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How do turbo trainers work?

  • 01-11-2012 8:21pm
    #1
    subscriber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 895 ✭✭✭


    From what I can tell, the rear skewer gets removed and the back wheel slots into the trainer, then the skewer gets put back in and the rear wheel runs off the resistance of the wheel on the trainer.

    Few questions.. Do I have to buy a new rear skewer or do I use my own skewer that is on the bike?.. Or is it a case of a new skewer coming as standard with the trainer?

    Do all turbo trainers work the same or some different?

    Does resistance have to be adjusted on the trainer or is it adjusted by using the gears on your bike? If its on the trainer, does this mean getting off the bike and then adjusting, and back on to the bike to finish the session ect..

    Sorry lads, Very clueless as to how they work, would love some advice.

    Looking to pick one up for under 200 if anyone could suggest one it would be great.


Comments

  • #2
    buffalo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,139 ✭✭✭buffalo


    Mine (Tacx Flow T1680) came with a skewer to be use with the turbo. The resistance is set using a motor at the back that the wheel rolls against. It's got a little control panel that can be stuck on the handlebars to adjust the resistance up or down.

    I got mine for €275, not sure what else is out there.


  • #3
    subscriber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 895 ✭✭✭subscriber


    buffalo wrote: »
    Mine (Tacx Flow T1680) came with a skewer to be use with the turbo. The resistance is set using a motor at the back that the wheel rolls against. It's got a little control panel that can be stuck on the handlebars to adjust the resistance up or down.

    I got mine for €275, not sure what else is out there.

    So I very much doubt a basic trainer coming in at around 150 bucks will have a control panel to adjust resistance .....?


  • #4
    colm_gti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭colm_gti


    I have a Tacx Speedmatic and it has a resistance controller that clips to your handlebars...


  • #5
    subscriber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 895 ✭✭✭subscriber


    colm_gti wrote: »
    I have a Tacx Speedmatic and it has a resistance controller that clips to your handlebars...

    Not a bad price at all, is it handy to set up and does it come with all the accessories needed or does anything extra like skewer need to be bought?


  • #6
    colm_gti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭colm_gti


    subscriber wrote: »
    Not a bad price at all, is it handy to set up and does it come with all the accessories needed or does anything extra like skewer need to be bought?

    I bought mine second hand, but as far as I'm aware that comes with all the basics to get you going


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  • #7
    subscriber
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 895 ✭✭✭subscriber


    colm_gti wrote: »
    I bought mine second hand, but as far as I'm aware that comes with all the basics to get you going

    In the description it says that the trainer frame is only compatible with 9mm quick release axles, any idea what this means?


  • #8
    colm_gti
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,505 ✭✭✭colm_gti


    subscriber wrote: »
    In the description it says that the trainer frame is only compatible with 9mm quick release axles, any idea what this means?

    Presumably the QR axle that it comes supplied with...


  • #9
    richieg
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 587 ✭✭✭richieg


    I have one for a while now and they're great for when the weather is miserable.

    I change the skewer on the rear when using it.

    One thing I am wondering is how hard are they on rear tyres?
    I see specific tyres advertised for trainers and am wondering should I get one as I would need a wheel as well?

    Does anyone have any experience of these?


  • #10
    bcmf
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,679 ✭✭✭bcmf


    richieg wrote: »
    I have one for a while now and they're great for when the weather is miserable.

    I change the skewer on the rear when using it.

    One thing I am wondering is how hard are they on rear tyres?
    I see specific tyres advertised for trainers and am wondering should I get one as I would need a wheel as well?

    Does anyone have any experience of these?
    Turbo's generate a lot of heat/friction between the roller and tyre and can be very hard wearing on standard road tyres.
    Tacx and Vittoria do specific turbo tyres that create less heat and are harder wearing BUT totally unsuitable for outdoor use


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