Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Trainer or Rollers for a Clyde?

I'm projecting near the end of the summer/fall to get a trainer or rollers to continue my cycling when the winter weather spools up.

My question: My weight currently is 256lbs, what would be better/easier on components (bicycle & trainer/rollers) at my current weight? I don't want to put my riding on hold for the winter, but I also don't feel like breaking my bike by using a trainer or rollers at my weight.

Thanks for the help.

V

I have no opinion either way, but from my reading on the forums it seems that trainers are used for a better workout while rollers are more for cycling form practice. They say you can't crank up the resistance on rollers like you can on a trainer.

I have a trainer personally, so I can say that it gives a good workout.

Whatever you decide, I would suggest buying now. You'll probably find better deals during the nice weather months when no one wants to buy an indoor cycling device.

I have no opinion either way, but from my reading on the forums it seems that trainers are used for a better workout while rollers are more for cycling form practice. They say you can't crank up the resistance on rollers like you can on a trainer.

I have a trainer personally, so I can say that it gives a good workout.

Whatever you decide, I would suggest buying now. You'll probably find better deals during the nice weather months when no one wants to buy an indoor cycling device.

Thanks man! I've picked up on some threads using the search feature and there is a lot of good information. Now I just need to figure out what "type" I'm going to get. I'm leaning towards a fluid trainer due to noise issues... I wake up early and the rest of the family doesn't, so I really don't wish to disturb them.

I've seen so many "good and bad" reviews regarding the Cyclops fluid 2, 1up, and Kinetic (although the price on their top model makes me shudder) that I'm really torn as to which would be better.

V

Look at the Kurt Kinetic. That's what I use and it's a sweet trainer.

Do you have a particular model in mind Tom? I'm looking at the "Pro Trainer" "Road" or the "Rock & Roll". I would like something that I won't outgrow in a year due to increased muscle mass and strength.

I have a Kurt Kinetics and it's a great trainer. But it's rugged enough for a pro racer to use daily.

If you just want something to use in winter, a good trainer will suffice. People say good things about this one, and it's on sale.
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000123&subcategory=60001087&brand=&sku=18824&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Trainers%20and%20Rollers

Since I got my trainer, the market has exploded. There are dozens of different models catering to every whim and budget. If you want something that really suits you, spend some time looking into the various trainers and what they do.

As fat as the Kurt trainers go, they get fancier as the price goes up. Did you notice the demo Rock n Roll on sale? I'd grab it if I was shopping for a trainer.
Btw, Kurt has a new computer coming out next year. If you get a Kurt, look for it.

Yeah, I saw that demo on the Kurt sight, but from what I gather, it's only the frame sans resistance unit. I don't care if it's used/demo though.

What is the purpose of the flywheel other than giving you a more realistic "coast down"? Does it do anything to the resistance at all? If not, I'll just go with the road version and save some money as coast down doesn't seem that important to me... but being a newbie at this I could be dead wrong :)

I'm projecting near the end of the summer/fall to get a trainer or rollers to continue my cycling when the winter weather spools up.

My question: My weight currently is 256lbs, what would be better/easier on components (bicycle & trainer/rollers) at my current weight? I don't want to put my riding on hold for the winter, but I also don't feel like breaking my bike by using a trainer or rollers at my weight.

Thanks for the help.

V

Go with a set of rollers with the larger drums. Post up during the summer that you are looking for them and you will be able to get them pretty cheap. I bought a used set on my local craigslist for $50.00 used and I put on about 1500 miles on them with no problems. The only thing you might want to do is buy a rear tire for the rollers, or do like me and just let the last years old tires wear out on the rollers and buy new tires when I go back to the streets.

I don't know where you are located, but finding a set of good rollers should be easy to do for cheap. It will also make you work on your balance and improve your motions on the bike to make everything more efficient.

I've owned both Cycle-Ops mag trainer and Tacx rollers.

Couldn't wait to sell the mag trainer -- Boringboringboringboringboringboringboringboringboring -- even one-legged pedaling is boring boring boring

You'll never get bored on rollers. As soon as your mind drifts away from what you're doing... you'll be woken up very quickly.

And Bonus... when spring comes you'll be a few Km/hr faster, because all that energy you didn't realize you were wasting in side-to-side motion will now be channeled forward, thanx to rollers.

If you're a tall Clyde, ensure your bike fits on the rollers -- front wheel axle directly over front roller spindle.

Start by putting your rollers in a doorway so you can get centered simply raising an elbow.

If you want resistance too, look at Kreitlers.

Start by putting your rollers in a doorway so you can get centered simply raising an elbow.



I still ride in a doorway, even though I really don't need to. It is just nice to have the wall available if you want to take a break.

I use to have a kurt kenetic trainer and replaced with the 1up trainer. Very solid trainer for my size (275) and it is very quiet and I love the feel of this trainer vs a fluid trainer.

I have the Nashbar fluid trainer mentioned above. It's a fine trainer. My advice is to skip the model that comes with the cable that can vary your resistance. You don't need it - changing gears works fine - and having the cable is slightly annoying. I modified mine and removed it.

I have used both. The deciding feature is how much attention you want to pay towards your
training.

If you want to watch TV or read a book, forget the rollers. You WILL go down. IF your training
will be serious training with no earthly comforts, rollers are fine.

ON a personal note, I like the fluid trainer better...

I use to have a kurt kenetic trainer and replaced with the 1up trainer. Very solid trainer for my size (275) and it is very quiet and I love the feel of this trainer vs a fluid trainer.

Second the 1up. Solid as a rock and DEAD quiet. One lever motion to get the bike in/out. Best customer service in the world.

I use rollers as well and let me tell you, in the big ring and small cog it definitely is a workout! Try to hold a cadence of 90-100rpm on the rollers with that setup for 30 min. and you will be soaked in sweat. Not only that, but there is not one second of rest on the rollers. You need to constantly pedal unless you're holding onto a wall or a chair or something.

It's a little bit intimidating at first, but you will get the hang of it. Also good for high cadence training are 170-200rpm workouts without accidentally jumping off the rollers.

Migmi brought up a good point. Are there trainers that are too delicate for a Clyde? I am 270 and looking for a trainer for next winter. (My bike got wrecked from all the salt last season) Are these all pretty much OK for heavier riders or are there brands to be avoided?

Thanks All :)

Most trainers are built very well. I wouldn't sweat it, unless you're looking at one of the $99 magnetic trainers, and then it's more a stability issue. ;) ( Not to mention noise!)

Migmi brought up a good point. Are there trainers that are too delicate for a Clyde? I am 270 and looking for a trainer for next winter. (My bike got wrecked from all the salt last season) Are these all pretty much OK for heavier riders or are there brands to be avoided?

Thanks All :)

cycleops fluid = no problem for me.

Migmi brought up a good point. Are there trainers that are too delicate for a Clyde? I am 270 and looking for a trainer for next winter. (My bike got wrecked from all the salt last season) Are these all pretty much OK for heavier riders or are there brands to be avoided?

Thanks All :)

I recieved an email from the folks at Kurt Kinetics regarding their trainers:

"The trainer can actually hold 800 lbs. I will send your e-mail to Pam regarding the second question you have, which trainer would be good for a newbie clydesdale?"


So I think the Kurt Kinetics would be more than enough, I think if anything breaks it would be the bike based on their response.

V

IMHO:

I bought a barely used cycleops fluid2 (literally one ride and sold) for $100. I sold it a year later for $150.

Trainers suck.

Rollers suck, with the added bonus of possibly breaking your collarbone in your living room. I would say just get studs/winter gear and get outside. That, or cross train with running in the winter.

I will never again buy a damn trainer. 20 minutes on the thing was more misery than three hours of climbing in the appalachians. At least there I got to smell the fresh cut grass.

YMMV, BOCTAOE...

For those interested, this is the message I recieved from "Pam" at Kinetic:

"
Thank you for your inquiry.

Our Kinetic Road Machine is not only our best selling unit, but an incredible value. The machine itself is designed to support up to 800 lbs, it offers one of the widest footprints in the industry, and a full 6 lb weighted flywheel. Quite possibly the most realistic indoor ride ever made.

By moving up to our Pro Machine you increase your footprint, for additional stability, a QR “cam” style lever-lock (easy on, easy off) and an additional 12 lbs on the flywheel – for a full 18 lbs. While the additional weight does nothing to increase resistance, it does allow for a longer acceleration and deceleration time – which means your indoor ride is duplicate to the outdoor ride.

With either machine your size is not a factor.

Welcome to the world of Cycling! I hope you enjoy your journey.


Pam "