Where to put a turbo trainer?

[iandg]

Mine's folded up at the back of the cellar under piles of other stuff so that I'm not tempted to bring it out and use it

 

[BSRU]

First ‘ride’ today. Just a Rouvy FTP test so not long but quite hard. It couldn’t have gone better. All the tips and advice here paid off and the workout was straightforward and I wanted for nothing. I really did think that a trainer setup like this needed a lot of room, but have been very pleased how well it has fitted into a small space without significantly impacting the use of that room or the house.

The only thing I did notice was some perineal compression and the associated numbness that it can bring. I’ve suffered with this very occasionally on this bike on the road but it can be eased by standing on the saddle occasionally or shifting position. This is something I don’t do during my workout and I imagine wouldn’t do much unless I force myself to. I have also found that how I wear my bib shorts can affect this too, so will have to be mindful of that. No harm done though!

I had to change my saddle, the same as I use my road rides, to one that eases perineal issues.
I assume perineal issues are caused by sitting in the same position for so long, unlike on the road where I'm always moving about and getting out of the saddle.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I sometimes do long (2hr ish) turbo sessions "climbing" simulations of a famous/scenic climbs. Every 20 minutes or so I stick the bike into a higher gear and stand on the pedals for a while to avoid soreness/numbness issues.

For workouts in "erg" mode this isn't really an option as I find the abrupt change in cadence completely confuses it. (Tacx Flux. Other turbos are available), but it can be doable in the rest bits of intervals.

 

[figbat]

I might investigate a more channeled saddle and get a spare seatpost too so I can more easily swap from trainer to road modes on the bike.

 

[ColinJ]

The only thing I did notice was some perineal compression and the associated numbness that it can bring. I’ve suffered with this very occasionally on this bike on the road but it can be eased by standing on the saddle occasionally or shifting position. This is something I don’t do during my workout and I imagine wouldn’t do much unless I force myself to. I have also found that how I wear my bib shorts can affect this too, so will have to be mindful of that. No harm done though!

Many turbo riders use 'rocker plates' under their trainers/bikes to provide some 'give' for a more natural and more comfortable experience. They can be very expensive though and take up extra space.

I have gone for a cheaper, more compact alternative, 'rocker feet'. These are 3D-printed attachments which fit onto the turbo's base. The attachments hold tennis balls to provide the suspension effect. I have just bought a set for my forthcoming turbo trainer...

HERE are some for the Kickr Core on eBay for £34. There are lots to choose from there; others may be cheaper.

Add about another £10 for decent quality tennis balls - NOT the cheapo, undersized, low pressure ones that you can buy in bulk for your dog to chase!

 

[CXRAndy]

My lad is supposed to be reporting back with his tennis ball feet I printed 😁

These are for Zwift Hub Turbo (Jet Black design)

 

[figbat]

A few more rides done and I am still very pleased with the setup. I adjusted the saddle a bit to lower the nose and make sure to move around a bit more and this has helped with the numbness.

With the combination of a small room, radiator turned off well in advance, opening windows and the fan I have so far easily managed the heat and my fears of the room smelling like a gym or changing room have been unfounded.

I am enjoying ROUVY too. The ghost riders give me something to chase and the video scenery is quite engaging - today I was riding a gravel route which included a few muddy puddles and I genuinely considered which line I should take through them! Longest time on the saddle so far is around 1:20 and no boredom. I plan to do some longer rides in time so we’ll see how that goes.

I think I’m a convert. Or at least I will supplement my usual outdoors riding with it.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I am not going to open any windows in the house in cold winter conditions when the central heating is on. This is an old poorly-insulated house so it costs me quite a lot of money to heat it to my preferred 18.5-19.0 C. I am not going to leak that expensive heat out of an open window!

So... I was thinking about using my dehumidifier next to the turbo trainer. It is impressive to see how much moisture it sucks out of the air when drying washing in front of radiators. I could easily see it extracting 500+ mL during a long, hard turbo session!

I haven't tested the idea because my turbo trainer hasn't been delivered yet. I will report back below in a month or two.

Have you got a back yard or some such to put the turbo? Outdoor riding going nowhere.

 

[ColinJ]

Have you got a back yard or some such to put the turbo? Outdoor riding going nowhere.

Ha ha. I do have room in my yard but if I am going to go outdoors in the cold I will make the effort and do a real ride! Anyway, I would not want to be using the 40 inch TV etc. out there.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I would not want to be using the 40 inch TV

TV - You are meant to be exercising, not doing your hair!

 

[ColinJ]

TV - You are meant to be exercising, not doing your hair!

I smashed myself up in a bad crash as a teenager and I felt too scared after that to ever consider road racing. I do fancy having a go at virtual racing though from the safety (and comfort) of the house.

I will just have to be careful not to fall off the bike when dismounting after a hard sprint!

 

[derrick]

TV - You are meant to be exercising, not doing your hair!

You need a tv, i converted our loft int a gym. loads of room,

 

[Ming the Merciless]

You need a tv, i converted our loft int a gym. loads of room,

View attachment 759473

You have a mirror as well. Defo doing your hair!

 

[AlanW]

Now the kids have (finally) moved out, l moved from the garage into my "new" play room 😀

 

[AlanW]