Tour of Sufferlandria - and budget turbo trainer

[jesusbuiltmycar]

This year I fancy doing the Sufferfest Tour of Sufferlandria

Having never tried a Turbo Trainer I am in the market for a budget one. I can't bring myself to spend £300+ on a turbo that I may hate especially as the money could be put towards other bike bits (wheels / power meter / n+1...)

I was thinking of getting the Tacx Blue Matic. Will this be suitable and is it any good?

Also what do I need in the way of laptop sensors? Will a basic Ant+ dongle do, such as https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00LIIMHP4/ref=mp...

Edited by jesusbuiltmycar on Thursday 5th January 20:57

[m444ttb]

I used a Tacx Bluematic for a couple of years before moving to a KickR Snap. It'll definitely do the job. Ideally add a speed sensor, cadence sensor and hear rate monitor (and power meter if you're keen). But even without you can just work to rate of perceived exertion (RPE). I'll be doing the tour again this year. Last year was hard and this year looks worse.

[ALawson]

I assume you also need a spare rear wheel with tt tyre? I run tubeless so changing tyres to use a tt doesn't make sense. So trying to justify direct mount of cheap tt with another wheel and tyre.

Will tt use trash a normal tyre?

[jesusbuiltmycar]

Initially I was planning on using my summer wheels with some old tyres which have been hanging around my garage - if they wear too quickly I'll gte a turb specif tyre (they seem quite cheap).

[wobert]

I had some new wheels for Christmas so my old ones are being used for the TT.

I'm also using a TT tyre, no issues yet other than my lack of fitness :-)

I'm using Trainerroad, pretty impressed

[upsidedownmark]

you don't need a turbo trainer tyre at all.. some regular tyres fare better than others, BUT given the cost of tubs, I'd hesitate to use a tub on the turbo.. personally.