIW).

Have fun in the pain cave! We can attest to the statements about the sweat though, our 12 inch desk fan falls way short of the job, and will be upgraded shortly.

Addendum: I should have mentioned that it self-calibrates so no phaffing about on that front either.

Thanks for the tip about a skate to move it on ... I’ll be nicking that idea !

 

[Mattk50]

Looking at smart training software now. I'd quite just like to race against others starting off in the novice races and progressing up naturally. I'd quite like more realistic looking scenery as well rather than the cartoon type. Having a look around, Rouvy, Sufferfest and Fulgaz seem to tick the boxes. Sufferfest is owned by wahoo (i just bought a wahoo kickr) so not sure if that could be an advantage in setting up etc. Any advice or opinion welcomed?

 

[Mattk50]

I just noticed a problem, the trainer apps software is saying I need to update my IOS. When I try to update the IOS on my ipad it says it is the latest version 10.3.3 up to date. My IPAD is old but still serving me well. Do I need a new IPAD?

 

[Colin Grigson]

I just noticed a problem, the trainer apps software is saying I need to update my IOS. When I try to update the IOS on my ipad it says it is the latest version 10.3.3 up to date. My IPAD is old but still serving me well. Do I need a new IPAD?

iPad’s are on update 14.4 now ... your update must be out of date by some margin

 

[Mattk50]

Yup, it's about 10 years old I think. I've just bought two new computers and a wahoo kickr snap. Funds are depleted for a new ipad. Is there another way to screen it onto the ipad?

 

[Colin Grigson]

Yup, it's about 10 years old I think. I've just bought two new computers and a wahoo kickr snap. Funds are depleted for a new ipad. Is there another way to screen it onto the ipad?

I can’t help you Matt - sorry. I have the app direct on my iPad and mirrored onto my 65’’ TV - that’s perfect for training

 

[Mattk50]

I think I may have to download it onto my wife's ipad but it's got such a spider crack.

 

[Colin Grigson]

I think I may have to download it onto my wife's ipad but it's got such a spider crack.

Can’t you then mirror onto a smart TV - the crack won’t bother you then

 

[Mattk50]

I'm using the trainer outside until the outside gym house is installed, no room in the house to cycle to a tv :-( I read yesterday that you can do an ipad to ipad mirror so will try that for now. It's only for a few months and then I'll have a designated outdoor room with big tv etc. Can't wait!

 

[Mattk50]

I have some really dumb questions I think. Setting up my new wahoo trainer, downloaded the sufferfest trial app. Two questions, how tight does the tyre have to be to the magnetic wheel initially? I guess the gears on the bike are now irrelevant but what gear should be the bike be in? Also, do I need to devise a structured training programme in sufferfest? I just want to cycle for an hour each day against other people starting at easy level and progressing through the ranks. I guess I am old and just want plug and play lol!

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Tight enough that it doesn't slip on initial pedal - gearing IS irrelevant if you're riding in ERG mode (a workout) as the trainer will do everything for you. Pick either chainring and a cassette cog that leaves the chain fairly straight

 

[Mattk50]

Thanks. So is my phone completely redundant now (had wahoo on my phone connected to heart/cadence/speed monitors before with my dumb trainer) and ipad completely takes over?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Yep

 

[Mattk50]

Thank you. So last question. Some easy rides to reintroduce myself or do I need to set a training programme?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Get the feel of it with easy rides first, then start a program.. ERG mode is weird until you get used to it