Turbo trainer question

[Yanto]

Hello everyone. Please bear with me as this is my first post. My question relates to turbo trainers. I am considering buying one of these for winter fitness work but I have been told that these apparatus can damage bike wheels. Now I had never heard this before. I believe that tyres can been worn flat but had not heard of wheels being damaged. Is there any truth in this or is it just a myth. Many thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[jasper]

I've been using turbo's since the late 80's and I haven't damaged a wheel. Never heard that before. Tyres possibly, not always, but wheels; not in my opinion.

 

[gbb]

Hi Yanto...
Like Jasper, i've never heard of damage to wheels.
Tyres ?...yes ive heard they can, but my turbo hasnt had any impact on my tyres at all ( i run Conti Gatorskins)

 

[Yanto]

Jasper and gbb - many thanks for your replies. I had never heard of wheels being damaged either, although, never having used a turbo, I wasn't entirely sure. Thanks again. Think I'll take the plunge and buy one.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

Hello and welcome Yanto, You'll be a Welsh John then, unless I'm mistaken!?
as others have said I never heard of wheels being damaged by a turbo trainer, sometimes the quick release skewer may get damaged by the clamp. Continental make a turbo specific rear tyre, bright yellow thing, resistant to wear.

IMO turbo's have a reason, but they are very boring, I prefer my rollers.

 

[Ludwig]

I can't think of anything more mind numbing, soul destroying and tedious than pedaling away on a turbo trainer in your shed or garage. Why not join an athletic club and do a cross country season. You will gain astonishing strength and fitness and training in a group will motivate you more than lone turbo riding in your shed or basement

 

[jasper]

I can't think of anything more mind numbing, soul destroying and tedious than pedaling away on a turbo trainer in your shed or garage. Why not join an athletic club and do a cross country season. You will gain astonishing strength and fitness and training in a group will motivate you more than lone turbo riding in your shed or basement

Because by running, you would've trained the wrong muscles for when the (bike) racing season starts in the Spring. If you want to stay bike fit, then you need to stay on the bike.

 

[fossyant]

Winter fitness - get out on the bike.....or commute by bike..the only way...

I have the old first generation turbo's - i.e. a big noisy fan - have to use in the garage as the heat I generate, even mid winter with a cooling fan is incredible - don't use in the house - 18c and a turbo - you will cook... even with a fan....

I hate the things..... if you can get out, do get out, even for a fast 30 mins.... make the time count.

If using one, you'll need a programme, don't just ride it, so it's going to be hard.....

They are brill if you've had an injury that isn't leg related - e.g. broken wrist...but the sweat on plastercasts makes them stink a bit - been there and done it..liberal application of spray deo works.....

 

[Blue]

I can't think of anything more mind numbing, soul destroying and tedious than pedaling away on a turbo trainer in your shed or garage.

A valid point. However, I have learned two languages from CD based courses while spinning happily on my turbo and I also use it to fine tune things like saddle/cleat position or as a bike stand when I want to change pedals or whatever. I think a turbo is a great bit of kit.


Getting back to the OP, I haven't experienced any damage problems on the turbo.

 

[gbb]

Mindnumbingly boring....well a bit, but it depends on you.
Get out on the bike...yes, in an ideal world, again it depends on you.

I use my turbo maybe 2 or 3 times over a winter. When its mindnumbingly cold outside, midwinter, maybe windy..ive ridden mindnumbingly cold rides where i've thought..what the fcukin hell am i doing out here !!!

I set my turbo up in the living room, in front of the TV, drink by my side, and have a steady to moderately hard hour on it. I have no problems with that.

I get very agitated if i dont get out on the bike, but HATE the winter. The turbo goes some way to making me feel better.

 

[vernon]

You'll not damage your wheels though I have heard of some folk damaging their tyres by pedalling quickly and then applying the rear brake bringing the rear wheel to a stop - the turbo roller continued spinning and the ensuing friction melted the tyre surface locally.

Turbos can be mind numbing. I bought one and a book of turbo roiutines. Used the turbo three or four times stored it for three years then sold it in an as new condition.

Can't beat miles on the road. Winters aren't harsh enough to keep cyclists indoors anymore.

 

[Yanto]

Well, thanks to everyone for your kind replies. Firstly, Yanto is just my nickname, I am Welsh but real name is Ian. Secondly, I took up cycling after running 6 marathons and 14 half marathons, in doing so I have wrecked both hips so cross country running is out of the question. Cycling gives me the excercise I need with no impact, and therefore no pain. I can totally appreciate that turbo training can be very boring, as can running on a treadmill or using a cross trainer. I only intend using it for an hour at a time so I'm sure I can deal with the boredom element. As for commuting to work, I only live 500 metres from my job so I walk. I only have one bike, a Bianchi 928, and have no intention of ruining it in the bad weather that we have in this country.

Again thanks so much for your valuable advice, I really appreciate it