Training & Nutrition - Spinner Computer?

Hello all,

Do any of the computers out on the market work on spinners?

Those riders who do use spinners, how do you judge your distance training? Or are your spinner rides more for strength and cardio training?

Thanks in advance,
HJR

I judge most of my rides on time and effort, not so much distance and speed.

Use it for strength and cardio training and forget about the distance thing. I know they tried to add a bike computer to the indoor cycle bikes, but the wires got ripped up and destroyed pretty easily.

I tell everyone who asks how far we go in class "Zero! Because the bike doesn't move!".

Focus on the tangible things like cardiovascular fitness and don't worry about the other stuff.

Koffee

your body knows time, not ditance.

i am a recovering distance junkie. i've been known to stop on rides to fix my computer if it stops.

my spinning isn't really for endurance (how much endurance can you do with a 1 hour class?)

and some classes are power cycling. dialing it up to 8,9,10 with long climbs trash my quads if done properly (its your workout...don't cheat yourself!!)

i assume 15 miles during a 1 hour class.

I would think that you could significantly increase cardiovascular endurance in 1 hr.

Increase heartrate, to 80 %, let it go to 50% increase, rest, etc.

That has got to help endurance.

that scenerio helps my recovery. if i am on 50-60 mile group rides and start tiring at the 1 hour mark i don't think i could extend my endurance unless i ride past that 1 hour mark with strength.
no matter what training you do in the winter (for those of you in cold weather climes) you need spring miles and time in the saddle for endurance (imho)

Thanks for all your help.

Would it be helpful then to get a computer to monitor my cadence? I have heard and read that maintaining a cadence of around 90 is a good goal to have.

Thanks again.
HJR

Get a cheap metronome and use it to mark your cadence. I have a piece of freeware that allows my palm pilot to function as a metronome. Eventually, you will just know that you are in the right zone, and no longer need the metronome. Keep the bike simple, and focus on how you feel on the bike. Work on developing a fluid and full pedal stroke, work on intervals to improve your aerobic recovery, etc. This is the time of year to rebuild your base aerobic fitness.

DEMON

Thanks for all your help.

Would it be helpful then to get a computer to monitor my cadence? I have heard and read that maintaining a cadence of around 90 is a good goal to have.

Thanks again.
HJR


I have a Cateye Astrale. They are fairly cheap as computers go (<$50 cdn). It hooks up to the rear wheel so it will monitor distance, speed, etc. Riding on a trainer though, these readings are really not that meaningful. It's not quite the same as riding on the road. However, the beauty of the Astrale is that it does monitor Cadence. This was a big focus for me when I started Cycling. Using the trainer to improve my cadence in the winter has been great. You can do intervals rasisng your cadence to 100+ for a minute or two, then drop back to 90. I would highly recommend it. Definetely helps you improve your spinning. I also do some heart rate workouts on the trainer.

Hope that helps.

f

Hi,
my fave 'puter is Planet Bike. They also make a long wire adapter thingy for use with a trainer. The adaper is #8000-3 Tandem-Recumbent bracket. I have that info because i got the thing a couple days ago, and haven't taken it out of the package yet. I want to keep track of how long I can maintain a given speed. Not sure I could stand long rides on a trainer....