Turbo trainer advice

[2DDav]

Been doing a little research on a turbo trainer to see me through the winter months and darker nights, and despite some googling still have a few questions.

Current top of the list is the Elite Qubo Power Fluid ElastoGel - http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/elite-qubo-powe...

Anyone got one of these or an opinion on it? FWI I;ll be using one of my older mountain bikes with a lick tyre on it.

Been looking at some of the training programmes out there like sufferfest etc. These all seem to be aimed more at road bikes, does it really matter what its aimed at as long as its a programme to follow?

[Janluke]

Sufferfests are great and the only thing that hold my attention enough so I keep working all the way. I tried just watching DVDs and doing my own thing but its not the same. I don't think it matters what type of cycling you do, in fact lots of the sufferfests have MTB/Cyclcross bits etc its all about cadence and effort

Personally I prefer to turbo on the bike I rode outside(albeit with a different wheel/tyre) as I'm using the same gear ratios, same riding position etc

I should point out I'm fairly average on the bike but I do feel the benefit of the turbo

[Dr Imran T]

Here at £199

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Elite-Qubo-Power-Pack-Turb...

I recently bought the tacx booster here:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/s?q=tacx+booste...

been very impressed with it thus far.

shop around as prices vary.

[bakerstreet]

I have a Elite Gel trainer. Admittedly, its a slightly more basic model, but its been fine. The Gel unit part mean they aren't too loud.

Make sure you uy a riser block and a bike thong to catch the sweat. You will sweat a lot!

I can't comment on sufferfest because I don't use them. I just used to find a TV program that will kee me entertained for an hour.

Don't use my Turbo now as I cycle to work most days.

[S10GTA]

Spend your money on lights

[2DDav]

S10GTA said:

Spend your money on lights

Got lights - this is just for the worst of the winter when its snowing, too cold (anything below -5 and am oot) or if its peeing with rain (I dont mind the cold but I hate the rain).
Also means if Im late home from work, or just fancy a quick blast before work I can just grab a quick half hour wihtout having the rigmarole of getting the bike out and sorted.

Bakerstreet - thanks for the link

[dogbucket]

I bought the Elite Qubo Fluid a couple of months ago (was lucky and got it for £200) and have been very pleased with it so far. Quiet and has a nice feel when pedalling.

Admittedly I went the whole hog and for very little extra expensive have the bike hooked up to Trainerroad software on the laptop which allows you to follow workouts based on a virtual power reading.

I am far from being an expert on training, but my results so far is that a turbo is an excellent means to boost fitness for what can be a relatively small investment of time. But this is dependant on doing focused sessions at specific effort levels to get the most bang for your time. Mashing away for a hour at any old speed would be a waste imo.

Sufferfest videos certainly help by prompting you to do intervals at different efforts, but my only concern would be that you have to subjectively gauge those efforts yourself. I only say that because I find if I put my head down and stop looking at the real time power, what I think is a constant speed actually drifts up or down by quite a margin. Probably my lack of experience, but just a thought.

Edited by dogbucket on Tuesday 10th December 15:39

[Hobzy]

I mainly MTB but have just bought a Gel trainer for squeezing in the odd HIT session when I'm back too late to get out on the bike. I bought Sufferfest "Angels". It does keep you going! I don't always do the full hour as it nearly kills me, but there are three 8 minute climbs on it so I just do the warmup, under-overs, then pick one of the climbs. Last one REALLY hurts.

managed to persuade the missus to get on and do a couple of spinning sessions - she loved it so much she wants a bike now!