Let's talk trainers

[runJrun]

Today was possibly my last outdoor ride of the year. I am in the market for a trainer for the winter months. Advice and suggestions please!

[MINITEE]

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/CategoryDi ... &pageView=

Probably the best pricing (even with shipping) you will get. I subscribe to the newsletter and they often have 20% off deal days. I got the adjustable fluid trainer last year for about $100 less than I could get a Cyclops fluid WITH my staff discount.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10 ... 1___202382 (last years model was based on the Elite Brand trainers).

If noise is an issue, get a fluid over a Mag (magnetic). Smoother and more quiet by far. We sell the Cyclops trainers exclusively at the store and I would have purchased one of those had I not got this fantastic deal. They have a great warranty - I have seen one unit replaced in the 2 years I have been at the store.

If price were no object, I would be getting a CompuTrainer or a Wahoo trainer without a second thought.

[Jwolf]

Many people I know seem to like the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine.

http://www.kurtkinetic.com/road-machine-p-198-l-en.html

I can't afford or justify a computrainer, and this one seems to be one of the best fluid trainers- if I get one it will be this one.

[jonovision_man]

I still use an old Tacx magnetic trainer... gets the job done. I'm not recommending it as such, I'm sure the fluid ones have a better road feel etc., but if you're on a budget you can probably pick one up used really cheap ($75-100 used, if not less).

BTW - one thing that can make magnetic trainers more tolerable is to reduce the tension just to the point that your highest gear is where it is super tough (ie. the hardest you'd ever use in a workout). Any more tension than that and it feels jerky, with less tension the rear wheel spins faster and gives a smoother feel. Although it's also quite a bit louder lol.

jono

[Jwolf]

Not many triathletes replying here, but there have already been a few discussions about this; here's one:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=44209&hilit=trainer

[runJrun]

Thanks for the links!

[Mark.AU]

Kurt Kinetic Road.

A fluid trainer; it's relatively quiet, relatively cheap ($320-ish), nice road-like feel. You can spend less and have more noise (mag trainer) and spend more and have more bells and whistles. The KKR is the best of both worlds.

This is what I wrote in the other thread - still holds true.

[La]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

[runJrun]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

I will be going to spin class twice a week through the winter, but wanted one for when it is too cold and I just want to stay inside. Also I would like to get a few 2+ hour rides in every few weeks. I guess I like the idea of having the option

[La]

I got some longer indoor rides done last winter by going to the gym ahead of time on Saturday and spinning for an hour on my own before class started.

[jonovision_man]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

[eme]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

You obviously haven't been to Winnipeg in the winter. A trainer is a must, if you want to keep bike training throughout the winter here (and most of Western Canada, except maybe BC).

[Jwolf]

If only for an hour or less, I wouldn't bother buying a trainer. Even two hours-- I like the spin bikes at the gym and can use those for as long as I want usually. But I do notice how much I prefer my own saddle!

If I move on to triathlons longer than Olympic (possible goal for next year) I will likely get a trainer. But by then I'd probably want a different bike, too.

[turd ferguson]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

You obviously haven't been to Winnipeg in the winter. A trainer is a must, if you want to keep bike training throughout the winter here (and most of Western Canada, except maybe BC).

wuss

[CinC]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

You obviously haven't been to Winnipeg in the winter. A trainer is a must, if you want to keep bike training throughout the winter here (and most of Western Canada, except maybe BC).

3.5hrs a couple weeks back. 3hrs done on Sun. 4.5-5hrs planned for Sun unless the forecast of 0 and wind changes. you do what you have to do. And part of that is being on your own bike and set up for that long. A spin bike doesn't provide that.

Trainer question - I have a Minuro mag that I've had for almost 6 years now. It's not too loud or annoying - you can change the tension with a control. A garmin 910xt with a speed/cadence set up gives you all the main data that you should care about if you care about data - HR, speed, cadence, etc. It does the job and I paid about $200 for it - just ensure you have the right skewer based on my fall on Sun. Yes. After how many trainer rides, being sloppy and not replacing the skewer to a trainer one is well, stupid. We also have a computrainer which provides you power data/training and lets you ride various course, is great for TT, etc. That was substantially more $$. If I were to replace my Minuro, I would go with Tacx Flow - about $600 which gives you power data for a much more economical price.

[runJrun]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

You obviously haven't been to Winnipeg in the winter. A trainer is a must, if you want to keep bike training throughout the winter here (and most of Western Canada, except maybe BC).

3.5hrs a couple weeks back. 3hrs done on Sun. 4.5-5hrs planned for Sun unless the forecast of 0 and wind changes. you do what you have to do. And part of that is being on your own bike and set up for that long. A spin bike doesn't provide that.

Trainer question - I have a Minuro mag that I've had for almost 6 years now. It's not too loud or annoying - you can change the tension with a control. A garmin 910xt with a speed/cadence set up gives you all the main data that you should care about if you care about data - HR, speed, cadence, etc. It does the job and I paid about $200 for it - just ensure you have the right skewer based on my fall on Sun. Yes. After how many trainer rides, being sloppy and not replacing the skewer to a trainer one is well, stupid. We also have a computrainer which provides you power data/training and lets you ride various course, is great for TT, etc. That was substantially more $$. If I were to replace my Minuro, I would go with Tacx Flow - about $600 which gives you power data for a much more economical price.

Thanks for the info! You hit the nail on the head as to wanting a trainer. To be able to be on my own bike.

[FishPants]

I think Kerry was trying to get rid of her trainer on FB?

I have an Elite Fluid something-or-other. The really nice thing about it is that it folds up and is very easily transportable. Very handy for spin class.

[AjaxRunner]

I just bought a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine off Ebay. Should get delivered today. I live in a condo, haven't told the wife yet we will be losing the dining room table for the winter

Figured that buying winter gear for the bike would cost the same amount. Plus, living in the city makes for difficult workouts on teh bike outdoors at the best of times. Plus, this gets me time on MY bike in stead of a spinning bike.

Have to get ready for my Half Iron in September.

[MINITEE]

I don't use mine anymore. I go to spin class instead. But I'm not training for anything long, so I don't need to do 2-4hr indoor rides anymore.

Long rides are meant to be done outdoors, even if that means layering up and dealing with slushy Gatorade!

I don't know how anyone sits on an indoor trainer longer than about an hour, can't do it... especially if it's LSD type of riding, I would lose my mind! A one-hour Sufferfest DVD, that's the way to go.

jono

You obviously haven't been to Winnipeg in the winter. A trainer is a must, if you want to keep bike training throughout the winter here (and most of Western Canada, except maybe BC).

3.5hrs a couple weeks back. 3hrs done on Sun. 4.5-5hrs planned for Sun unless the forecast of 0 and wind changes. you do what you have to do. And part of that is being on your own bike and set up for that long. A spin bike doesn't provide that.

Trainer question - I have a Minuro mag that I've had for almost 6 years now. It's not too loud or annoying - you can change the tension with a control. A garmin 910xt with a speed/cadence set up gives you all the main data that you should care about if you care about data - HR, speed, cadence, etc. It does the job and I paid about $200 for it - just ensure you have the right skewer based on my fall on Sun. Yes. After how many trainer rides, being sloppy and not replacing the skewer to a trainer one is well, stupid. We also have a computrainer which provides you power data/training and lets you ride various course, is great for TT, etc. That was substantially more $$. If I were to replace my Minuro, I would go with Tacx Flow - about $600 which gives you power data for a much more economical price.

Thanks for the info! You hit the nail on the head as to wanting a trainer. To be able to be on my own bike.

This. We have great spin bikes at the gym, and I keep an old pair of cycling shoes in my locker so I can ride if I get an unexpected break, but it's still not the same as my own bike. The saddle, isn't the same and I can never quite duplicate the set up that I am comfortable in at home, on my trainer.

There really isn't a comparison between the two.

A Tacx trainer skewer will set you back about $10-15, and is a must. No plastic, which means it will hold up better and longer to the rigors of being on a trainer. Carla, you aren't the first, and definitely won't be the last to experience skewer failure. Not fun at all.

[runJrun]

Thanks for all of the advice! I am actually going to be taking Kerry's off her hands, it is an Elite Fluid, 2 years old. I will definitely get a skewer as suggested!

[Wu wei]

3.5hrs a couple weeks back. 3hrs done on Sun. 4.5-5hrs planned for Sun unless the forecast of 0 and wind changes. you do what you have to do. And part of that is being on your own bike and set up for that long. A spin bike doesn't provide that.

Trainer question - I have a Minuro mag that I've had for almost 6 years now. It's not too loud or annoying - you can change the tension with a control. A garmin 910xt with a speed/cadence set up gives you all the main data that you should care about if you care about data - HR, speed, cadence, etc. It does the job and I paid about $200 for it - just ensure you have the right skewer based on my fall on Sun. Yes. After how many trainer rides, being sloppy and not replacing the skewer to a trainer one is well, stupid. We also have a computrainer which provides you power data/training and lets you ride various course, is great for TT, etc. That was substantially more $$. If I were to replace my Minuro, I would go with Tacx Flow - about $600 which gives you power data for a much more economical price.

Yeah, but you sign up for silly IM's in December.

I've been looking at upgrading to an electronic trainer, but keep sticking to my tried and true Cycleops Fluid 2 (still going after 10 years!). Low cadence intervals are tough on the Computrainer as a small change in cadence is a big change in wattage.

Winters are for skiing anyways.

[AjaxRunner]

Got my KK Road Machine last night. Set up and took it for an hour spin.

Very quiet and (to me anyways) feels pretty similar to riding on the road.

So far I am happy, but it is still very early days.