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Turbo trainer advice needed

  • 04-11-2010 12:13am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37


    I'm hoping to get back training soon following injury and have decided to invest in a turbo. So far, I've narrowed it down to two cheap and apparently quietish turbos:

    The Elite Crono Fluid ElastoGel Trainer

    and
    The Tacx Sirius Soft Gel


    Which one would people advise me to go for? Key factors are probably that I have one haphazard season of adventure racing/triathlons under my belt but have never really trained in a structured fashion so I'm far from an elite. Secondly, I'm hoping to use it in the house so the lower the noise level the better. Thanks in advance.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Triptych wrote: »
    I'm hoping to get back training soon following injury and have decided to invest in a turbo. So far, I've narrowed it down to two cheap and apparently quietish turbos:

    The Elite Crono Fluid ElastoGel Trainer

    and
    The Tacx Sirius Soft Gel


    Which one would people advise me to go for? Key factors are probably that I have one haphazard season of adventure racing/triathlons under my belt but have never really trained in a structured fashion so I'm far from an elite. Secondly, I'm hoping to use it in the house so the lower the noise level the better. Thanks in advance.

    Crono fluid is quite, have the old version of it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,004 ✭✭✭mitresize5


    I've the Crono fluid as well - cant fault it for the money

    One thing I would suggest is get a bike computer with a cadence counter (which obviously will be of huge benefit on the road as well) and with your normal heart rate monitor you have everything you'll need


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭DustyBin


    mitresize5 wrote: »
    One thing I would suggest is get a bike computer with a cadence counter

    Just make sure that it hooks up to the rear wheel if you want to use it on a trainer


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    DustyBin wrote: »
    Just make sure that it hooks up to the rear wheel if you want to use it on a trainer

    Why? Speed is a completely useless metric on the trainer and its use on the road is debatable at best.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭DustyBin


    Duh! So as the op can have some measure of the distance they have done and then join in with all the fun on the S/C/R challenge 2011 obviously!!! ;)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    DustyBin wrote: »
    Duh! So as the op can have some measure of the distance they have done and then join in with all the fun on the S/C/R challenge 2011 obviously!!! ;)

    Distance is meaningless on a trainer. Totally meaningless. if S/C/R challenge is the goal then go for it, if the goal is racing well then dont.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    tunney wrote: »
    Distance is meaningless on a trainer. Totally meaningless. if S/C/R challenge is the goal then go for it, if the goal is racing well then dont.

    Disagree somewhat, it has puposes. For example a distance test to measure winter progress. Ride at capped heart rate on the trainer for 30 mins. Note distance and hr etc..

    Repeat test a month later, same conditions, same heart rate values etc.. Ideally if you achieve more distance you are improving.

    I wouldn't use distance for much else other than benchmarking though. Handy to keep track of numbers I suppose but watts, heart rate and cadence are more valuable metrics


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Disagree somewhat, it has puposes. For example a distance test to measure winter progress. Ride at capped heart rate on the trainer for 30 mins. Note distance and hr etc..

    Repeat test a month later, same conditions, same heart rate values etc.. Ideally if you achieve more distance you are improving.

    I wouldn't use distance for much else other than benchmarking though. Handy to keep track of numbers I suppose but watts, heart rate and cadence are more valuable metrics

    Tyre slip.
    Tyre pressure.
    Trainer press on force.
    Temperature effect on body.
    Resistance setting.
    Gear selection.

    If magnetic trainer - what about changes in magnetic resistance, not strictly consistent.
    If fluid trainer - what about the effect of the temperature of the oil on resistance.

    So many variables to be controlled to have a repeatible test.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    tunney wrote: »
    Tyre slip.
    Tyre pressure.
    Trainer press on force.
    Temperature effect on body.
    Resistance setting.
    Gear selection.

    If magnetic trainer - what about changes in magnetic resistance, not strictly consistent.
    If fluid trainer - what about the effect of the temperature of the oil on resistance.

    So many variables to be controlled to have a repeatible test.

    Yes there are so many variables and you cannot perfectly simulate conditions in the real world. For example if you do a 3k run test on the track in December and again at the end of Jan you would note any changes in the environment against the benchmarked values of both tests. Track grip, runners, temp, wind etc...

    I agree largely that distance is a less important value on the turbo but it has its uses. For the testing, its indoors so you can simulate a simlar enough environment and checking the trainer flywheel and tyre pressure for consistent variables will still give you decent test conditions. If you want measurement to the 0.001 percentile, it won't do obviously.

    Lets say you are scheduled to do a 70km bike ride and its milling outside or iced over, or perhaps you have a target of 800km for the month. Distance is handy then too eh ;):)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    Yes there are so many variables and you cannot perfectly simulate conditions in the real world. For example if you do a 3k run test on the track in December and again at the end of Jan you would note any changes in the environment against the benchmarked values of both tests. Track grip, runners, temp, wind etc...
    Grasping here MCOS :)
    I agree largely that distance is a less important value on the turbo but it has its uses. For the testing, its indoors so you can simulate a simlar enough environment and checking the trainer flywheel and tyre pressure for consistent variables will still give you decent test conditions. If you want measurement to the 0.001 percentile, it won't do obviously.

    How many people check the variable factors before use though.
    Lets say you are scheduled to do a 70km bike ride and its milling outside or iced over, or perhaps you have a target of 800km for the month. Distance is handy then too eh ;):)

    In that hypothetical situation a trainer that has a load generator, hooks up to a PC, and simulates real world environments, terrain, wind and similar would be invaluable. Hypothetically speaking as well the 800km goal is probably out the window given health issues.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    Triptych wrote: »

    I have the Sirius myself, 1st Turbo so can't compare. Although I found it a bitch to assemble, (my mistake was to set it for a mountain bike wheel or something like that). I find it good, not too noisy - i can watch TV with it on, although my wife still let wont let me use it if she is trying to sleep


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    LOL. sure I couldn't let you away with a statement like 'totally meaningless' ;)

    OT I changed my doc a couple of years ago beacuse the old family doc, ie my parents one, was a) oblivious to my sporting interest and b) my son didn't like him at all.

    I found a doc who I like, had a keen interest in me and my families needs and simply gave him my old docs number so he could get the files.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    watts, heart rate and cadence are more valuable metrics

    Anyone got any thoughts as to good basic power meters for use with turbo?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    RedB wrote: »
    Anyone got any thoughts as to good basic power meters for use with turbo?

    I used an Elite Hydroforce with power add on for years until I moved on. The OH still uses it.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 50 ✭✭johnnyb1


    Ive heard about turbo trainers but dont know much about them:(what kinds of training can I do with them and are they of much benefit:confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 Triptych


    tunney wrote: »
    Crono fluid is quite, have the old version of it.
    mitresize5 wrote: »
    I've the Crono fluid as well - cant fault it for the money.


    catweazle wrote: »
    I have the Sirius myself, ....I find it good, not too noisy - i can watch TV with it on, although my wife still let wont let me use it if she is trying to sleep

    Thanks Folks, looks like they are both decent. It's good to hear from people who have used them that they are what they claim to be. Now, all I have to do is master my inner sloth :).

    Thank again


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    mitresize5 wrote: »
    I've the Crono fluid as well - cant fault it for the money

    One thing I would suggest is get a bike computer with a cadence counter (which obviously will be of huge benefit on the road as well) and with your normal heart rate monitor you have everything you'll need

    Mitre - Sent you a pm last week.
    tunney wrote: »
    I used an Elite Hydroforce with power add on for years until I moved on. The OH still uses it.

    The Hydroforce power meter apparently won't work with the Crono fluid turbo (according to Wiggle). Anyone got any recommendations for a power meter which will work with the Crono fluid turbo?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    RedB wrote: »
    Mitre - Sent you a pm last week.



    The Hydroforce power meter apparently won't work with the Crono fluid turbo (according to Wiggle). Anyone got any recommendations for a power meter which will work with the Crono fluid turbo?

    SRM PC7


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    tunney wrote: »
    SRM PC7

    A little out of my pricerange :(:o
    I'd be looking for something around €200 as I don't even have a turbo at the moment and am just looking for a basic setup for a back-of-pack slogger :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    RedB wrote: »
    A little out of my pricerange :(:o
    I'd be looking for something around €200 as I don't even have a turbo at the moment and am just looking for a basic setup for a back-of-pack slogger :o

    Then I would just get a TACX flow.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    tunney wrote: »
    Then I would just get a TACX flow.

    Looks perfect. Thanks.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    RedB wrote: »
    Looks perfect. Thanks.

    Bike24 from germany are the cheapest by a long shot.


  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    I have the sirius. Its quiet, just a low hum from it, youd need to turn the tv up a notch, but not so much that you wake the house or anything.

    Its easy to get the bike on and off it, the only thing I notice is the resistance change is fiddly and I dont even bother putting it on the handlebars. Its heavy, so if youre bringing it to a class its awkward, but I presume they all are. Ive only had this one so cant compare.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,087 ✭✭✭nomadic


    It's not even properly winter yet and I think I've caved already and am going to get a turbo.:( Is it worth the extra few quid for the TACX flow for the power readings and hr etc?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,238 ✭✭✭Abhainn


    nomadic wrote: »
    It's not even properly winter yet and I think I've caved already and am going to get a turbo.:( Is it worth the extra few quid for the TACX flow for the power readings and hr etc?

    You mean the Tacx Flow T1680?
    I think I'll be going with that too.
    I don't like training indoors including swimming :rolleyes: so I might even set up the turbo outside :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,377 ✭✭✭pgibbo


    tunney wrote: »
    Then I would just get a TACX flow.

    I got this a couple of weeks back from Bike24. Very happy with it and very easy to assemble.

    Anyone know what HR straps work with it? It's not picking up the strap that I have for my Garmin Forerunner 305. Cheers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,584 ✭✭✭✭tunney


    pretty sure polar coded, check spec.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 660 ✭✭✭Git101


    pgibbo wrote: »
    Anyone know what HR straps work with it? It's not picking up the strap that I have for my Garmin Forerunner 305. Cheers.

    You may need to pair the HRM to the trainer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    Abhainn wrote: »
    You mean the Tacx Flow T1680?
    I think I'll be going with that too.
    I don't like training indoors including swimming :rolleyes: so I might even set up the turbo outside :D

    Best of luck with the OW winter swimming the.. brrrrr :D


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,208 ✭✭✭shotgunmcos


    tunney wrote: »
    pretty sure polar coded, check spec.


    It is. It picks up my OH's polar but doesn't pick up my Garmin


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    Garmin are all ant+, the tacx does not support ant+


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,377 ✭✭✭pgibbo


    Thanks guys. Better dig out my old Polar watch and strap. They're in a safe place....just need to remember where that place is! :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    Just took delivery of my first ever Turbo Trainer (Tacx Flow) and now wondering exactly what I should be doing on it :rolleyes:. While I don't know enough about cycling I presume you can end up doing junk miles here just as you can in running. I'd rather have the bones of a training schedule so does anyone have any advice re basic training schedules?
    I can usually get out for a 2-3 hour spin at the weekend at the moment so I'm looking to fit in 2 sessions per week on the turbo initially as well. I'm just a slogger who's trying to make it up to mid-pack level but I presume a mixture of interval / endurance sessions would be required. While I can see plenty of turbo sessions on the web I'm just unsure what durations / power / mix is appropriate. I would be hoping to do the Limerick Duathlons in Feb/Mar and maybe the W200 if I can stretch out the w'end spins.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    I find this site good for sessions Red + the siren that goes off at the end is most welcome

    http://www.turbotraining.co.uk/turbo_trainer_sessions.php


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,377 ✭✭✭pgibbo


    tunney wrote: »
    pretty sure polar coded, check spec.

    I have verified that it does indeed work with a polar HR strap. Cheers guys.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,469 ✭✭✭RedB


    I was setting up my new Turbo last night and have a few basic questions that someone might be able to help me out on. Its the first time I've even seen one so pardon my ignorance :)

    1) Does the new quick release skewer that gets fitted onto the back wheel to suit the Turbo usually remain there when the bike is dismounted or does one change it back to the original skewer when going back out on the road?

    2) Does the adjustable bolt / knob that controls the position of the brake unit and its resultant pressure on the tyre remain in the same position each time the bike is mounted or does it have to be adjusted each time?

    3) I only sat up on the bike for less than a minute after assembling the turbo last night but I thought the rolling resistance seemed very high. I have ZERO experience of what it should feel like and maybe it loosens up after a few minutes warmup? Should the resistance be high or should it spin relatively easily (presumably by adjusting the bolt referred to above)?

    4) Small issue - I already have a Garmin cadence sensor on the bike. Would it be ridiculous to fit the Tacx one on just to have cadence displayed on the computer? I'd probably be using the Garmin HRM anyway so should I also be able to get "speed" using the Garmin (based on cadance?) or does it rely on GPS :confused:.

    5) Small issue - I've removable tri bars on the handlebars and the computer won't fit on them. Should I be using tri bars on a turbo so as to ensure proper technique?

    6) Setting calibration value of brake unit - Does this need to be done each time the bike is mounted due to some of the issues mentioned below? On the Tacx, does one adjust the brake unit knob (see Q2 above) until the calibration reading = 0. The Manual is a bit vague about this.
    tunney wrote: »
    Tyre slip.
    Tyre pressure.
    Trainer press on force.
    Temperature effect on body.
    Resistance setting.
    Gear selection.

    If magnetic trainer - what about changes in magnetic resistance, not strictly consistent.

    So many variables to be controlled to have a repeatible test.

    7) I'm unsure as to what the interaction between gearing, cadance and speed is with regard to Slope Resistance and Power settings but I'll probably figure that out handy enough once I start using it :rolleyes:. I'm still also unsure what sort of training I should be doing despite the recommendation to the site below. Too many choices only has me more confused :o
    catweazle wrote: »
    I find this site good for sessions Red + the siren that goes off at the end is most welcome

    http://www.turbotraining.co.uk/turbo_trainer_sessions.php

    I went on the Tacx website and it gives loads of recommended sessions for Endurance / Hills / Intervals / Recovery workouts on the Tacx Coach tab as well as fitness tests and a forum. They also have a recommended 90min workout for November. Should this time of the year be focusing on base endurance and long sessions or should intervals also play a part? I'm thinking of doing one 90min Z2 session and one 30min interval session per week plus an outdoor 2-3 hour spin. Does this sound about right?

    Thanks in advance for any feedback.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    I will try and answer some of these questions and leave the more difficult ones for the more advanced posters - I have only the Tacx Serius
    RedB wrote: »
    I was setting up my new Turbo last night and have a few basic questions that someone might be able to help me out on. Its the first time I've even seen one so pardon my ignorance :)

    1) Does the new quick release skewer that gets fitted onto the back wheel to suit the Turbo usually remain there when the bike is dismounted or does one change it back to the original skewer when going back out on the road? I have to swap the skewers from turbo to bike, being honest my bike wont see the light of day until the spring so I dont have to change it often

    2) Does the adjustable bolt / knob that controls the position of the brake unit and its resultant pressure on the tyre remain in the same position each time the bike is mounted or does it have to be adjusted each time? It remains in position each time for me anyways, I might have to pump the tyres the odd time but thats about it

    3) I only sat up on the bike for less than a minute after assembling the turbo last night but I thought the rolling resistance seemed very high. I have ZERO experience of what it should feel like and maybe it loosens up after a few minutes warmup? Should the resistance be high or should it spin relatively easily (presumably by adjusting the bolt referred to above)? On a low setting it should spin pretty easily but when you bump up the resistance it should be much more difficult to spin

    4) Small issue - I already have a Garmin cadence sensor on the bike. Would it be ridiculous to fit the Tacx one on just to have cadence displayed on the computer? I'd probably be using the Garmin HRM anyway so should I also be able to get "speed" using the Garmin (based on cadance?) or does it rely on GPS :confused:. No idea, I have just a cycle computer hooked up to the back wheel - make sure whichever way you do it that you have some type of cadence monitor on it

    5) Small issue - I've removable tri bars on the handlebars and the computer won't fit on them. Should I be using tri bars on a turbo so as to ensure proper technique? We have a weekly turbo class over the winter and the instructor gets us down on the tri bars at regular intervals to get used to the position, I gradually increased the time I was able to spend down on them throughout the year as it was killing my back when i first started them

    6) Setting calibration value of brake unit - Does this need to be done each time the bike is mounted due to some of the issues mentioned below? On the Tacx, does one adjust the brake unit knob (see Q2 above) until the calibration reading = 0. The Manual is a bit vague about this. No idea



    7) I'm unsure as to what the interaction between gearing, cadance and speed is with regard to Slope Resistance and Power settings but I'll probably figure that out handy enough once I start using it :rolleyes:. I'm still also unsure what sort of training I should be doing despite the recommendation to the site below. Too many choices only has me more confused :o


    I went on the Tacx website and it gives loads of recommended sessions for Endurance / Hills / Intervals / Recovery workouts on the Tacx Coach tab as well as fitness tests and a forum. They also have a recommended 90min workout for November. Should this time of the year be focusing on base endurance and long sessions or should intervals also play a part? I'm thinking of doing one 90min Z2 session and one 30min interval session per week plus an outdoor 2-3 hour spin. Does this sound about right?

    What are you aiming for next year Red, that should influence what you are going to do over the winter. I am splitting mine over the winter between decent endurance spins at low heart rates and some high resistance sessions as I cant go up hills to save my life. Come spring I will start doing some vo2 max and speed sessions

    Thanks in advance for any feedback.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    About to pull the trigger on buying a turbo. What’s the main advantages/disadantages between say a tacx satori and an an elite crono fluid elasto gel?

    The chrono has some 352 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 so looks v impressive.. Whereas I heard good reviews of the satori. Ideally I would like to get a turbo that’ll last a few years and won’t require updating if I happen to advance my cycling.

    Cheers


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 80 ✭✭twonpelota


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    About to pull the trigger on buying a turbo. What’s the main advantages/disadantages between say a tacx satori and an an elite crono fluid elasto gel?

    The chrono has some 352 reviews with an average rating of 4.5/5 so looks v impressive.. Whereas I heard good reviews of the satori. Ideally I would like to get a turbo that’ll last a few years and won’t require updating if I happen to advance my cycling.

    Cheers

    If you post links that would help but off the top of my head the crono is quiet and the gel helps tyres last but it doesn't have adjustable resistance anymore?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,818 ✭✭✭nerraw1111


    Sorry should've posted links. Cheers

    Not tied to any of them but seems what most ppl talk about.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-supercrono-inertial-elastogel-turbo-trainer/

    According to product description, resistance can br adjust by increasing speed.


    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-satori-high-power-cycle-trainer/


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 362 ✭✭eoglyn


    nerraw1111 wrote: »
    Sorry should've posted links. Cheers

    Not tied to any of them but seems what most ppl talk about.

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-supercrono-inertial-elastogel-turbo-trainer/

    According to product description, resistance can br adjust by increasing speed.


    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-satori-high-power-cycle-trainer/


    I just bought a Tacx Flow from Bike24.com - they seem to offer the best value by far so don't pull that trigger without checking them out.

    Now the box has been looking at taunting me for the last two weeks as i haven't had time to even think about setting it up


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