which turbo for a novice

[gillelive]

hi, thinking of getting a turbo for me and the missus but nothing too expensive, have up to £120 to spend. It will be used for general keep fit, not planning on a major training plan. Have little knowledge of trainers so any advice would be helpful. The trainer would be used initially for flat bar hybrids (700 wheels) but may be investing in a road bike in the months to come (if I can convince the boss!). I have looked at these 3 trainers bit not sure what I am looking for, any thoughts?

http://www.rutlandcy...g-Magnetic.html
http://www.rutlandcy...or-Trainer.html
http://www.wiggle.co...ag-alu-trainer/

 

[HLaB]

I've got the first one but I ant really compare it to anything; its been fine for me and seems well made. I picked it up for circa £130 but with a free turbo tyre; from what I've heard the tyre is a good investment.

There's no problem with running it with a hybrid and then a roadbike, after all in your case they'll both be 700mm wheels. Anyway it come with an adapter to allow 26 inch wheels.

Its been a good investment for me as I haven't had much time to get decent cycle in; until last Sat my last cycle on a road bike was Nov and its kept me ticking over that I was fine to go out with the club run at the weekend and hold 18.6mph.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

Not the question you asked but I bought a set of tacx antares rollers at christmas and haven't used my turbo since. Just a thought if you and your wife haven't considered them. No variable resistance but I haven't run out of gears yet.

 

[Ghost Donkey]

Looking at the ones you listed I have a similar but older Elite turbo. Runs very well after seven years despite living in the shed between uses. I've never used another type so have no basis for comparison.

 

[moxey]

I'm looking at selling my tacx sirius if you're interested.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-sirius-folding-cycle-trainer/

1 year old and as good as new.

£110

 

[gillelive]

I'm looking at selling my tacx sirius if you're interested.
http://www.wiggle.co...-cycle-trainer/

1 year old and as good as new.

£110

could be interested, have you any pics and other details....is it quiet, nothing broken etc.

 

[moxey]

I can get some pics sorted for you, it's in good condition everything works as it should and is pretty quiet but can't compare it to others. It was a xmas present last year, used less than 10 times.
Comes with instructions and QR skewer

 

[gillelive]

I can get some pics sorted for you, it's in good condition everything works as it should and is pretty quiet but can't compare it to others. It was a xmas present last year, used less than 10 times.
Comes with instructions and QR skewer

Cheers, look forward to the pics, excuse daft question but what is the skewer? Are you open to offers? Have seen new for £120 on The Cycle Chain site.

 

[moxey]

The skewer is what holds the wheel onto the trainer.
It's £169 on chain reaction and wiggle so not a bad price at £110 but if you're interested you can have it for £100.
Pm me you're email and i'll send the pics as i'm not sure how to get them onto here.

 

[gillelive]

The skewer is what holds the wheel onto the trainer.
It's £169 on chain reaction and wiggle so not a bad price at £110 but if you're interested you can have it for £100.
Pm me you're email and i'll send the pics as i'm not sure how to get them onto here.

pm sent.....

 

[buggi]

i got a simple one of ebay for £20. it's just one that you use your gears to change the resistance and for £20 i'm well happy. i put some fast dance tunes and some rock songs on my ipod. to the dance tunes i spin it out and the rock tunes i whack up the gears and pretend i'm going uphill. works fine for me. i don't think you need to spend a lot.

I've never ridden rollers but i do have a theory that they are better for your bike though. I sometimes wonder whether clamping the back of your bike into a stand puts unnatural stress on the frame. Rollers are more natural way to ride and therefore i think it's better for the frame as it doesn't put stress on it. however, you do have to concentrate and pay attention/ride properly or you'll have an accident. with the turbo, you can paint your nails at the same time i suppose because you have to concentrate on the rollers though that the time may go a little bit more quickly because let me tell you, turbo training is good when you first try it, but soon gets pretty damn boring. 10 mins on the turbo is worse than 2 hours on the road.

Also, getting the bike on and off the turbo is a pain. you don't have the same problem with rollers.

i'm gonna get a sufferfest video next winter to help see me through.

 

[Jonathing]

How does using a turbo affect you hands? I'm thinking of getting one while my broken metacarpal heals but obviously I won't be able to grip the handle bar with that hand. Is the whole set up stable enough to use one handed of will I go over on my shoulder breaking that as well?

 

[gillelive]

!!!!!!!!aaaaarrrrgh!!!!! just need a bike now to go with the turbo, some bastard stole my bike today while I was on a bike maintenance course!! not insured through my house insurance so that's £700 down the grid for bike, lights, computer etc....

I need to calm down then decide what to do....can you believe having the bike stolen on a bike course......


!!!!aaarrrrrgh.........

 

[GrumpyGregry]

How does using a turbo affect you hands? I'm thinking of getting one while my broken metacarpal heals but obviously I won't be able to grip the handle bar with that hand. Is the whole set up stable enough to use one handed of will I go over on my shoulder breaking that as well?

yes. my cycleops magneto is stable enough for one hand, no hands, and up out-of-the-saddle honking. I'm using a front wheel block which means the front wheel doesn't flap about which I reckon makes the whole deal a deal more stable

 

[GrumpyGregry]

!!!!!!!!aaaaarrrrgh!!!!! just need a bike now to go with the turbo, some bastard stole my bike today while I was on a bike maintenance course!! not insured through my house insurance so that's £700 down the grid for bike, lights, computer etc....

I need to calm down then decide what to do....can you believe having the bike stolen on a bike course......


!!!!aaarrrrrgh.........

that is a major bummer.