to turbo train or not to turbo train.

[ian allanson]

Me and the missus are considering investing in a turbo trainer to deal with the coming winter but are not sure whether they up to much. Any thoughts or recommendations?

 

[black'n'yellow]

what are your training objectives..?

 

[screenman]

I would hate to be without mine. But also as black'n'yellow says.

 

[ian allanson]

Training objective is to not loose the fitness i've started to build over summer. I only started cycling a few months ago so just starting to see some improements. I'm not able to get out on the road as much over winter so just want a good alternative so when i can get back out i'm not starting from scratch again.

 

[screenman]

In that case I would say buy a turbo.

 

[black'n'yellow]

as above, but all I would add is that a turbo should be seen as complementary to 'real' riding, rather than as a replacement for it. If all you do is try to replicate your road rides indoors on a turbo, you will quickly get bored...

 

[Crackle]

Or, get a mtn bike and do some mtn biking. Bad weather never seems as bad when on trails and you get the added bonus of buying more kit. Consider running too, especially uphill, not the same but it will definitely keep you ticking over. If I was any kind of racer or you were I'd say turbo or rollers but just for maintaining fitness there are other fun ways.

 

[Rob3rt]

as above, but all I would add is that a turbo should be seen as complementary to 'real' riding, rather than as a replacement for it. If all you do is try to replicate your road rides indoors on a turbo, you will quickly get bored...

Agree, turbo trainers are best used to savage yourself for a relatively short but intense period. Not really much cop for building base miles!

 

[ian allanson]

Thanks. I do run couple of times a week so should be ok. Also not put off too much by the weather its more We're busy at this time of year. I guess turbo maybe a toy with some use
rather than a must have item.