Buying a Turbo Trainer

zico10

I'm looking to buy a trubo trainer and just want to seek advice on what sort of one to buy. One that works off the rim? Or one that works off the tyre.
What are the advantages of one over the other, if any?
Thanks

blorg

They all work off the tyre.

ednwireland

this one doesnt

http://www.lemondfitness.com/product_detail/465/lemond-revolution

/pedant

Murph100

Damn, just beat me to it !!

zico10

Cheers ednwireland, I hadn't seen those type before, but it looks cool.
It wasn't the sort I was talking about though. Rather it was this;
http://greenfishsports.com/product/412_424-bicycle-trainers/3959-minoura-bike-trainer-minoura-rda80d-magnetic-rim-drive-trainer.html
So I'm not going crazy.:)
I wasn't aware of them back in Ireland, but I went into a bike shop in Thailand and the ownwer showed me his trainer, which also worked off the rim. They definitely do exist.

Thanks for replies, but it still doesn't answer my question which would be better. Have a few thoughts on them myself, but would appreciate some feedback from others.
Thanks

blorg

OK, they all work off the tyre except that one, then. AFAIK none work off the rim (/waits to be proven wrong.)

The main difference is the resistance mechanism- fan, fluid or magnetic, which affects noise, smoothness and whether the resistance is variable. It also affects price.

After that you have feedback which can range from none, to a LCD giving stats and power, to something you hook up to a computer to get virtual reality cycling or videos of famous climbs linked to your pedalling.

This is sort of fun but even with it trainers are horrendously boring and cycling outside in cold rain is actually easier and more enjoyable.

zico10

blorg wrote: »

This is sort of fun but even with it trainers are horrendously boring and cycling outside in cold rain is actually easier and more enjoyable.

I'm well aware of that and prepared for the hardship. It's not so much the weather that puts me off, but cycling in the dark in Thailand, where the road surface is often sh!t, and where it's perfectly acceptable for scooters to ride on the wrong side of the road, going against the traffic.

Joeyde

I definitely saw one on adverts a few months ago, think they are for mountain bikes but work with road as well.

Cant remember the make now but I will have a look.. could have been an elite.

blorg

OK, so it does exist. The obvious advantage would be that you don't need a spare wheel to use the trainer. This is basically essential with a tyre driven one. I would have a concern though about the wear it might put on the brake surface... in which case you might need a spare wheel after all, and a tyre is a cheaper/easier consumable to replace than a rim. Part of me suspects that if it was a superior design it would be more dominant in the market, whereas 99% of trainers are tyre-driven.

Murph100

Zico,



Thats very interestin, butI dont like the idea of running off the rim, unless its solely an old rim for the turbo, its going to put a lot of wear & tear on the brake track, not to mention putting the wheel out of true in no time.

I've a Tacx Fortius, which is great but really needs to be used with the special training tyre or it slips a bit against the motor.

The LeMond one is the biz, as its hooked up directly to the drivetrain, but its a bit on the pricey side for what it is.

zico10 wrote: »

Thanks for replies, but it still doesn't answer my question which would be better. Have a few thoughts on them myself, but would appreciate some feedback from others.
Thanks

zico10

blorg wrote: »

Part of me suspects that if it was a superior design it would be more dominant in the market,

Why?

Murph100

dammit ... must type faster ....

blorg

zico10 wrote: »

I'm well aware of that and prepared for the hardship. It's not so much the weather that puts me off, but cycling in the dark in Thailand, where the road surface is often sh!t, and where it's perfectly acceptable for scooters to ride on the wrong side of the road, going against the traffic.

Right, didn't realise you were in Thailand. I have cycled in the dark in India and can certainly relate. Off-topic I will be cycling the length of Thailand in a few months time (north-south), would appreciate any tips, particularly on the weather, perhaps meet up for a drink if you have time. I may need to get some spares in Bangkok, 10sp chain and Marathon Dureme tyres in 700x35c, if you knew where to go.

zico10

blorg wrote: »

Right, didn't realise you were in Thailand. I have cycled in the dark in India and can certainly relate. Off-topic I will be cycling the length of Thailand in a few months time (north-south), would appreciate any tips, particularly on the weather, perhaps meet up for a drink if you have time. I may need to get some spares in Bangkok, 10sp chain and Marathon Dureme tyres in 700x35c, if you knew where to go.

Good Lord, me giving the great Blorg advice. First off watch out for the ladyboys, and if anyone asks tell them you're from Island, not Ireland and that you're Ilish, not Irish.
I not based in Bangkok, so I don't know much about it I'm afraid, only that it's big and I wouldn't fancy cycling there.
I'll send you a PM and fill you in on what little I know.