Turbo trainers

Ghost Rider

The binge season is coming to a close and, as I contemplate my whale-like form, I'm thinking of getting a turbo trainer. Do any of you folks use one or know anything about them? E.g. which models work best? Are there any I should avoid?

Also, do you need a "dedicated" bike to use with them or can you get trainers which allow you to easily attach/remove your bike? If it's a lot of hassle to set up, it won't be much use to me.

Any info is much appreciated.

Quigs Snr

Ok, you should be able to use any bike on a trainer. Most trainers will come with a quick release skewer that you can put in to your wheel if your wheel won't fit (assuming you have a quick release back wheel that is).

You can pay silly money for a trainer. Don't. Cheapest are air based ones (TACX Speedbraker - I have a spare one of these). Great for training power, downside is that they are very noisy and that the harder you pedal, the harder it gets to pedal so you can#t really get into the zone and spin the wheels - great for intervals and speed/power training though.

After that you have magnetic ones and fluid ones. And then some fancy fluid/power/magnet mix ones with power readings that link to a PC and have all sorts of gadgets, you don't need these either.

Fluid apparently feels closest to a real bike, magnetic not far behind, fluid is far more expensive.

Conclusion, get a magnetic trainer. I was told the heavier the flywheel the smoother it will be. I have to say I didn't find this to be the case. I was going to get a Tacx4600 for about 2000 euro or a Minoura 1200 for about the same. I was advised by the guy in the shop to get the cheaper Minoura Mag 850 for 145 Euro. 7 resistance settings and what he used himself, I know the guy, he raced in the RAS last year ! So good enough for him, good enough for me, I got it, couldn't be happier. You can get em cheap online, I got mine in Worldwide Cycles clonmel, great bunch of lads in there.

Using the trainer is difficult mentally, put on the stereo or better still put it in front of the TV so you don't crack up. Get the riser block which raises the front wheel to the same height as the back as an optional extra, will take the pressure off your backside a little ! Good luck !

happygoose

Quigs,

I'd a similar query, thanks for the post. Do you recmmend any training programs? I see plenty online.

P.

Quigs Snr

Hi there happygoose,

Training programs depends on what you are training for and when really. At the minute I am training for the etape du tour in July which will be 188k over some serious climbs so I need to improve my muscular endurance to be able to climb solidly for 90 minutes plus in high temperatures without cracking and being picked up by the broom wagon ! Right now I am just spinning for 45 minutes a 2 or 3 times a week and heading out with the club at the weekends. Trainer specific, I have been told to look at doing lactate threshold stuff (85% max or therabouts for 15 mins with a warm up and cool down, plus some power training (8 x 3 minutes in the very toughest settings slowly grinding it out whilst keeping a rhythm), later I might move to more aggressive power intervals. To be honest I don't really know what works for me so I am going to experiment a bit.

What are you aiming/training for ?

Ghost Rider

Lots of information there - thanks, Quigs.

Quigs Snr wrote:

Ok, you should be able to use any bike on a trainer. Most trainers will come with a quick release skewer that you can put in to your wheel if your wheel won't fit (assuming you have a quick release back wheel that is).

You can pay silly money for a trainer. Don't. Cheapest are air based ones (TACX Speedbraker - I have a spare one of these). Great for training power, downside is that they are very noisy and that the harder you pedal, the harder it gets to pedal so you can#t really get into the zone and spin the wheels - great for intervals and speed/power training though.

After that you have magnetic ones and fluid ones. And then some fancy fluid/power/magnet mix ones with power readings that link to a PC and have all sorts of gadgets, you don't need these either.

Fluid apparently feels closest to a real bike, magnetic not far behind, fluid is far more expensive.

Conclusion, get a magnetic trainer. I was told the heavier the flywheel the smoother it will be. I have to say I didn't find this to be the case. I was going to get a Tacx4600 for about 2000 euro or a Minoura 1200 for about the same. I was advised by the guy in the shop to get the cheaper Minoura Mag 850 for 145 Euro. 7 resistance settings and what he used himself, I know the guy, he raced in the RAS last year ! So good enough for him, good enough for me, I got it, couldn't be happier. You can get em cheap online, I got mine in Worldwide Cycles clonmel, great bunch of lads in there.

Using the trainer is difficult mentally, put on the stereo or better still put it in front of the TV so you don't crack up. Get the riser block which raises the front wheel to the same height as the back as an optional extra, will take the pressure off your backside a little ! Good luck !