Turbo Trainer

[smithy101]

I've been looking out for a Turbo Trainer and come across this one from Decathlon £130:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/satori-pro-t1830-home-trainer--id_8164386.html

However, I’ve found a few TT on ebay a lot less. -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VARISPEED-MAGNETIC-BIKE-TURBO-TRAINER-FOLDING-S02-/150716875572?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item23176d0334

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Magnetic-Turbo-Trainer-Folding-Indoor-MTB-Training-Fitness-Bike-Cycle-Bicycle-/140822713980?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item20c9b0167c

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-Bicycle-Cycle-Turbo-Magnetic-Trainer-Fitness-5-Level-Resistance-Indoor-New-/290709396528?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_ExerciseFitness_ExerciseBikes_JN&hash=item43afa15c30
Does anyone know if the TT from ebay are any good? What extra features does the Tacx have over the cheaper ebay models?

 

[derrick]

Bought one of these from ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271092647014?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Works really well. nice and solid construction and nice and quiet in use.

 

[Jmenorton]

You really cant go wrong with the satori from decathlon, especially at that price. You will probably end up wanting a floor mat and front wheel riser and there surprisingly expensive when bought separately (there included with the decathlon one btw). ive got one and it a great bit of kit. a good 10+ kg it should last a while.

 

[clockhammer]

anyone know if the Tacx Satori Pro comes with a skewer? My skewer doesn't look like it's round enough to fit in the part that holds the axle. I'm just going off pictures of the turbo trainer though so not sure. Suppose it's easy enough to pick up a skewer though.

 

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

They will all come with a skewer if required. If not they're £10 if even

 

[paulw1969]

yes they come with a skewer.......some skewers dont fit the quick release.
A mat is a must in my book....if you train indoors (rather than a garage etc) and whether you have carpet
or like me laminate flooring.....your gonna sweat and its going to drip on the floor. Noise is low (mat or no mat) but i recommend an ipod or tv etc as it can get boring, music helps me concentrate on the effort. And definately a fan to help keep your temperature down .
The riser helps keep the bike level and helps prevent you from twisting the bars in effort.

I like mine

 

[John_c]

I bought 2 of these for me and the Mrs, great entry level trainers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75272

 

[AlanW]

I would whole heartedly recommend the Tacx Flow, a bit more money, but well worth it IMHO

 

[clockhammer]

Just finished my first session on a turbo, opted for this one, mainly so I had some money to spend on bits for my MTB.
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-sh...cx-trainers/tacx-t-1820-magnetic-trainer.html
Also comes with £8.00 discount online so pretty good deal at £71.99. Nothing fancy but I definitely felt like had a good good work out, feels very solid and is easy to assemble. Suppose time will tell if it remains as solid but I think all Tacx stuff has a good rep so fingers crossed.

All in all delighted with it.

 

[Herzog]

I bought 2 of these for me and the Mrs, great entry level trainers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75272

You've got one each, is that so you can race each other?

 

[John_c]

You've got one each, is that so you can race each other?

Yeah something like that. It helps to train side by side at the same time, and avoids the arguments about who's going first. We recently added a couple of Sufferefest training videos to help the time pass more quickly which I think are very good.

 

[jnrmczip]

this may have been covered but is there any cycle trainers that can be hooked up to the TV as if you are in the race?? and is there any compatible with apps that would map your training ?? . for example speed difficulty etc.

ps as i live in Glasgow and i am thinking ahead for really bad weather conditions so i can still enjoy the cycling even indoors when I cant get out

 

[Bollo]

this may have been covered but is there any cycle trainers that can be hooked up to the TV as if you are in the race?? and is there any compatible with apps that would map your training ?? . for example speed difficulty etc.

ps as i live in Glasgow and i am thinking ahead for really bad weather conditions so i can still enjoy the cycling even indoors when I cant get out

There are quite a few apps out there - I used Trainer Road for a while but there are some others. Most of the training apps are useful but a bit 'dry' and just expect you to follow a performance profile. Some high-end turbos have software that allows you to race against each other and can integrate the resistance with mapped inclines etc. You are looking at north of £1000 and subscription payments for these, although I think there's a group on here that arrange regular sessions if you can splash the cash.

That said, I'll give a shameless plug for a bit of hobby software that I'm developing that allows a couple of people with ANT+ speed/cadence sensors (optionally power as well), turbos and an internet connection to compete against each other. You just need an ANT+ dongle (£20) and a PC (not Mac or tablet at the mo') There's also the ability to ride against virtual riders, although this is very much at the prototype stage. It's still early and the graphics are charts and dials for now, but I've been testing it for a while with a few friends.and we've had some fun. It's not polished to a high sheen and I'm up-front about the limitations of trying this type of thing and the pace of development (evenings and weekends when the sun isn't out), but if you're interested check out the link in my tagline and PM me. Oh - it's free!

 

[jnrmczip]

There are quite a few apps out there - I used Trainer Road for a while but there are some others. Most of the training apps are useful but a bit 'dry' and just expect you to follow a performance profile. Some high-end turbos have software that allows you to race against each other and can integrate the resistance with mapped inclines etc. You are looking at north of £1000 and subscription payments for these, although I think there's a group on here that arrange regular sessions if you can splash the cash.

That said, I'll give a shameless plug for a bit of hobby software that I'm developing that allows a couple of people with ANT+ speed/cadence sensors (optionally power as well), turbos and an internet connection to compete against each other. You just need an ANT+ dongle (£20) and a PC (not Mac or tablet at the mo') There's also the ability to ride against virtual riders, although this is very much at the prototype stage. It's still early and the graphics are charts and dials for now, but I've been testing it for a while with a few friends.and we've had some fun. It's not polished to a high sheen and I'm up-front about the limitations of trying this type of thing and the pace of development (evenings and weekends when the sun isn't out), but if you're interested check out the link in my tagline and PM me. Oh - it's free!

That'
That sounds excellent ill get over to your page when I've pied up the done and censors and check it out. Thought there must have been something out there glad you have responded. Means on the flood days I can still get some action which is a little less boring than me on a exercise bike