General Cycling Discussion - Anyone use an INDOOR TRAINER?

Considering the Century Travel Trac Fluid Trainer from Performance Bike. Just wonder if you use an indoor trainer to keep in shape during the winter months? Seems like a neat way to also be able to do a dynamic tune-up of the shifts and gears. I have never had any luck with static adjustments. Also-how do you clamp the bike in the trainer? Seems like an awful amount of torque being exerted on the axle.

Yes, if you live in a climate where you get a bad winter, a trainer is a must to keep in shape during these months. Almost all of us use one.

I have one set of rollers, and one trainer.
Alot of people use a beater bike on the trainer to
avoid over stressing the frame.
As long as you are not doing extensive out of the
seat hammering (and for long periods of time) I don't think you have to worry bout frame damage. If you're worried bout the axles get a cheap set of wheels to use
exclusively on the trainer.
Marty

I haven't yet, but I will have to here shortly because I moved to an area that snows which of course prevents any fast cycling. But I have researched it quite a bit and read other peoples comments here as well as on another forum and decided that the Cyclops Fluid 2 is the best for the money (about $249), and it has a lifetime warranty.

If you're worried bout the axles get a cheap set of wheels to use
exclusively on the trainer.

And at the very least, get a cheap Q/R skewer. Also, you will want to use something to prop the front wheel up so that it's level with the rear. Some people use a phonebook or you can purchase a riser block from a bike shop for about US$5. I have one of these (http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=16150).

http://www.performancebike.com/product_images/400/40_0327.jpg

And at the very least, get a cheap Q/R skewer. Also, you will want to use something to prop the front wheel up so that it's level with the rear. Some people use a phonebook or you can purchase a riser block from a bike shop for about US$5.


I made one out of a one foot length of 2"x4" with two dowels screwed in on the sides. Works great. Leaves just the right amount of room for the tire, and looks good.

There are many, many recent threads on trainers, techniques, advantages, disadvantages, comparison with rollers, etc., - just do a search.

I use them with training videos.

And at the very least, get a cheap Q/R skewer. Also, you will want to use something to prop the front wheel up so that it's level with the rear. Some people use a phonebook or you can purchase a riser block from a bike shop for about US$5.



All Cyclops trainers come with the cheap Q/R skewer.

A stationary trainer is the best way to keep your body conditioned during the winter months. I use it primarily to perfect my pedalling style. I also use rollers, but they are recommended for more advanced riders...

My gf got me the TravelTrac Century Fluid Trainer for xmas, which I love. I had some rollers before that but just didn't have the patience for 'em. My only complaint with the trainer is I had to get a 2nd computer for the back tire to track my mileage/hrt rate/avg. mph just b/c I have OCD (LOL), but otherwise, it was a great gift and I plan on getting many years out of it. If you're looking to get one, and you don't have a "beater bike" to put on it, I'd recommend getting a trainer with a comp on it unless you don't really care.

-Brad
aim: blacksabbathbrad

I bought a schwinn spinner pro for home (bought it from a health club that went out of business.. :)) I have a trainer too, but I don't really like using it... and I worry about hurting my bike (shrug) The spinning bike isn't quite like riding my own bike, but it feels alot more like it than most of the exercise bikes out there...

BLK........I have the Fluid+ comming from Performance Bike. This is the one with a controller that mounts on your bike that allows you to adjust tension on the roll. I am going to use my Schwinn as the exercycle.....rather than my Fuji. Anxious to get cranking !!!!!!!!!!!

I use a Tacx imagic virtual trainer. Similiar to the Computrainer.

Just bought a Tacx trainer (magnetic resistance 7 levels). Came with a special QR skewer. I'm not worried about stresses on the frame but the boredom stresses me. I also find it extremely uncomfortable on the butt, but that might be having been off a bike for 3 months and not being able to take any weight with one arm.

Good luck

Yes, fortunately you can cure the boredom if you have a television (nothing like watching the Speed channel or OLN while training) or by having good music. Since I don't wear headphones while on the roads, this is a great thing to look forward to when getting on the trainer.