Turbo Trainer?

Hi, I bought a Cube Acid mountain bike a few months ago, and have used it a good bit. However, when the clocks go back this weekend, I will only get to use it at the weekend. I want to get a turbo trainer, (I think that's what they are called), basically a stand for the bike that allows you to cycle indoors. I enquired in Halfords and their cheapest was €169.
Has anyone used one of these? Are they good? Would you recommend a brand, price? Any help appreciated.
I can just picture myself in the cool sunroom in winter time pedalling away watching tv!:D:D

colm_gti

slookie wrote: »

Has anyone used one of these? Are they good? Would you recommend a brand, price? Any help appreciated.
I can just picture myself in the cool sunroom in winter time pedalling away watching tv!:D:D

Bought one during the summer, have used it twice. I suppose they're good if it's dark and lashing rain and you don't want to miss out on spinning the legs. Tacx speedmatic, think they're selling them cheap on bike24 now, I'd feel slightly robbed if I spend much more on one.

Cool sunroom...no room is cool as far as turbo trainers are concerned...

smacl

I'm using a tacx flow virtual reality trainer, cost about €380, and needs a PC but certainly removes a lot of the tedium associated with the regular turbo trainers. I tend to use mine 3-4 nights per week, 45-90mins per session, and have music running in media player alongside the vr app. You do sweat like a pig, so need to factor in time to take a shower afterwards.

daragh_

I'm on the verge of buying one. Am experiencing some slight familial resistance to the idea. :rolleyes:

smacl

daragh_ wrote: »

I'm on the verge of buying one. Am experiencing some slight familial resistance to the idea. :rolleyes:

Can't see why*

*apart from the noise, sweaty stench, and absenteeism from family duties of course

Plastik

I've one that I have used 3 times this year so far. I'd prefer to be cycling in the rain, you probably stay drier.

killalanerr

i have a Tacx its in the garage ! Buy some lights

Thanks for the replies. Easy throw down a towel on the timber floor for sweat...beats not being able to cycle at all. So where did ye buy them? Is e bay the handiest?

smacl

Got mine off Bike24.com Shop around, prices seem to vary hugely on this kit. bike-discount.de seem reasonably priced too,

torydiver

Have Tacx Satori,
No prob even with my 107kg frame,
Boring as hell though,
If I had the choice now, I would have spent the money on some decent kit for winter cycling...Hard to beat getting some fresh air no matter how cold.
Dread going on the turbo

detones

smacl wrote: »

I'm using a tacx flow virtual reality trainer, cost about €380, and needs a PC but certainly removes a lot of the tedium associated with the regular turbo trainers. I tend to use mine 3-4 nights per week, 45-90mins per session, and have music running in media player alongside the vr app. You do sweat like a pig, so need to factor in time to take a shower afterwards.

Can I ask were you got the VR trainer at that Price? Cheapest I've seen is around €550? Only think I'd consider getting a VR one, I definitely would not have the discipline to just spin along with nothing to follow for a couple of hours.

To the OP is going for a spin at lunch an option? Maybe find a hill if one nearby to get some bang for your buck on a short spin. That’s what I’ve resorted to doing during the week.

shaka

Have a tack satori , started back this week using it and had forgotten how good they are when used right. Still cycling one evening a week with a club. Need a tv or laptop in front of you though as boredom will kick in quickly

xxyyzz

Its a mountainbike so I think you'll need something like a Minoura trainer http://www.evanscycles.com/products/minoura/rda-2429-turbo-trainer-ec041719

The rollers run on the rim of the wheel rather than the tyre. Turbo training by yourself is soul-destroying. Try and join a group if you can.

Bandito909

I'm in the same boat, same bike aswell!

Anymore recomendations for MTB specific ones?!

smacl

detones wrote: »

Can I ask were you got the VR trainer at that Price? Cheapest I've seen is around €550? Only think I'd consider getting a VR one, I definitely would not have the discipline to just spin along with nothing to follow for a couple of hours.

I got mine from Bike24 last year, but it's with the earlier v3 software. They seem to be charging a premium for new models with the v4 software, which also seem to require a more hefty PC. The older, cheaper model doesn't seem to be available on any sites I've checked.

Darkglasses

I bought a Tacx Antares two weeks ago, which is a set of rollers as opposed to a turbo trainer. I quite enjoy using it, I've been using it most days after my commute from work. Stick on a video or some good music and then the sweating begins.

Tomred13

slookie wrote: »

Hi, I bought a Cube Acid mountain bike a few months ago, and have used it a good bit. However, when the clocks go back this weekend, I will only get to use it at the weekend. I want to get a turbo trainer, (I think that's what they are called), basically a stand for the bike that allows you to cycle indoors. I enquired in Halfords and their cheapest was €169.
Has anyone used one of these? Are they good? Would you recommend a brand, price? Any help appreciated.
I can just picture myself in the cool sunroom in winter time pedalling away watching tv!:D:D

Hi Slookie
If your into mtbing, then invest the price of a turbo into some good lights instead, you can get 2000 lumen lights for 130 and they will turn night into day. nighttime mtbing is great, best fun ever and loads do it so you will always pump into other mtbers on the trails. get a loan of some lights on trial from a bikeshop and check it out, I also use a turbo trainer but they are as boring as f@£%,, and can never manage more than an hour n half on them. best of luck. Tom