Cycle turbo trainer advice

brownetara

I'm looking for some advice on turbo trainers. Don't want to spend a fortune but want something that will last and help me train over winter. what do I need? All suggestions welcome, would prefer something I can getquickly and easily over the Internet. Wiggle, chain reaction, Evans Or an Irish site or Halfords

mossym

tacx stuff has been pretty bulletproof for me. something like this
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-blue-matic-folding-trainer/

, may be priced better at other sites

ZiabR

I got a MAG trainer in Halfords, it was on sale and does the job. Like you, I didnt want to spend hundreds on it. Think it came in at 130 euro. One thing I learned the hard way was that you dont just need a turbo trainer, you need a FAN aswell!!!

Cee-Jay-Cee

I bought the Elite Volare Mag Force on CRC for €114 (10% discount currently applies) Only ordered it last night so it hasn't arrived yet. It gets great reviews on various sites and should suit my simple needs over the winter months.

smacl

I bought the tacx flow vr which is a great bit of kit, and is reasonably robust. Into its third year now, the spring on the steerer has broken (not a problem since I don't use it much), and handle to connect to the brake unit (also works ok without it). Reasonable wear and tear, average 4-5 sessions a week over the winter months.

harringtonp

logik wrote: »

I got a MAG trainer in Halfords, it was on sale and does the job. Like you, I didnt want to spend hundreds on it. Think it came in at 130 euro. One thing I learned the hard way was that you dont just need a turbo trainer, you need a FAN aswell!!!

Outside in the garden. Layer up initially but by the end (if doing a session right) you will practically bare chested regardless of weather

brownetara

Anybody tell me the difference between a Mag an da liquid trainer?

Cee-Jay-Cee

The fluid trainers are a little quieter than mag trainers. I'll be using mine in the garage and will have headphones on so couldnt justify paying over €100 more for the Elite Crono Fluid trainer (which is what i would have bought if money werent an issue)

harringtonp

And generally with fluid based trainers there is no lever for setting levels as the fluid offers more resistance when the barrel spins faster, you just use the bikes gears

Have and would recommend

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/

brownetara

Got this one in the end http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/accessories/turbo-trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer, decide to go with cheap as I'm not planning on the TDF just yet! Anybody know where I can get training programmes or is it just a question of get up on it and cycle?

Thanks

Cee-Jay-Cee

brownetara wrote: »

Got this one in the end http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/accessories/turbo-trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer, decide to go with cheap as I'm not planning on the TDF just yet! Anybody know where I can get training programmes or is it just a question of get up on it and cycle?

Thanks

Just set the bike on it and pedal.

smacl

brownetara wrote: »

Got this one in the end http://www.halfords.ie/cycling/accessories/turbo-trainers/elite-magnetic-cycle-trainer, decide to go with cheap as I'm not planning on the TDF just yet! Anybody know where I can get training programmes or is it just a question of get up on it and cycle?

Thanks

Main problem with turbo can be boredom. For something more structured and challenging, look up sufferfest; http://www.thesufferfest.com/

MsGiggles

Hello All,

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while - But I am planning to get my OH a turbo for Christmas and was looking for some advice as to which to go for ?

Any help would be much appreciated

smacl

MsGiggles wrote: »

Hello All,

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while - But I am planning to get my OH a turbo for Christmas and was looking for some advice as to which to go for ?

Any help would be much appreciated

Budget? And what type of cycling is s/he into? My experience was for the mid range TACX VR trainers, the German web sites were coming in about 40% cheaper than Wiggle or CRC delivered, so shop around.

MsGiggles

smacl wrote: »

Budget? And what type of cycling is s/he into? My experience was for the mid range TACX VR trainers, the German web sites were coming in about 40% cheaper than Wiggle or CRC delivered, so shop around.

My budget would be around 200-300 if that is possible !
He does about 200km's a week on the road your average cyclist I suppose....

smacl

I've used a Tacx Flowfor the last number of years and found it good. Available for €210 on Bike24 or €255 with some extra bits bundled in. Same thing is €336 on CRC as special clearance offer without any of the extra bits, hence my advice to shop around, and as little as €199 on Bike-Discount.

Haven't used other turbo models, so can't really comment.

MsGiggles

smacl wrote: »

I've used a Tacx Flowfor the last number of years and found it good. Available for €210 on Bike24 or €255 with some extra bits bundled in. Same thing is €336 on CRC as special clearance offer without any of the extra bits, hence my advice to shop around, and as little as €199 on Bike-Discount.

Haven't used other turbo models, so can't really comment.

Thank you so much, that is extremely helpful - Sincerely appreciated

TopOfTheHill

Hi guys,
(sorry for butting in)

Was about to ask about the noise levels, and then found these on YouTube...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUOA9EIdLtk
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHliPtL1y_4&feature=youtu.be

Would these be similar levels to what you experience, as I am also new to this and would be looking for a quiet one (if there is such a thing)?

Thanks

outfox

If noise levels are an issue, make sure you get a turbo tyre. Much quieter than using an auld road tyre.

ThisRegard

I've seen a few turbo trainers coming up on Amazons black Friday thingy since yesterday, I'm sure I saw more there for today. They'll keep popping up until they're all sold.

Koobcam

MsGiggles wrote: »

Hello All,

I know this thread hasn't been used in a while - But I am planning to get my OH a turbo for Christmas and was looking for some advice as to which to go for ?

Any help would be much appreciated

I just bought the Tacx Vortex on the Rose website for €309. It's a tad pricey for a turbo, but it is a smart trainer, which means it can be controlled by 3rd party apps (like Zwift), which is the main reason I went for this over a standard trainer (one where you control the resistance yourself). You can also use your Garmin to control the trainer, which means you can do pre-programmes training.

Hello....

Don't think I've ever posted in this forum before, hope it's ok to hijack this thread

I'm going to invest in a turbo trainer, probably the tacx one posted by mossym.

I see reference to needing a fan, what's the deal there?

Also, I have a commuter bike (Trek Allant) that I was hoping I could set up on the turbo and keep the road bike for the road. Is that something that I could do with that bike or am I asking a stupid question?

Thanks

Hunterbiker

The Fan is mentioned as because you will be indoors and not in an air flow you will get hot and sweaty - likely very hot and sweaty so this will help to manage that.

Most Turbo Trainers will cater for different wheel sizes - they attach via a quick release skewer that replaces the QR on your bike.

Hunterbiker

Hunterbiker wrote: »

The Fan is mentioned as because you will be indoors and not in an air flow you will get hot and sweaty - likely very hot and sweaty so this will help to manage that.

Aaaaahhhh! I see!

Most Turbo Trainers will cater for different wheel sizes - they attach via a quick release skewer that replaces the QR on your bike.

Perfect, thank you

harringtonp

Hunterbiker wrote: »

The Fan is mentioned as because you will be indoors and not in an air flow you will get hot and sweaty - likely very hot and sweaty so this will help to manage that..

If you have an outdoor option, fan or not is a non issue. I never use the Turbo indoors, thought of it kills me. Even in really bad weather outdoors it is very easy to control body temperature as you're not moving and can easily add or strip layers

Koobcam

harringtonp wrote: »

If you have an outdoor option, fan or not is a non issue. I never use the Turbo indoors, thought of it kills me. Even in really bad weather outdoors it is very easy to control body temperature as you're not moving and can easily add or strip layers

Could you not just open a window? I've tried the trainer in the back garden before and I think I prefer indoors, sweat and all.

RV

I just turned 14,000 km on my Tacx Flow last night - and I expect the same again from it. Didn't use it much last year, I but have it for three years I think. I reckon it comes into its own in early Spring when the early morning roads are frostier. I got a cheap wheel from the LBS and the special Tacx tyre as it punctures easily if you 'share' a road tyre. I ride it in the conservatory usually in the dark so no fan is needed. Very happy with it - but the technology could have moved on and there may be cheaper/better now. It is tough and a bit steamy, but the boredom doesn't affect me.

Morrisseeee

TT virgin here so my Q is:
what's the major difference between these 2 TT's ?
1. Elite SuperCrono Mag Force
2. Elite SuperCrono Power Mag

Guys, would this be a good one to get?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ANSGJ4A?ref_=gb1h_tit_m-4_5847_96ee81d1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Koobcam

Deleted User wrote: »

Guys, would this be a good one to get?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ANSGJ4A?ref_=gb1h_tit_m-4_5847_96ee81d1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE

Seems like a good price alight, depending of course on how much Amazon stick on for postage. This looks like a manual trainer, so you control the resistance with a lever on the handlebars instead of having a 3rd party app or your Garmin control it-whether or not this function is important to you (or whoever you might be buying the trainer for) is the key. But this looks a good trainer alright. Tacx trainers are pretty reliable, solid, so you can't really go wrong.

Great, thank you. Amazon don't charge for standard delivery over £25, I could probably get it slightly cheaper on amazon.de but then I'd have to pay delivery so same thing really

It's my first TT so I don't want to spend mad money!

PowerToWait

Someone posted earlier about a smart trainer for €315.

I know if I was in the market for a new turbo I'd be going down that route, for the motivation and easing of the awful tedium.

Daroxtar

The Elite Qubo Digital b+ Smart trainer is around the €320 on German sites. For the same money you can get a Tacx Vortex Smart which appears to be a bit higher spec but to get automatic resistance control on it you need a software update kit which is another €130 or so, so you're looking at €450.
Both of them are fully compatible with Zwift and will run 3Rd party RLV films.
Or for €500 you could get a Bkool which looks a great piece of kit with thousands of videos online. You're also heading into Tacx Bushido price range there.

I'm currently debating which option would suit me best, or should I buy none and some new wheels and winter bibs instead...
Head melted

bigeasy

Just ordered a elite supercrono elastogel from crc. First TT should do the job .

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/elite-supercrono-power-mag-elastogel-trainer/rp-prod57923

Koobcam

Daroxtar wrote: »

The Elite Qubo Digital b+ Smart trainer is around the €320 on German sites. For the same money you can get a Tacx Vortex Smart which appears to be a bit higher spec but to get automatic resistance control on it you need a software update kit which is another €130 or so, so you're looking at €450.
Both of them are fully compatible with Zwift and will run 3Rd party RLV films.
Or for €500 you could get a Bkool which looks a great piece of kit with thousands of videos online. You're also heading into Tacx Bushido price range there.

I'm currently debating which option would suit me best, or should I buy a none and some new wheels and winter bibs instead...
Head melted

You don't need the smart upgrade for the Tacx, just an ANT+ stick, which you can get for around €30, so the Vortex is not bad value, around €350 or a bit less including the ANT+ kit.

Daroxtar

Koobcam wrote: »

You don't need the smart upgrade for the Tacx, just an ANT+ stick, which you can get for around €30, so the Vortex is not bad value, around €350 or a bit less including the ANT+ kit.

Hi Koobcam, I thought you could only control it from tablet or phone without the PC upgrade kit? I'd be inclined to go down the laptop route for now as I'd need a new tablet and Internet is sketchy out here so I'd be buying some DVDs as I don't know if streaming RLVs would work too well and we have a low enough bandwidth cap too.
I have a garmin ant+ stick, will that do or are there Tacx compatibility issues? I know the Bkool won't work with a garmin ant+ stick.

Edit: looking again at the Elite I mentioned above, seems that is Tablet control too.

eeeee

PowerToWait wrote: »

Someone posted earlier about a smart trainer for €315.

I know if I was in the market for a new turbo I'd be going down that route, for the motivation and easing of the awful tedium.

Rollers are far more motivational/entertaining than turbos

Koobcam

Daroxtar wrote: »

Hi Koobcam, I thought you could only control it from tablet or phone without the PC upgrade kit? I'd be inclined to go down the laptop route for now as I'd need a new tablet and Internet is sketchy out here so I'd be buying some DVDs as I don't know if streaming RLVs would work too well and we have a low enough bandwidth cap too.
I have a garmin ant+ stick, will that do or are there Tacx compatibility issues? I know the Bkool won't work with a garmin ant+ stick.

Edit: looking again at the Elite I mentioned above, seems that is Tablet control too.

fairly sure the upgrade kit isnt needed, though I could be wrong. You might need to update the vortex firmware to make it compatible with third parts apps though.I'm mainly looking to get on Zwift amd also to be able to do some preprogrammed workouts with thw edge 520 controlling resistance, which is possible with the vortex.

Green&Red

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/?referid=affwin&utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=www.boards.ie&utm_term=78888&utm_content=0

How is the resistance applied on this one?
(Possibly I'm being a dope)

mossym

Green&Red wrote: »

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/?referid=affwin&utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=www.boards.ie&utm_term=78888&utm_content=0

How is the resistance applied on this one?
(Possibly I'm being a dope)

it's a fluid based one, you're turning a rotor submerged in a fluid. harder you push the harder it is to move it. it can make the first few minutes a bit strange as the fluid heats up but once it does it's excellent. i have the elite turbo muin which works on the same principle but is direct drive and i much prefer to the brake style model. you can still use out gears to vary resistance.

harringtonp

Green&Red wrote: »

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/?referid=affwin&utm_source=affiliate-window&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=www.boards.ie&utm_term=78888&utm_content=0

How is the resistance applied on this one?
(Possibly I'm being a dope)

That is a very good price for that trainer, just checked and I paid 185E for the exact same one in Sep 2013 and I had shopped around a bit when buying

Koobcam

Tried out the Tacx Vortex for the first time last night, well pleased with it, though calibration is a bit fiddly and probably takes a few spins to get right. It's also kind of a cheap way to get a power meter. Personally, I need to have lots of data to stop myself going mad on an indoor spin, so the Vortex is ideal. They are selling for €299 on Bike24.de at the minute, with a free iPad mount thrown in. Also, you definitely do NOT need the Tacx smart upgrade pack, just an ANT+ stick to work with Zwift-one of the cheapo ones will do the job. You don't even need speed or cadence sensors actually, or a Garmin, just your phone.