Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Fluid Trainers

Just picked up a Blackburn Fluid Trainer yesterday (60% off... couldn't resist).

I've tried rollers in the past but they were not for me, but I thought a trainer would be a nice option on days when the weather wasn't cooperating. After trying it out for an hour or so, I'm having my reservations. I'm mainly worried that I'll do some damage to the frame by mounting the back wheel (the mounting cups don't exactly sit perfectly around the QR skewers and it's tough to tell how tight to crank things down). In addition, I'm worried that rocking back and forth while peddling will only increase the fatigue on the frame. I'm sure it's all in my head... the stress on the frame should be no different on the road than in the trainer, but you never know.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with trainers or tips? I'm 350/6'1"

Just picked up a Blackburn Fluid Trainer yesterday (60% off... couldn't resist).

I've tried rollers in the past but they were not for me, but I thought a trainer would be a nice option on days when the weather wasn't cooperating. After trying it out for an hour or so, I'm having my reservations. I'm mainly worried that I'll do some damage to the frame by mounting the back wheel (the mounting cups don't exactly sit perfectly around the QR skewers and it's tough to tell how tight to crank things down). In addition, I'm worried that rocking back and forth while peddling will only increase the fatigue on the frame. I'm sure it's all in my head... the stress on the frame should be no different on the road than in the trainer, but you never know.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with trainers or tips? I'm 350/6'1"
I use the Kurt Kinetic fluid, myself.

Training tips on the cheap follow:

Find a program you like, and watch it while you spin. Sprint through the commercials.

Use a movie you like as a timer, the longer the better....

Never try this though:

Using the Jerry Springer show and sprint every time a guest acts inappropriately......you'll do an jour long sprint!

You get used to it. My first winter with a trainer I hardly used it. It slowly turned into a habit as I learned what works for me.

For me it's old TV shows. Right now it's The Adventures of Brisco County Jr. But usually it's some scifi series like Star trek. Something, anything, to take your mind off what you're doing....

You can try Spinervals. I use them occasionally. Call Spinervals and ask them for one that suits you.
Most are really, really tough.

Use a rug or something under it (sweat from you, dust from the bike). Turn the heat down, I usually open up doors and windows after a while. A lot guys have a fan blow on them but I don't like that.

yoga mats from wally world or target are like $5 - $15 and are about the length of the bike...that's what I use for carpet protection.

I had a blackburn fluid trainer and hated it...I got a kinetic and its great. As to the skewer thing, It probably came with a skewer. Use the one that came with the trainer instead of the one on your bike. It should fit pretty neatly in the cups then.

Best of luck.

Just picked up a Blackburn Fluid Trainer yesterday (60% off... couldn't resist).

I've tried rollers in the past but they were not for me, but I thought a trainer would be a nice option on days when the weather wasn't cooperating. After trying it out for an hour or so, I'm having my reservations. I'm mainly worried that I'll do some damage to the frame by mounting the back wheel (the mounting cups don't exactly sit perfectly around the QR skewers and it's tough to tell how tight to crank things down). In addition, I'm worried that rocking back and forth while peddling will only increase the fatigue on the frame. I'm sure it's all in my head... the stress on the frame should be no different on the road than in the trainer, but you never know.

Anyone have any good/bad experiences with trainers or tips? I'm 350/6'1"

You'll get past the worries about the trainer. I had some reservations about bolting my bike to one (I have the Kurt Kinetic), and after a few months everything was fine so I quit worrying :) Just make sure you follow the instructions for mounting your bike and ask questions of your LBS if you have any.

What worked for my wife and I was to pick up a few Spinervals (http://www.spinervals.com)videos. They pretty much eliminated the boredom factor. There are a couple of great ones for Clydes also - actually, any of the "Fitness" series is good for starters.

Take care,

Steve

I use the Kurt Kinetic fluid, myself.

Training tips on the cheap follow:

Find a program you like, and watch it while you spin. Sprint through the commercials.

+1 I do this too. If you have no qualms about piracy, bittorrent is your friend.

+1 for the Spinervals. The constant upshift/downshift, get ready for the next set stuff really does cut the boredom.

As for the skewer, ask your local bike shop if they have any "old type" skewers laying around. I got one for about 5 bucks, and it clamps down nicely into my trainer.

i picked up a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine today and just got thru my first Spinerval dvd. Well, I had to stop after 30 mins because my legs felt like jelly, but that's what I was looking for. Not a dull moment in those 30 mins. You could also try some of those "real life" dvds where you bike through Spain or France.

Are those front tire holders useful, or should I just rest the tire on something like a phonebook or some roadkill?

i got a riser with mine. seems to hold the tire in place pretty well, plus you can adjust the height to simulate going uphill.

Are those front tire holders useful, or should I just rest the tire on something like a phonebook or some roadkill?

Yes and yes. I used a book for a year and then got a riser when one went on sale.

Can anyone recommend a trainer under $200.00 that will fit a 20" recumbent tire?

Can anyone recommend a trainer under $200.00 that will fit a 20" recumbent tire?
http://trainers.hoenig.biz/

There ya go: $170.00:D