Turbo trainer question....

terrydel

Bought a tacx trainer off a boardsie a while back, looking to get it set up and going now that winter is imminent.
Its a basic one, which is grand, but I'm wondering if theres a way to get some info while training with it, time, distance etc, just the basics would be grand.
I know the front wheel is static while training, but would it be possible to hook up a cateye speedo or similar to the back wheel?

Beasty

Yes, just put a regular speed sensor on the back wheel. That may not provide any meaningful info other than an ability to compare turbo efforts/performances

A cadence sensor will also work and that's certainly an area anyone can work on over the winter on the turbo

terrydel

Beasty wrote: »

Yes, just put a regular speed sensor on the back wheel. That may not provide any meaningful info other than an ability to compare turbo efforts/performances

A cadence sensor will also work and that's certainly an area anyone can work on over the winter on the turbo

Cheers.
I just want some data that will be consistent from training session to training session, a baseline if you will.
Whats the cheapest you'd get a decent cadence sensor for?

sullzz

To be honest , witout a target or a training plan or at least some sort of log to analyze your time on the turbo it is so easy to find reasons why not to go on it , to get the most out of your time on it a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor would be great , if you don't have a garmin now is a perfect excuse to splash out on a bundle.
Or you could harden up a bit and cycle outside during the winter ;-)

wirelessdude01

Sign up for something like trainerroad.com. Great for putting some structure on things.

Raam

For numerous reasons, my desire, motives and opportunity for long cycles is at an all-time low. As a result, the turbo gets numerous hour-long outings a week.

HR was my measure for many years, but I recently borrowed a power meter. It is by far the best tool for structured and effective training.

Of course, it is over-kill for many due to the expense and the goals of the person.

terrydel

sullzz wrote: »

To be honest , witout a target or a training plan or at least some sort of log to analyze your time on the turbo it is so easy to find reasons why not to go on it , to get the most out of your time on it a heart rate monitor and cadence sensor would be great , if you don't have a garmin now is a perfect excuse to splash out on a bundle.
Or you could harden up a bit and cycle outside during the winter ;-)

Have a garmin 405 watch which I tried and failed to sell, so might use that
Fook that hardening up lark!!

terrydel

Raam wrote: »

For numerous reasons, my desire, motives and opportunity for long cycles is at an all-time low. As a result, the turbo gets numerous hour-long outings a week.

HR was my measure for many years, but I recently borrowed a power meter. It is by far the best tool for structured and effective training.

Of course, it is over-kill for many due to the expense and the goals of the person.

Must be a new baby then?!
Power meter would certainly be overkill for me to be honest.

sullzz

terrydel wrote: »

Have a garmin 405 watch which I tried and failed to sell, so might use that
Fook that hardening up lark!!

The garmin watch would be fine for the turbo , get a HR strap and a cadence sensor , tie the watch to the handle bar and your good to go , there are plenty of guides online for training with the HR and cadence sensor which will give you great results over the winter . Not everyone can just hop on a turbo and slog away day after day so give yourself a target , be it loose a few pounds or hit weekly targets .
I was joking about hardening up , I understand not everyone can get out in the winter be it living in unlit remote areas or nervous about cycling at night . So having a turbo to spin the legs on is great .

terrydel

sullzz wrote: »

The garmin watch would be fine for the turbo , get a HR strap and a cadence sensor , tie the watch to the handle bar and your good to go , there are plenty of guides online for training with the HR and cadence sensor which will give you great results over the winter . Not everyone can just hop on a turbo and slog away day after day so give yourself a target , be it loose a few pounds or hit weekly targets .
I was joking about hardening up , I understand not everyone can get out in the winter be it living in unlit remote areas or nervous about cycling at night . So having a turbo to spin the legs on is great .

I have the hr strap. Bought the watch years ago when I liked to do a bit of running, but never liked it (the watch), and then gave up running due to injuries.
I knew you where joking mate!
I far prefer getting out rather than training indoors, and wouldn't be nervous about being out on the bike at night, but I do suffer a wee bit with the cold, the oul joints don't like it, so I would prefer not to be going out in the heavy cold all the time.

Raam

terrydel wrote: »

Must be a new baby then?!
Power meter would certainly be overkill for me to be honest.

Good guess! Two in the last 2.5 years.

Daroxtar

I have a 405 too. You can get a bike mount for it.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ie/en/garmin-bicycle-mount-kit-generic-/rp-prod44106
Couple that with the GSC-10 speed/cadence sensor
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ie/en/garmin-speed-cadence-bike-sensor-gsc-10-/rp-prod12526
And HR strap and you'll get plenty of information. Try some of the Sufferfest videos. They can be fairly brutal if you do them properly.

kerry4sam

terrydel wrote: »

Bought a tacx trainer off a boardsie a while back, looking to get it set up and going now that winter is imminent.
Its a basic one, which is grand, but I'm wondering if theres a way to get some info while training with it, time, distance etc, just the basics would be grand.
I know the front wheel is static while training, but would it be possible to hook up a cateye speedo or similar to the back wheel?

terrydel wrote: »

I have the hr strap. Bought the watch years ago when I liked to do a bit of running, but never liked it (the watch), and then gave up running due to injuries.
I knew you where joking mate!
I far prefer getting out rather than training indoors, and wouldn't be nervous about being out on the bike at night, but I do suffer a wee bit with the cold, the oul joints don't like it, so I would prefer not to be going out in the heavy cold all the time.

Once you buy yourself a Garmin GSC-10 speed / cadence sensor , then the following video clip will show you how to put on your bike. Real easy to do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg19nLxToXs

Happy Peddling,
kerry4sam

sconhome

I'm not 100% sure AFAIk the 405 is only a running watch and does not have the data fields for picking up or displaying the speed and cadence sensors. Worth checking that before buying any bits.

Daroxtar

AKW wrote: »

I'm not 100% sure AFAIk the 405 is only a running watch and does not have the data fields for picking up or displaying the speed and cadence sensors. Worth checking that before buying any bits.

No, it has all you need. Just set the sport mode to cycling. It has Cadence, HR, speed, gradient, and loads of other stuff. You can customise it to scroll through 4 screens with 3 data fields.

terrydel

kerry4sam wrote: »

Once you buy yourself a Garmin GSC-10 speed / cadence sensor , then the following video clip will show you how to put on your bike. Real easy to do

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg19nLxToXs

Happy Peddling,
kerry4sam

Cheers mate, Kerry for sam indeed (from a Dub!) :pac:

terrydel

Thanks to all for the advice.