Originally Posted by iowarose

I have the same model of trainer. Tweak the wheel placement knob until it is just touching the wheel. Give it a try - it can be done. You'll have some wear on the tread, but nothing like you describe.

The first winter I used the trainer, I had the knob too tight, and the tread sheared right off - the windings showed through in a number of places. The tire was obviously unsafe to use on the road. This winter there is some wear, but it's very minor. If I had to use it on the road, I would.