Road Cycling - Trainer vs. Spinning Bike

Any opinions on what to use for an indoor trainer? I'm thinking about a Cat Eye CS1000 trainer at about $330 but was wondering if it made any sense to just invest in a spinning bike?

The evenings are getting shorter, and it rains every day in the North East now - I need something indoors.

Thoughts?

It looks better for the next few weeks. I use rollers in the winter, and it is very very boring.

How about this?

http://www.branfordbike.com/trainer/train3a.html

That trainer actually looks pretty interesting, it offers a number of the options that the compu-trainer offers for much less money. It looks like it would be a great training tool.

Andrew

That thing looks really cool, is it pricey, i didnt notice any prices?

TA-CX-900 Tacx i-Magic Trainer Model TI - 900 USA 110 Volts $569.88

I have used both. If you have the $$$ buy the spinning bike. I had real problems with getting enough tension on the rear tire to get a serous workout with a "a-frame" style trainer. When I did, I had to put up with the smell of burning rubber. The spinning bike, (if you get a good one) will be able to simulate any flat/hill condition imaginable just as if you were on the pavement riding. The spinners are very quiet compared to the "a-frame" style trainer. I have found that riding the spinning bike has helped me out much more with my physical conditioning than the trainer ever did. One other thing to keep in-mind, I have a road bike that was very expensive and a lower-end mountain bike. I put the mountain bike on the trainer with slick tires because I didn't want to inflict all that wear & tear on my road bike.

Snowblower

I use a CycleOps Fluid trainer. I don't know if it's the best, but it alows my wheel to spin and I feel resistance. It's boooooooring though and I can't do it for more than 30 minutes or so, even when I watch tv.

Anybody else notice how the bike "feels" different on the road than on the trainer? I've been on the trainer quite a lot the last few weeks, bored out of my mind. But I've also been tweaking the fit of the bike, and it just never felt that comfortable on the trainer, but I get it out on the road it all changes.

Andrew

Originally posted by Snowblower
I The spinning bike, (if you get a good one)
Snowblower

On that note, does anyone know what a good one is? I've looked at Spinning brand bikes and also the Schwinn bikes. I'm assuming that these are the higher end spin bikes. I did use the Spinning brand bike at the gym this winter and the only thing I would like to add would be handlebars that I could push further away from the seat so I could extend my arms a little further.

Anone have experience with specific brands/models?

Originally posted by Markedoc
On that note, does anyone know what a good one is? I've looked at Spinning brand bikes and also the Schwinn bikes. I'm assuming that these are the higher end spin bikes. I did use the Spinning brand bike at the gym this winter and the only thing I would like to add would be handlebars that I could push further away from the seat so I could extend my arms a little further.

Anone have experience with specific brands/models?

I have the Schwinn IC Elite. Very solid construction and have had no maintenance problems so far. Main reason I purchased the Schwinn is because they have been around forever, it rode very smooth, was quiet compared to others, a lot of room for seat/handlebar adjustment and best of all was the parts used on the bike. All the moving/rotating parts are standard mountain bike parts (crank, BB, pedals, etc.). They would be easy to find/replace. I didn't want to purchase some off-the-wall brand that when it breaks it costs a fortune to repair or have to throw away because the manufacturer is out of business.

One other that looked just as good was the "Multisport" brand. The ones I looked at were the "ENC" models.

Snowblower

I have this trainer:

http://www.1upusa.com/bike_trainer.html

I like it. I don't get bored that easily, I guess. I can stay on for an hour and a half no problem. It's a good way to watch TV!

are trainers only for road bikes? i'm interested but ride a mountain bike.

You'd be surprised at how much wear a trainer puts on your bike. All that sweat gets down in around your stem and headset as well as your cable guides. I could always tell when a customers bike was a trainer. Flat tires do occur!!! The Schwinn spinning bikes are very suitable as noted in earlier posts. If you do get a spinnig bike it is imparative that there is some type of clutch mechanism on the wheel. I've seen several badly injured ankles and knees from the lack of a 'freewheeling' effect.

Miamijim-

What if after riding on the trainer, I made sure to wipe the bike down, and I used a cheaper wheel for my bike while I was using the trainer instead of my nice rims I have on now? Would that help preserve the bike any?

Koffee

Koffe that would definitly help. There are produscts out there that hook to your brake hoods then to your seat post. The last one I saw was terry cloth and they basicly absorb all the sweat the drops. The new spinnig bikes are nice because they have road bike geomery versus the very laid back geometry on exercise bikes. One aspect of trainers that hasnt been touched on yet is your bike. Simply your riding your own so its comfortable for you. Theres no re-adjusting to get accustomed to it once you hit the raod again. Giant makes a nice spinner.

I'm not sure of the brand, but some trainers have wheels on both sides that ride on the side of the wheel, saving the tires. There are also video training tapes that utilize gear shifting while on the trainer for specific types of training, like hill climbing.

Take my advice don't get either an A-frame trainer, rollers or spinning bike.

I have an A frame and don't use it. I also have a treadmill, and don't use it. Not much anyway. Too boring, and I find that I don't push myself like I should.

Find yourself a gym that offers spinning classes. Now THEY are fun! Plus everyone helps keep the tempo going and is motivational.

MHO.

Digger

Originally posted by digger
Take my advice don't get either an A-frame trainer, rollers or spinning bike.

I have an A frame and don't use it. I also have a treadmill, and don't use it. Not much anyway. Too boring, and I find that I don't push myself like I should.

Find yourself a gym that offers spinning classes. Now THEY are fun! Plus everyone helps keep the tempo going and is motivational.

I agree - sort of. The reason I got back into road biking after many years off WAS spinning classes. But I've moved since, and between where I live and where I work, there is no practical way to get to spinning class. So for me - it's going to be - do it at home, or don't do it at all. It's going to be a spinning bike or trainer in my house - I'll have to find the motivation!

I already teach spinning- now that's a big yawn after so many years of teaching it! However, for building aerobic base, it's good, and for keeping yourself in decent shape for the spring, it's good too. I tend to tune out most instructors- I don't think they have a clue about road riding, and if I hear one more nut on a bike tell me we're gonna do 2 count jumps, I'm going to jump off my bike, roll up to the front of the room, and do some serious harm... :p

Seriously, I teach my classes like it's as much of a road experience as possible, encourage my riders to get out there in the spring and summer and ride- I don't want to see them inside when they could be getting the real benefit outside, and I also emphasize to them that these classes are NOT like the real thing- they can be fun, and they can be intense, but there's nothing like getting on your own bike and riding! I really think the spin bikes really can mess you up because they just don't have the feel of the road bikes, even the new ones out there that are more designed like a road bike than the old spin bikes. :(

My plan is to drop a lot of spin classes that I teach and get a trainer and really start training this winter for the spring season- I would really like to race next season if I can get myself back into top form.

Koffee