Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Are trainers inteded to be used only with road bikes?

Hi everyone,

I don't know where I got it in my head, but I've assumed that trainers should only be used with road bikes. Is this true? I plan on buying a steel framed beater bike to use on my trainer and as a commuter. Since its winter now, Id like to get a mtn bike for the commuter, but I don't know:

a) if they work with trainers
b) are comfortable enough when spending a couple hours on the trainer

should I go for a hybrid instead? Or get another road? Thanks

Hi,
1) they will work with a trainer but you'll need a smooth tire
2) Trainers take some getting used to. They are boring. I crank up a
dvd of one of my favorite tv shows and watch while I spin. Alternatively, I use a Spinervals dvd.
3) You might consider getting an old road bike to use with the trainer. You can get cheap tires for them anywhere, even Walmart. My experience is that trainers chew up tires pretty quickly.

Thanks late

1) guess I'll just get a road/hybrid then (since I'll need to use smooth tires anyways)
2) you mean I shouldn't just stare at my white walls? :)

And before anyone posts it...yes, I'll get a fan. The tire thing is why I don't want to use the bike I'm currently building, I don't want to eat up decent tires, would rather it be cheap tires.

How about fixies? Do any of you like riding them on your trainer? I'm trying to find something that I can use as both a winter commuter and a trainer.

Thanks again late

You can get a mountain bike with slick tires. That's probably be a good winter commuter anyway if you're talking about rain, slush etc.

I'll +1 the spinerval videos in terms of the variety and length of workouts they offer. They're way to boring to just watch though. I play them on my laptop set up near my trainer while I have something interesting on tv.

Thanks ronjon, I think I've read a post or two of yours on trainers

I'll probably get a Spinerval video once I get used to the trainer. Right now, it will be good ol' TV.

Thanks ronjon, I think I've read a post or two of yours on trainers

I'll probably get a Spinerval video once I get used to the trainer. Right now, it will be good ol' TV.
TV Watching Spinnervals:
Watch the program riding in cardio and max out for the commercials! Might as well get some use out of the commercials as a timer besides laughing at smiling Bog from the Enzyte commercials!

TV Watching Spinnervals:
Watch the program riding in cardio and max out for the commercials!
I've got a friend that does a similar routine with watching hockey. Something about varying cardio vs. sprints based on puck position relative to his favourite team's goal.


Might as well get some use out of the commercials as a timer besides laughing at smiling Bog from the Enzyte commercials!
OMG. Every online community I belong to has now had at least one Enzyte joke. I used to work for the company that sells that stuff. (Berkeley Nutraceuticals, in Cincinnati, OH.) In the past 2 years they've been busted by the feds for credit fraud, fraudulent and misleading business practices, false advertising, and had their records seized and the owner had his bank accounts frozen. And somehow, they're still in business.

Hi everyone,

I don't know where I got it in my head, but I've assumed that trainers should only be used with road bikes. Is this true? I plan on buying a steel framed beater bike to use on my trainer and as a commuter. Since its winter now, Id like to get a mtn bike for the commuter, but I don't know:

a) if they work with trainers
b) are comfortable enough when spending a couple hours on the trainer

should I go for a hybrid instead? Or get another road? Thanks

No bike should be used with a trainer! Would you put a horse on a treadmill?

^^^^^ ??????

Anyway, yeah... get a road tire, and you can strap any bike you want to it. Some may have some size limitations, but for the most part, Ive never seen a bike that wont work on one.

what was said above...

I have rollers too. I think they really improve your riding.

I DVRed the TdF as it was happening and saved Stage 16 and 17 for the off season. I like the commercial idea too.

^^^^^ ??????

Anyway, yeah... get a road tire, and you can strap any bike you want to it. Some may have some size limitations, but for the most part, Ive never seen a bike that wont work on one.

Did I stutter? A bike is made to be ridden (rode? roden? rid?), on the roads, on the trails, in the wilds - not put on a treadmill like a gerbel in a cage.

I used a trainer once about 30 years ago...pedaling indoors is about as fun as kissing your leper sister. Rollers are a bit better, since falling asleep could cause you to have a bad day.

No, I am not an elitist snob...just a bike hugger... SET THE BIKES FREE, CRUELLA !!

Did I stutter? A bike is made to be ridden (rode? roden? rid?), on the roads, on the trails, in the wilds - not put on a treadmill like a gerbel in a cage.

I used a trainer once about 30 years ago...pedaling indoors is about as fun as kissing your leper sister. Rollers are a bit better, since falling asleep could cause you to have a bad day.

No, I am not an elitist snob...just a bike hugger... SET THE BIKES FREE, CRUELLA !!

Nope, you didn't stutter, you made another involuntary movement known as a jerk.

We are all glad you don't use trainers. You ever ride when it's below zero?
Here in Maine trainers come in handy.

If you can't help, perhaps you could go play in another yard.

Nope, you didn't stutter, you made another involuntary movement known as a jerk.

We are all glad you don't use trainers. You ever ride when it's below zero?
Here in Maine trainers come in handy.

If you can't help, perhaps you could go play in another yard.

Well I imagine you would rather 'play with yourself'.
Yes as a matter of fact I have taken rides...to and from work, when it's been below zero.
You ever get a sense of humor, Richard?

The idea is to help people, not chase them away.
Btw, I've been called many things, but not Richard.

I don't care about riding in the cold, it is the snow and ice that bother me. I used to commute in Minnesota winters but now I'm too lazy to mod out my old mountain bike with studded tires.

Trainer is great for watching TV. Just bittorrent your favorite shows and ride away.

Ive never seen a bike that wont work on one.

My Bianchi hybrid won't. It has the SRAM dual-drive with shifting components internal to the rear hub. Where the bolt is on a normal rear wheel, it has the shifting click-box hanging off. Doesn't work on a trainer. It will work on rollers though.

Similar to this:
http://www.6158.net/com/yadragstar/pic/1117624567.jpg

One of the positive notes of a trainer is that you can use YOUR bike on them. You use the bike you normally ride which should fit you pretty well, you just save an old tire to waste rather than a good tire. If your going to go out and get a special bike just for the trainer, why not get a stationary bike?

One of the positive notes of a trainer is that you can use YOUR bike on them. You use the bike you normally ride which should fit you pretty well, you just save an old tire to waste rather than a good tire. If your going to go out and get a special bike just for the trainer, why not get a stationary bike?
Assuming your question isn't hypothetical...the reasons why I'm not going to use my current bike are:

1) it doesn't exist yet (I'm still building my touring bike)
2) its an alu frame, I don't want to stress it out on a trainer and then have problems with the frame when touring (which is when I want it most)
3) I need a commuter anyways, no need to bring an expensive tourer (for me anyways) to the grocery store (I'm car free)

Spending $150 on a beater commuter/training bike to get past the above issues is worth it for me.

Why is it necessary to justify one's questions here?

Assuming your question isn't hypothetical...the reasons why I'm not going to use my current bike are:

1) it doesn't exist yet (I'm still building my touring bike)
2) its an alu frame, I don't want to stress it out on a trainer and then have problems with the frame when touring (which is when I want it most)
3) I need a commuter anyways, no need to bring an expensive tourer (for me anyways) to the grocery store (I'm car free)

Spending $150 on a beater commuter/training bike to get past the above issues is worth it for me.

Why is it necessary to justify one's questions here?I think Gear was trying to understand not attack. It would strike most BF readers as odd that somebody posting here about a trainer doesn't have a rideable bike already.

Why is it necessary to justify one's questions here?
You don't. If it seemed like I was demanding justification, I apologise, it wan't my intent.
Good Luck.

I think Gear was trying to understand not attack. It would strike most BF readers as odd that somebody posting here about a trainer doesn't have a rideable bike already.
I can appreciate that, still I find it surprising/frustrating how often some BF readers assume a lack of knowledge on the part of newbie OPs.

You don't. If it seemed like I was demanding justification, I apologise, it wan't my intent.
Good Luck.
Thank you. Capitalizing words generally denotes shouting online, which lead to my misunderstanding.

TV Watching Spinnervals:
Watch the program riding in cardio and max out for the commercials! Might as well get some use out of the commercials as a timer besides laughing at smiling Bog from the Enzyte commercials!

I do this. It is tough sometimes. Some breaks are SIGNIFICANTLY longer than others.

Did I stutter? A bike is made to be ridden (rode? roden? rid?), on the roads, on the trails, in the wilds - not put on a treadmill like a gerbel in a cage.

I used a trainer once about 30 years ago...pedaling indoors is about as fun as kissing your leper sister. Rollers are a bit better, since falling asleep could cause you to have a bad day.

No, I am not an elitist snob...just a bike hugger... SET THE BIKES FREE, CRUELLA !!

Where do you live? It's damn cold here in Western Pennsylvania. It's toasty in my basement in front of my TV with baseball/football/basketball on all winter long.

Another related question. Lets say I end up getting a beater mountain bike. Because it has been indicated that I should use a slick tire on the trainer (and I don't want to be switching tires frequently), I was wondering if this would work (please keep in mind that I'm looking for a bike that can serve as a trainer, and as a winter commuter): can I put a wide slick on the back, and a good knobby tire on the front (for use as a commuter)?

Do most skids occur on the front wheel? I'm assuming not always, since I've had my rear skid out (on slippery surfaces of course), but I'm wondering if rear skids are more controllable than front tire skids (my gut says they are). I don't have enough experience to know for sure.

In the end, I'm wondering if this setup would allow me to use the bike both on a trainer, and in slushy, snowy and occasionally icy conditions.

Thanks

You can get a trainer that has rim drive it will work with any tire it does not wear the tire out so it is a good alt.

Thanks out training, I'll take a look at them.

Where do you live? It's damn cold here in Western Pennsylvania. It's toasty in my basement in front of my TV with baseball/football/basketball on all winter long.

Near Cleveland! Tis a shame that some didn't pick up on the attempted humor of my earlier posts...I guess everyone don't always get it. You'd think the 'save the bikes' crack would have been a clue :p

I do have a trainer, but the only thing I find it useful for is helping get a bike roughly fitted without having to ride around stopping every mile or so to make an adjustment. I tried using it for watching football, but I much prefer sitting on a nice comfy couch munching pizza while I watch the Browns try to become a real football team again. ;) But to me, nothing compares to actually riding - I just never even considered giving up because of the weather...but maybe that's because I grew up around here and, as a kid, riding to work/school was much better than walking...or bumper-riding a car/truck/bus and hitting a dry spot! :eek:

Another related question. Lets say I end up getting a beater mountain bike. Because it has been indicated that I should use a slick tire on the trainer (and I don't want to be switching tires frequently), I was wondering if this would work (please keep in mind that I'm looking for a bike that can serve as a trainer, and as a winter commuter): can I put a wide slick on the back, and a good knobby tire on the front (for use as a commuter)?

Do most skids occur on the front wheel? I'm assuming not always, since I've had my rear skid out (on slippery surfaces of course), but I'm wondering if rear skids are more controllable than front tire skids (my gut says they are). I don't have enough experience to know for sure.

In the end, I'm wondering if this setup would allow me to use the bike both on a trainer, and in slushy, snowy and occasionally icy conditions.

ThanksRear loss of traction is more common but front is way way more dangerous. If you're going more than a walking pace, you don't survive a front tire loss of traction.

If I had to ride mixed I would do it knobby on the back and slick on the front. Knobbies are going to give you better traction in the dirt/mud but not on the road. (Maybe in deep snow this would be different.) It seems counter intuitive but knobbies are not better on wet road.)

I would put slicks on both sides. (Get a cheap pair of rims and make swapping easy.)

They make tires for ice. (IN the old days, I took an old pair of knobbies, put a short screw through each knob on the center line (from the inside, just long enough to poke out) and then lined the inside with duct tape.) It was a dog of a tire to ride -- heavy and slow -- but dang it was fun to ride on the snowy/icy roads. One of my grad school classmates passed me and was talking the next day about this crazy bastard in the middle of the sleet storm...

"Hey," I yelled from across the room "... that crazy bastard was me."