turbo trainers

[justAl]

hi, I'm thinking of getting a trainer this winter but I have no idea about them. Do they just clamp the bike or do you have to swap bits over (like the skewer) and do you need to use a tyre specific for trainers? Also, what is a good make/model? tacx seem to be the market leader but are they any good?
cheers

 

[pash]

When you buy the turbo trainer it should come with a skewer designed to fit into the clamp on the trainer. I think you can use a normal skewer but you get a more solid clamp with the specific skewer.
There are loads to choose from and budget tends to dictate how good they are.
I ride a fairly basic CycleOps magneto and it is fine. Not the quietest but is easy to attach the bike to and it is very stable.
If you have the cash you can spend a £1000 easily on one that will connect to your computer and allow you to take part in a virtual race.
Tires don't have to be specific but I believe the extra heat generated by the trainers roller against the tire tends to speed up the wear so many people buy a trainer specific tire designed to be more durable. Obviously you dont want to be swapping tires every time you use the trainer so you could have a spare wheel and trainer tire which you just swap when you use it or better still have a spare bike just set up on the trainer all the time.
Never used a Tacx but I believe they are good. It is worth making sure your choice of trainer comes with an adjuster that clamps to the bars rather than one you have to change by the back wheel.
A rubber mat is a good idea to help stop any slipping if you have the trainer on a concrete or wooden floor and it helps reduce the noise a bit.

 

[accountantpete]

I recently bought a Tacx Flow off a fellow CC'er (without the computer which allows you to control the resistance etc) and it is very solid and well made. Also it is very smooth and relatively quiet in operation.

(Re- the computer bits - I wouldn't use them if I had them so if I was buying I'd go for a cheaper Tacx model)


A Tacx specific skewer(supplied) is needed for firm clamping(which is important as otherwise you get irritating creaks).

Ideally you should also get a second wheel with an old tyre on unless you are not planning to go out on the road in winter.

You will also need an area with plenty of airflow otherwise you will be ankle deep in sweat in next to no time.

 

[gavintc]

The comments made above are correct. If I might add some additional suggestions. The height of the back wheel is about 2 inches raised with the turbo, you can purchase a fancy front wheel raising thing that balances the bike, or put a telephone directory under it. You will sweat, and I suggest that you consider getting a special turbo towel (think it is called a bike thong!) that stretches from the seatpost to the bars and will catch much of the sweat. I got one that had some pockets at the bar end which is useful for holding ipod, TV changer etc. Depending on the quality of the turbo you get, the newer more expensive ones are certainly quieter than the older ones, it will make some noise. My flat in Edinburgh had wooden floors and I noted that I was making a dreadful droning turbo noise over the neighbours bedroom. I dug out an old sleepmat and put this under the bike. It helped and reduced some of the resonance, it also caught the sweat that the bike thong thing did not.

Finally, it can be (is) boring, you will need something to keep your mind working away. I have found that following a programme with frequent changes in tempo and effort aided the boredom factor. I have a few turbo exercises - a video one, and some written ones do help with providing some structure to what could be 45-60 mins droning away watching Eastenders.

Good luck.

 

[justAl]

thanks for all the info, time to do a Dom Littlewood with LBS ( the little guy who haggles for everything)