Lock down turbo trainers

LTLOB wrote: »

Hi folks,

Just wondering if anyone has any feedback on the Elite Turbo Muin Smart Turbo Trainer from Halfords? https://www.halfords.ie/cycling/turbo-trainers/all-turbo-trainers/298775.html. Have found one second hand and tempted to pick it up? Does anyone know if you can connect your Garmin 520 to it to track and record your training. Thanks

No experience of that trainer but my Elite Suito uploads my ride data to Strava afterwards, if that's basically what you're asking for?

I don't need to use my Garmin head unit at all when on it and can see HR, cadence, power (if I had it) etc on the screen as I ride.

edit...resistance control as mentioned above is brilliant and makes it far more interactive & engaging.

That did not last long. Being returned to CRC.

Would not hold a connection to anything, despite firmware updates, multiple reinstalls of the Wahoo app and hair - pulling out.

Eventually when it did connect it would not transmit power / speed. Managed to get it working after 3 hours today and it would not perform the spin down calibration, kept hanging, at last it established a connection long enough to get it to calibrate and I thought I was off. Tried RGT (again after multiple times of the app saying it could not connect) and eventually joined one of the spins. Drop offs meant that it would not control the electronic brake.

So I tried to have a go at just pedaling at a steady speed. Readings of over 1500 watts at 120 bpm were being achieved, with really minimal effort on my part.

Having run out of hair, I decided that I am far to old to be dealing with this.

Currently 2 turbos on Wiggle's Ebay shop, one (elite) needs a bit of DIY to get it going, the Tacx looks straightforward enough

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Elite-Qubo-Wireless-Digital-Trainer-ONE-SIZE-BLACK-WHITE-A1/164146741627?hash=item2637e8817b:g:WTMAAOSwwD1d8hQb

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tacx-Flux-S-Direct-Drive-Smart-Trainer-ONE-SIZE-BLACK/153883897037?hash=item23d431eccd:g:hCYAAOSwsEtefJ6W

got my kickr snap today and set it up for zwift, i jumped straight into a 30 minute ERG mode workout thinking sure twill be grand didnt grasp just how hard holding 250watts is for 3 minutes haha, all seems to be working grand though. Is there anything i should be testing on it in particular to make sure ive got a good one?

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

got my kickr snap today and set it up for zwift, i jumped straight into a 30 minute ERG mode workout thinking sure twill be grand didnt grasp just how hard holding 250watts is for 3 minutes haha, all seems to be working grand though. Is there anything i should be testing on it in particular to make sure ive got a good one?

Make sure to do the calibration spindown once a week at least. They say it only takes 20seconds but don't make it clear that you'll need to cycle for about 10mins or so to warm it up before the calibration to get it as accurate as possible.

I was one of the lucky ones. I could see how this pandemic would affect us cyclists outdoors and was smart about it. I got in early and sourced a smart trainer on Amazon for $749, the You-Hoo Licker Core.

it's compatible with all the major cycling apps and my commodore 64.

had a bit of a scary one tonight on the trainer, been using my standard Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Tyre on the back until the trainer specific tyre i ordered comes. Fecking tyres sidewall exploded out :eek: scared the crap out of me haha, suppose better it happen on the trainer than the road if it was anybit compromised. Maybe i tightened the roller up too much but i didnt think i had.

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

had a bit of a scary one tonight on the trainer, been using my standard Continental Grand Prix 4000S II Tyre on the back until the trainer specific tyre i ordered comes. Fecking tyres sidewall exploded out :eek: scared the crap out of me haha, suppose better it happen on the trainer than the road if it was anybit compromised. Maybe i tightened the roller up too much but i didnt think i had.

Jeez, I’d read that Zwift we’re putting in a crash feature, but that’s just ridiculous

theshadow wrote: »

Anyone know of any smart trainers for sale at this late stage? Preference is Kickr Core but would consider a new, refurb or second hand Kickr or Neo. I think I'm too late though

Best thing... go to chain reactions and put an email watch on a few for when they come back into stock.(Do same for wiggle... they are same company but ime update their stock position first!) Do the same for mantel. But be prepared to buy instantly as it will be a lottery. I missed out on CR even though my order was processed. But I have a Neo in the post from afar let’s say!!mantel getting the Neo back on the 17th they hope...

I have one for the last two years or so (and bought second hand but very lightly used) and haven't had issues with it (touch wood).

Had a few connectivity problems / drops from Zwift in the beginning but that seems to have been more a Zwift on PC issue which is now resolved, and a few issues with cadence reading but it is working ok for me (low thousands of km so far).

I don't have a separate power meter so can't really comment on the accuracy of the readings.

If I was buying one again, I'd just make sure to buy new with warranty. There is a Facebook group where a lot of owners have had issues.

That's seems like a calibration issue? If it's out by 100watts @ 295 watts then something is badly wrong for me.

Anyone recommend a turbo trainer?

Has anyone tried the Lidl silvercrest floor fan? Available from today:

https://www.lidl.ie/en/p/diy-deals/floor-fan/p40346

Yep I use something similar too with a radio controlled socket and remote. Works well and I can turn it on and off from the bike. Wifi socket would work too.

Thanks guys. The wife told me we’re not putting a fan in the house! I can use the turbo trainer outside, apparently!

letape wrote: »

Thanks guys. The wife told me we’re not putting a fan in the house! I can use the turbo trainer outside, apparently!

Outside is by far the best place to be on the turbo! I've had mine on the patio for the last month or so.

Wiggle say they have the Tacx Neo 2T in stock:

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-neo-2t-smart-trainer/

It looks like I grabbed the last Wahoo Kicker pre-order in Cycle Superstore last night

edit: they've reappeared fro pre-order, early May

site_owner wrote: »

Good to see stock reappearing. This 2km limit is dragging on


cycle superstore with the Cycling Ireland discount is the cheapest kickr you'll get too (from what I've seen)

Yeah, I had used my CI discount already but still got it for €1049

Wahoo Tickr seems to be widely considered the best - they seem to be out of stock in many places.

Just make sure you get one that connects with whatever device you are using it with - e.g. some HRMs are ANT only but you may be using the trainer connected by bluetooth

One of the many awaiting a re stock of trainers to upgrade existing one.

I'm beginning to accept it will be 2-3 months before a decent one is available.