Turbo trainer advice needed

[Mushroomgodmat]

My wife has asked for a turbo trainer for her birthday.... But I'm a little lost as what to buy.

I'm thinking about this one as its well reviewed and looks like a bit of a bargain.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydro-mag-elastogel-trainer/

Couple of questions if anyone can help...

So you know if this would (and I can see no reason why it wouldn't) work with a hybrid bike (wheels are 700x32)?

Is a mat really important?

Is a front wheel/support really important?

Cheers for any advice help etc!!!

 

[Rob3rt]

My wife has asked for a turbo trainer for her birthday.... But I'm a little lost as what to buy.

I'm thinking about this one as its well reviewed and looks like a bit of a bargain.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydro-mag-elastogel-trainer/

Couple of questions if anyone can help...

So you know if this would (and I can see no reason why it wouldn't) work with a hybrid bike (wheels are 700x32)? Yes

Is a mat really important? Yes, unless you are a fan of having a sodden wet stinking carpet! There is no air flow over you to keep you cool, so you sweat a LOT! A mat of some sort is minimum kit (I use a cheap yoga mat that cost a couple of quid), you would be well advised to invest in a good fan and make sure to have a towel at hand.

Is a front wheel/support really important? Yes, it is important to level up the bike as the back wheel will be raised off the ground slightly, if you don't level up, you can very much expect some wrist and hand discomfort. That being said, a yellow pages or other household item will do.

Cheers for any advice help etc!!!

See comments in bold above.

 

[derrick]

The other half uses a couple of door mats, works alright.

 

[HLaB]

If you've got a solid rear axle wheel it wont, if you have QR it will.
I've not got a mat but I use my turbo/rollers on solid floors that can be wiped.
I've not got a front wheel support but I raise my wheel with a pair of foam dumbells otherwise it'd be an uncomfortable angle and I'd be sliding off, putting to much weight on my hands, etc

 

[Monsieur Remings]

I have an Elite Elastogel - not the same as above - and can vouch for its quality.

+1 on a fan and remember it's not meant to be an alternative to a bike ride; it's a training tool for use for specific purposes. Amble freely on a turbo like you would on a bike and you'll soon get bored.

Focus! Good luck.

 

[Licramite]

get her an mp3 player as well + sweat band + a fan on a stand. -

 

[Rob3rt]

get her an mp3 player as well + sweat band + a fan on a stand. -

We are talking about cycling, not tennis.