how long are ya on the turbo for?

Michelin

ive just seen a nice surprise under the xmas tree...looks like a turbo trainer! I havent used one of these for years.
Looks like i will have no excuse for not getting out on the slippy roads for the next few weeks!
How long is too long on a turbo? Was talkin to an experienced racer and he did 2.5 hrs on sunday. Is that not a bit over kill?

IM0

How long is too long on a turbo?

too long. everyone has different goals and reasons for using it. Its a tool, like a hammer or something, how much should you use a hammer...as much as you need/want to

blorg

Michelin wrote: »

How long is too long on a turbo? Was talkin to an experienced racer and he did 2.5 hrs on sunday. Is that not a bit over kill?

Yes, it is painful and soul-destroying. I have managed 60 mins max.

Home:Ballyhoura

me@ucd wrote: »

too long. everyone has different goals and reasons for using it. Its a tool, like a hammer or something, how much should you use a hammer...as much as you need/want to

Practically, around an hour is the most I can do in one go before I become insane!

Chips Lovell

As long as it takes;)

Lumen

Michelin wrote: »

Was talkin to an experienced racer and he did 2.5 hrs on sunday. Is that not a bit over kill?

There's a bit of time compression due to the lack of coasting, but there's no reason (other than sanity) why you shouldn't spend hours on a turbo if you're substituting for a similar paced road ride.

The "other than sanity" bit is not to be underestimated until you've tried it though.

Beasty

I normally do about an hour or so at a time, but I do have a Tacx VR turbo, which is a lot less boring than a standard one:)

The longest single session I have had was 3h 13m (on the Tour of Lombardy) (NB that was a week before this year's WW200, when I had been unable to get out on the road for the previous 2 weeks because of a knee cartilage operation, so there was a bit more motivation than normal)

shaungil

An hour for me tops generally even with the DVd player hooked up (currently sopranos box set) A friend a few years back did 7 hours watching 3 6 nations rugby games on a Saturday, but that's just crazy........

RobFowl

shaungil wrote: »

An hour for me tops generally even with the DVd player hooked up (currently sopranos box set) A friend a few years back did 7 hours watching 3 6 nations rugby games on a Saturday, but that's just crazy........

A friend indeed

jwshooter

i look at tv on mine ,hoping to get some cycling dvds to watch.

fairly ****ty does not do it

shaungil

RobFowl wrote: »

A friend indeed

Ah if only 7 hours in one go. Them were the days. 3 hrs tops now

Bambaata

have done a few 2 1/2 to 3 hr ones and generally do 70 - 90 mins on it. i don't mind it too much. great for catching up on movies/tv

Ryaner

For any of you with the Tacx software, it isn't compatible with 64bit computers incase you decide to upgrade over the new year.
http://forum.tacx.com/viewtopic.php?t=10231&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Surprise though that their new software just released will be supported and can be made work with some workarounds.

poochiem

i did 5 hours on an exercise bike once, i was training for a marathon and was fit at the time. in fairness i had the computer and the radio so wasn't too bored and had some injuries that meant staying off the road for a couple days but i imagine the turbo trainers are a different kettle of fish, much more energy sapping

DirkVoodoo

jwshooter wrote: »

i look at tv on mine ,hoping to get some cycling dvds to watch.

fairly ****ty does not do it

+1. I could not do it without some form of distraction. Music can help, but seeing as it is christmas you should be able to pick up some boxset TV series for pretty cheap.

Captain Havoc

I use the radio, I'm going into currys tomorrow in the hope I'll be able to pick up a cheap one in the sales.

Redjeep!

There's a few threads about this at the moment, but I find 60 mins with a DVD boxset and an interval program like one of the Tacx programs is about right.

Just like shaungil, I've been working through the Sopranos. Next is 'The Wire'.

amjon

I've been turboing it up the past few days - Rocky 3 and Dexter yday followed by Ferris Bueller today. Pretty boring stuff but better than not training. HR is annoyingly up 5 or so beats tho as the garage gets pretty warm here compared to where I usually train.

billyhead

Hi All,

Can anyone recommend a good/reliable and economical Turbo Trainer I could get. I am sick of training in the gym on the bike. Prefare to train at home in this wether

Redjeep!

You can try searching as there's lots of posts on this, but most people I know have Tacx Serius (sorry about the spelling) and are happy enough for a fairly cheap basic turbo.

shaungil

Redjeep! wrote: »

There's a few threads about this at the moment, but I find 60 mins with a DVD boxset and an interval program like one of the Tacx programs is about right.

Just like shaungil, I've been working through the Sopranos. Next is 'The Wire'.

Ah did the Wire last year with the turbo, was the best thing off the telly ever. On numerous occasions I did a late night session and just to see what happened I'd be up to get another episode in before work. My missus thought I was so dedicated but really it was to see Avon.