General Cycling Discussion - What is proper trainer tension?

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Ebbtide
11-12-03, 07:41 PM
Check it out, after many years I'm on a trainer this winter. Tonight was my first night...eh..eh...boring.

Any how, I have an adjustable, magnetic-drag, rear mounting, folding style and I'm not sure how tight the roller should be against the wheel. Is there a rule of thumb as to how tight? I find it spins better with less tension and feels more like real riding, but could that be bad for the tire, I dunno?

What do you think, eh?

So boring in fact I followed up with some dumb-bell leg exersizes, squats, and extensions (if that's what they are called). What an improvement in the mirror.....I guess all that Kick-A$$ riding I did this past summer paid off..:D

I miss summer :cry:

ehenz

supcom
11-12-03, 08:09 PM
The roller needs only to be tight enough to prevent the tire from slipping. More tension than that just causes undue tire wear.
digger
11-13-03, 07:28 AM
What Supcom said.

Plus, on my trainer I use an old tire that has been squared off/worn from normal outdoor riding. That way I am not prematurely wearing a good tire. Seems to me that a trainer will wear a tire faster, but I also MAY have the wheel tension to tight.

As for boredom, something I think, we all suffer from on these trainers. Play energic music to keep you movin. Watching TV or a movie I find does not help, I will eventually slow down.

Digger

thetray
11-13-03, 11:21 AM
Is there a rule of thumb as to how tight? I find it spins better with less tension and feels more like real riding, but could that be bad for the tire, I dunno?

ehenz
I just started using my trainer so that I could ride while my son napped (I usualy only get on the road during the weekends).

The manual that came with my trainer said that the tire should be compressed 2-3mm after conact with the trainer. I tried with less tension, but when I started to really power, the tire kept slipping. Just play with it and you'll find the right tension for you..

BTW, I rented a TDF video yesterday, helped me imensely witht he boredom.