Cycle Trainer, worth it or not?

[eggchaser1987]

I have been looking forward to getting on my bike more and more after a hard days work but as the nights are getting darker and the rain is coming it's not really the best thing to do it in.

I have been briefly looking at a cheap trainer and just wondering if they are any good?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod...
Something like that.

Is it easy to change the resistance on them, are they easy to get used to or will I end up falling of it all the time and is there anything I should look out for?

Thanks Ed

[Fastpedeller]

Having used rollers on and off in the past, I eventually bit the bullet and got a 'Turbo Trainer'.
IMHO a good item (from St John Street Cycles about £70 IIRC). I did a bit of research, and the general consensus was that fluid type ones were more 'natural' in their resistance, but (and my deciding factor) some people had had fluid leaks. The magnet one with the adjustable control was therefore my choice. I have to say I'm delighted with it Lots of variation from fast/very little resistance to full-on-can-only-just-turn-it, especially if you also use the bike gears to vary it. Did 40mins on it on Sunday instead of risking falling off in the howling wind.... It's especially welcome when there's ice on the ground! BTDT Ouch!

[mudshark]

I like the Elite ones but know I'd never use a basic one. I eventually decided I wanted something though and bought an Elite RealAxiom a few years ago. A lot of cash but I look forward to using it...mostly.

[sparkyb999]

In my opinion, Turbo's are only really good if your trying to improve in your fitness to maybe race or ride sportives with a concern of your times etc..

Last year I wasnt really focused on training or times / average speed and all that lot, so when it was cold, wet and windy, i just didnt go out and only rode a hand full of times over the few months. Come the new year I got back on the bike and up to 3 times a week and all was good.

This year has been different, I am focused on racing next season so winter training is really important and I am now on a 6 day program. I dont have to worry about the weather now as If its crap out there, i do an hour on the turbo and have a good workout.

They arent that enjoyable, can be boring, but having a good DVD in front of you helps.

[BPC7]

sparkyb999 said:

In my opinion, Turbo's are only really good if your trying to improve in your fitness to maybe race or ride sportives with a concern of your times etc..

Last year I wasnt really focused on training or times / average speed and all that lot, so when it was cold, wet and windy, i just didnt go out and only rode a hand full of times over the few months. Come the new year I got back on the bike and up to 3 times a week and all was good.

This year has been different, I am focused on racing next season so winter training is really important and I am now on a 6 day program. I dont have to worry about the weather now as If its crap out there, i do an hour on the turbo and have a good workout.

They arent that enjoyable, can be boring, but having a good DVD in front of you helps.

6 day program, when do you find time to repair them legs?

I have just invested in a trainer and had my first go Sunday, did an hour which included a max HR test near the beginning to see where I go from here. I was thinking of trianing on Tues and Thurs and riding Sundays as usual. Should I up this or stick with it for a few weeks?

I am having probs finding good trainer workouts on-line, any recommendations. I want to increase everything except my weight!

[GnuBee]

BPC7 said:

6 day program, when do you find time to repair them legs?

I have just invested in a trainer and had my first go Sunday, did an hour which included a max HR test near the beginning to see where I go from here. I was thinking of trianing on Tues and Thurs and riding Sundays as usual. Should I up this or stick with it for a few weeks?

I am having probs finding good trainer workouts on-line, any recommendations. I want to increase everything except my weight!

I use www.trainerroad.com - it's a subscription site but has plans that cover a range of goals (from basic build stuff, through advance competitor and endurance training). It's training against power and if you are using a trainer that's on the list you should get consistent results (I know I do).

To give you and idea of "volume" they have a bunch of plans based on the Time Crunched Cyclist stuff - and typically they'll involve 4 rides a week with at least on of those an edurance type ride designed to be done on a turbo or with friends in the real world.

As for the OP - an unequivocal yes. Since I've got mine I've been doing between 5 and 6 hours every week on it, following a structured plan (see above). I can't not ride because of the weather, because it's dark or any one of the other 100 excuses we can find at this time of the year so I never miss a ride now...

The Career part of Trainerroad keeps all your workout data so you can see improvement which is a further motivator.

(I sound like an evangelist for Trainerroad but I'm nothing more than a very happy customer)

[eggchaser1987]

Majority of it sounds good then. Will be having a look out for one then and being a good boy for Father Christmas! Then next year it will be all go I think.

. Bradley wiggins better be watching out!

[BadgerBenji]

eggchaser1987 said:

. Bradley wiggins better be watching out!

Why aren't you very good at driving your car away from petrol stations either

[sparkyb999]

BPC7 said:

6 day program, when do you find time to repair them legs?

I have just invested in a trainer and had my first go Sunday, did an hour which included a max HR test near the beginning to see where I go from here. I was thinking of trianing on Tues and Thurs and riding Sundays as usual. Should I up this or stick with it for a few weeks?

I am having probs finding good trainer workouts on-line, any recommendations. I want to increase everything except my weight!

On a tuesday! my only rest day,

My program in the winter is a little different as when its rubbish outside i goto gym/spinning class or use the turbo

Basically: (winter)
Monday - Gym or spinning class
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - Gym (core)
Thursday - Turbo at home
Friday - MTB ride
Saturday - Gym (cardio)
Sunday - Road Ride (or MTB if weather is crap)

Dry weather
Monday - Road Ride - Fast intervals
Tuesday - Rest
Wednesday - MTB Ride or Hill repeats on Road bike
Thursday - Turbo at home
Friday - Road ride
Saturday - Gym (core & cardio)
Sunday - Road Ride

I use the train right by Carmichael DVD's, i get on well with them, there is one on youtube (trainright criterium) full workout. This is easy to go to, and keeps you motivated. The hour fly's.

[eggchaser1987]

BadgerBenji said:

Why aren't you very good at driving your car away from petrol stations either

I don't know why but that made me chuckle more than it probabley should

Thanks for the help all minds made up on getting one. Got to choose the right one now.

[sparkyb999]

eggchaser1987 said:

I don't know why but that made me chuckle more than it probabley should

Thanks for the help all minds made up on getting one. Got to choose the right one now.

Tacx Satori!.. great bit of kit.

[With these feet]

Ive got a turbo trainer, but keep thinking rollers would be more like riding? Even though its my road bike it still feels like a spinning class! (Not that Ive ever done one that it!)

[Justin S]

Just ordered my Satori from Decathlon. So much cheaper than anywhere else , although mine has a delivery date of 5th Dec. £129 plus £7 delivery as cant buy it in the outlets.

[sparkyb999]

just type in rollers crash into you tube, this is why i bought a turbo haha..

I prefer the feel of a turbo. I think for doing different types of training like hills / sprint / cadence etc.. you can be in more control. I cant imagine getting out of the saddle on the top ring at 50 RPM for 20 minutes is do'able on rollers?


Nice price for the satori, the cheapest i could find was £159 when buying mine.