Cycle turbo trainer advice

I got a MAG trainer in Halfords, it was on sale and does the job. Like you, I didnt want to spend hundreds on it. Think it came in at 130 euro. One thing I learned the hard way was that you dont just need a turbo trainer, you need a FAN aswell!!!

And generally with fluid based trainers there is no lever for setting levels as the fluid offers more resistance when the barrel spins faster, you just use the bikes gears

Have and would recommend

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/

brownetara wrote: »

Got this one in the end http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/accessories/turbo-trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer, decide to go with cheap as I'm not planning on the TDF just yet! Anybody know where I can get training programmes or is it just a question of get up on it and cycle?

Thanks

Just set the bike on it and pedal.

Hello All,

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while - But I am planning to get my OH a turbo for Christmas and was looking for some advice as to which to go for ?

Any help would be much appreciated

smacl wrote: »

Budget? And what type of cycling is s/he into? My experience was for the mid range TACX VR trainers, the German web sites were coming in about 40% cheaper than Wiggle or CRC delivered, so shop around.

My budget would be around 200-300 if that is possible !
He does about 200km's a week on the road your average cyclist I suppose....

smacl wrote: »

I've used a Tacx Flowfor the last number of years and found it good. Available for €210 on Bike24 or €255 with some extra bits bundled in. Same thing is €336 on CRC as special clearance offer without any of the extra bits, hence my advice to shop around, and as little as €199 on Bike-Discount.

Haven't used other turbo models, so can't really comment.

Thank you so much, that is extremely helpful - Sincerely appreciated

If noise levels are an issue, make sure you get a turbo tyre. Much quieter than using an auld road tyre.

MsGiggles wrote: »

Hello All,

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while - But I am planning to get my OH a turbo for Christmas and was looking for some advice as to which to go for ?

Any help would be much appreciated

I just bought the Tacx Vortex on the Rose website for €309. It's a tad pricey for a turbo, but it is a smart trainer, which means it can be controlled by 3rd party apps (like Zwift), which is the main reason I went for this over a standard trainer (one where you control the resistance yourself). You can also use your Garmin to control the trainer, which means you can do pre-programmes training.

The Fan is mentioned as because you will be indoors and not in an air flow you will get hot and sweaty - likely very hot and sweaty so this will help to manage that.

Most Turbo Trainers will cater for different wheel sizes - they attach via a quick release skewer that replaces the QR on your bike.

Hunterbiker wrote: »

The Fan is mentioned as because you will be indoors and not in an air flow you will get hot and sweaty - likely very hot and sweaty so this will help to manage that..

If you have an outdoor option, fan or not is a non issue. I never use the Turbo indoors, thought of it kills me. Even in really bad weather outdoors it is very easy to control body temperature as you're not moving and can easily add or strip layers

I just turned 14,000 km on my Tacx Flow last night - and I expect the same again from it. Didn't use it much last year, I but have it for three years I think. I reckon it comes into its own in early Spring when the early morning roads are frostier. I got a cheap wheel from the LBS and the special Tacx tyre as it punctures easily if you 'share' a road tyre. I ride it in the conservatory usually in the dark so no fan is needed. Very happy with it - but the technology could have moved on and there may be cheaper/better now. It is tough and a bit steamy, but the boredom doesn't affect me.