trainer recommendations

[zerpy]

I am thinking about getting a trainer sometime this fall for the winter and I was wondering if you guys had any recommendations? I know absolutely nothing about them and figure if I go into the bike store they're just going to try to sell me the most expensive one:)

Anyway, I know there are some different types, any pros and cons to the different types? What do you guys like?

Also, how easy is it to unmount and mount a bike into one? I'd like to be able to switch bikes around if it isn't a big pain in the tooter.

Thanks
jas

[SickBoy]

I have the Cyclops fluid trainer as well. It's not actually the BB flexing down there, (at least not as much as it appears) it's the whole bike rocking back and forth laterally. It's OK if it does that, if you clamp the rear hub in so tight that it doesn't do that you're likely to damage the hub.

Phone book works great for leveling the bike. I also stick a towel over my top tube/stem/headset and then on the floor underneath as well to catch sweat. And get a fan if you want to ride any harder than a casual spin.

[EmL34]

I have a blackburn trackstand that works pretty well. I just can't muster the determination to use it, though.

However, I have found that spinning classes at the gym are more motivating...there a great workout, and a little social, as well.

[ostertoaster85]

Invest in winter clothes instead and ride outside. I'm hoping to do a 15 mile commute to school all the way throught the winter. The heavy books also help build strength on the hills.

[zerpy]

Good info on the trainers, thank much...:)

Winter riding holds absolutely no interest for me. If it is a warm winter day (30's or 40's) then I may ride if there isn't snow on the route. Otherwise I have no interest in outdoor winter activites, the little time I spend outdoors clearing my driveway is more than enough for me:)

[SickBoy]

Winter riding is, as I find it, more pleasurable when the temps dip below 25 or so. Everything stays frozen and you don't get all messy, assuming you have clothes to keep warm.

Yeah, riding outside is nice but trainers have their place - not for fulfilling your riding fix but for training. Trainers are complete mental burnout and I would not ride one if I wa snot racing seriously.

[gopherhockey]

Originally posted by SickBoy
Trainers are complete mental burnout and I would not ride one if I wa snot racing seriously.

I agree...If I don't have a good hockey game to watch on TV, I absolutely cannot stand riding on these types of things as well... its like a necessary evil, but I really have to pressure myself to get on them.

[smeulebroe]

I use a cyclops fluid trainer. Its smooth and silent. I put a towel underneath, towel on top, fan in front, phone book under the front, and TV/DVD etc.... I try to spend as much time outside though, which brings me to this: does anybody out there want to teach me how to skate ski or know of some good books or videos on this.

[SteveY]

I picked up a Kurt Kinetic trainer last winter and have been very happy with it. It is a fluid drive unit, reasonably quiet, and built to last. Best of all is the resistance curve it has that makes it feel very similar to riding on the road.

It also has a quick release mechanism that speeds up bike changes (my wife and I share it).

http://www.kurtkinetic.com/

This a Minnesota company based in Jordan.

[nigel]

I use a Minoura mag thats like 15 years old...some customer gave it me a few years ago.......I find that the cheapest is best for me. I hate riding it, I hate riding it, I hate riding it. But its good for you at the same time......I use it 4 days a week, and am going to try XC skis this season to break it up. As long as you have a fan in front of you and something to keep you busy trainers still suck, but are in a way a helpful evil. So get which ever YOU think will work best for YOU :) Although if you came in to me as a customer, well youd walk with what I sold ya hehehe (jk)


Douglas

[zerpy]

OK, so it seems that a fluid trainer is the overwhelming majority here. So here's the next question, why? What's the difference in the trainers?

I agree that I'd rather be riding outside, in better weather, than sitting stationary. But I'd rather be riding my bike than an exercise bike or running on a treadmill. Of course I can't do a treadmill anymore because I fscked up my knees jogging while weighing 300 lbs....

I usually ride a stationary exercise bike for exercise if I'm not riding my bike. And I hate exercise bikes. They are totally uncomfortable, don't feel anything like a real bike in my opinion, that's why I'd like to get a trainer. I can always watch the boob tube or something to pass the time.

[noise_is_life]

I use a Performance Travel Trac which seems to work pretty well for me, and they are pretty cheap.

Also, I bought a Spinervals video last winter, it really makes the time go by faster, although as with any video it gets pretty tiresome watching it over and over again, but they make a bunch of different ones with different kinds of work outs.

http://www.spinervals.com/

[tmac]

I hate to admit it. . . . but. . . . .

I like riding on a stationary!

I use my road bike and rollers, which you actually have to keep some concentration going to stay on, but seems to help a lot with establishing cadence and balance.

Just put on some loud music and spin for an hour. I still have to have a chair nearby to get going though, and make sure you have them adjusted for your bike size - I've heard a few stories of 30 mph endos in one's living room.

Definitely use a fan and cover your bike with a towel - cables don't like to get soaked in sweat repeatedly.

[BrightYellow]

I use the Performance Travel Trac too, when I use it. I have to agree; put something decent under your front tire for stability, get a fan, and get last year's Tour on tape. The tour definitely motivates you to ride.

But, if I have the chance to winter ride outside instead, there is no way I'd ride the trainer....

[noise_is_life]

On the note of things to watch, I ran across this site for renting "Action Sports" videos including Mountain Biking (mostly freeriding of course) and a few road race videos.

http://www.coreflix.com/ (http://www.coreflix.com/default/)

[manual63]

I have a set of rollers. I put 1.5 baldies on my mountain bike and ride them. It's a lot of fun. I can take off my shirt and put it back on while riding them. I practiced doing wheelies, but they are tough. Oh.............they are for training............I forgot about that part.

[bigfoot]

I bought a Kurt Kinetic trainer a year or so ago. It is the best trainer I've used. Very solid and more realistic than most. Plus it's made in MN. I also use the Spinervals Videos. It's not riding outside, but spring doesn't hurt as bad using them.

[SickBoy]

resistance unit types:

wind resistance = smooth but loud, cheapest
Mag = cheaper than Fluid, quieter than wind, but has a "cobblestone road" feel because of magnetic wheel
fluid = most expensive, quietest, smoothest feel

[zerpy]

Originally posted by manual63
I have a set of rollers. I put 1.5 baldies on my mountain bike and ride them. It's a lot of fun. I can take off my shirt and put it back on while riding them. I practiced doing wheelies, but they are tough. Oh.............they are for training............I forgot about that part.

Is there any resistance there with a set of rollers (I think I know what you are talking about)? I would think that if there is any resistance you'd just take right off because you don't have anything holding you into it.

[tmac]

Originally posted by zerpy
Is there any resistance there with a set of rollers (I think I know what you are talking about)? I would think that if there is any resistance you'd just take right off because you don't have anything holding you into it.

Some rollers have a little fan that attaches to the back roller that provides some drag (I think), but many only offer the weight of the drums as resistance. Needless to say, you need to spin in a fairly high gear to keep your momentum and balance up.

[manual63]

Originally posted by zerpy
Is there any resistance there with a set of rollers (I think I know what you are talking about)? I would think that if there is any resistance you'd just take right off because you don't have anything holding you into it.

Rollers have a little resistance, but not much. You can add differenct types of resistance like a fan or magnet if you want.

As far as riding them, it depends on your skill. I can ride at a fairly slow RPM and keep balance. They are still quite the workout and when I want more resistance, I just lower my tire pressure. Rollers also teach you how to spin and ride without swaying your upper body.........Something a trainer can not do.

[jkalla]

I use rollers with a head wind fan. It offers plenty of resistance and it helps keep you cool. Smaller diameter drums have greater resistance. I think it has to do with the flex in the tires. Lowering air pressure in your tires does the same thing. Rollers will help smooth out your pedal stroke and help to eliminate any dead spots in your stroke.
You can accomplish this with other trainers by pedaling with one leg at a time.

[zerpy]

Originally posted by bigfoot
I bought a Kurt Kinetic trainer a year or so ago. It is the best trainer I've used. Very solid and more realistic than most. Plus it's made in MN. I also use the Spinervals Videos. It's not riding outside, but spring doesn't hurt as bad using them.

One of my co-workers just bought one of these as absolutely loves it (well, for a trainer that is, staring at the wall is always boring). Really likes the performance and how quiet it is.

Just an FYI, more or less. I'll have to go over to her place and check it out sometime before I plunk down cash for one of these necessary evils...:)

[jamesandruth]

Rollers are definitely the best way to go. You can work on your balance, cadence, and smoothness. Takes a bit to get used to. As with any trainer, you will need slicks, though I did see one that had a roller for the brake surface. I bought one like this (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/cboProfile.cfm?SKU=4250) one last year, it seemed like a good value for the money. Shop around online, but see #2 here (http://www.bicycleretailer.com/bicycleretailer/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2015236) Not as cool as some, though, but how cool does a trainer need to be?

We are so lucky to have QBP local, so your local bike store--even a small one--can get ANYTHING, within a day or so.

[Derrick]

Kurt Kenetic, I would also agree is the best of the stationaries. Freewheel Bike near campus has about 7 different trainers lined up with bikes on them. You will be able to see immediatly why its the best. Also, if you're new to rollers and you ask nicely, folks there will usually spot you on a trial run.