Turbo's + tyres!
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Discussion

Rolls

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

206 months

Tuesday 24th July 2012
quotequote all
After some advice from those in the know please..
The missus has mentioned that she wants to start going to the gym to use the exercise bikes, but I suggested a turbo may be the way to go - means I can use it too, and it may actually get a little use that way! (plus it means she'll actually use the bike she's had for 3 years!)
She's got hardrock, so I'd obviously have to get a new tyre for it (and would get a turbo specific one I'd guess), but was wondering are they really needed if you already have road tyres on?
I'd be using the turbo on my cross bike which I use to commute on 4 days a week, so don't want to be changing tyres every time I want to use it - do they really suffer that much from turbo use? Other option would be to get a cheap single speed, and use that on the turbo, although then that will no doubt lead to the "you don't need another bloody bike" discussion with SWMBO

anonymous-user

83 months

Tuesday 24th July 2012
quotequote all
turbo trainer tyres are rock hard, you will wear out a regular tyre very quickly on a turbo. not sure how easy it is to get trainer tyres in 26" though?

if i were you i would get another rear wheel for the cross bike and fit that with a trainer tyre. it doesnt need to be anything special and assuming the cx is 8/9 speed, you can get something built up with a cheap cassette for around £50. just swop over the wheels rather tha nfaff with tyre changing.


Rolls

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

206 months

Tuesday 24th July 2012
quotequote all
Now - that may be an idea!

Jimbo.

4,219 posts

218 months

Saturday 4th August 2012
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daz3210

5,000 posts

269 months

Saturday 4th August 2012
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What exactly is the difference between a trainer and a set of rollers? Do they both have the same effect on tyres?

anonymous-user

83 months

Saturday 4th August 2012
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on a trainer, the rear wheel is locked in place so you cant fall off.
on rollers, you are not supported, there are plenty of youtube videos of people on rollers with amusing consequences. its quite hard to be honest but rollers area a far better training method, you have to concentrate really hard compared to trainers where you can really let your technique drop when you tire and there are no consequences. on rollers, a moments lapse of concentration and you are on the floor.

tacx trainers are pretty good and there are always a few on ebay.

Rolls

Original Poster:

1,502 posts

206 months

Sunday 5th August 2012
quotequote all
Currently keeping an eye on the bay for anything tacx that comes up near me!
I really like the idea of the video interactive ones, but think they'll be overkill for my first one!

Jimbo.

4,219 posts

218 months

Sunday 5th August 2012
quotequote all
Rolls said:
Currently keeping an eye on the bay for anything tacx that comes up near me!
I really like the idea of the video interactive ones, but think they'll be overkill for my first one!
http://www.thesufferfest.com

Sorted.

daz3210

5,000 posts

269 months

Sunday 5th August 2012
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swerni said:
daz3210 said:
What exactly is the difference between a trainer and a set of rollers? Do they both have the same effect on tyres?
Trainer holds the bike in place, rollers you have to balance.
Much less wear from rollers as you aren't forcing the tyre against the roller.

They are very different though.

Reality is, for 98% of people, tyre wear is irrelevant.
Most turbo's sit the in garage unused and unloved wink
If I don't buy a special tyre (and wheel etc to put it on to realistically have the possibility of using it) how long will an 'ordinary' tyre last?

I'm thinking is it worth buying a trainer to use in the garage when the weather is st.


nammynake

2,658 posts

202 months

Sunday 5th August 2012
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swerni said:
Assuming your a mere mortal, not one of the uber cyclists that frequent these parts, I really wouldn't worry about it.

I've used a turbo on and off over the years and never bothered changing and never seen any noticeable wear.
This. Did 2-3 turbo sessions per week over a few months this winter and the tyre still had plenty of tread left come spring.

robpearson

441 posts

231 months

Sunday 5th August 2012
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not likely to be an issue in a garage, but i used my turbo indoors originally, and after a week there was a black streak of tyre residue up the wall. Now i use a turbo tyre this has gone away.

crisisjez

9,209 posts

234 months

Monday 6th August 2012
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daz3210 said:
What exactly is the difference between a trainer and a set of rollers? Do they both have the same effect on tyres?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN1cuVRRRzM

Chicken Chaser

9,057 posts

253 months

Monday 6th August 2012
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nammynake said:
swerni said:
Assuming your a mere mortal, not one of the uber cyclists that frequent these parts, I really wouldn't worry about it.

I've used a turbo on and off over the years and never bothered changing and never seen any noticeable wear.
This. Did 2-3 turbo sessions per week over a few months this winter and the tyre still had plenty of tread left come spring.
+1

If it's a mtb, just make sure it's not a knobbly tyre that she's using.

daz3210

5,000 posts

269 months

Monday 6th August 2012
quotequote all
Chicken Chaser said:
nammynake said:
swerni said:
Assuming your a mere mortal, not one of the uber cyclists that frequent these parts, I really wouldn't worry about it.

I've used a turbo on and off over the years and never bothered changing and never seen any noticeable wear.
This. Did 2-3 turbo sessions per week over a few months this winter and the tyre still had plenty of tread left come spring.
+1

If it's a mtb, just make sure it's not a knobbly tyre that she's using.
Whats wrong with a knobbly?