General Cycling Discussion - Will all trainers wear out knobby tires?

Of course the trainer will wear out tires, but I rode the trainer for about 15 minutes and it seems like it'd wear out VERY quickly.

I've been told that usually people get an extra rear wheel for the trainer, or perhaps put a road slick on. I don't have cash right now to get a rear wheel for just the trainer, and putting a road tire on seems like too much of a hassle. Does anyone ride with a knobby tire on their trainer? Does it wear out super fast?

I'm thinking that you havn't tried it yet.

For me at least the objection is excessive noise. A knobby tire on a resistance trainer sounds like a motorcycle.

You'll get a lot of wear on any type tread. Cheap tires are best, if you're off the road for the winter.

You don't want to use a knobby, not good for the trainer I suspect.
If you don't want to bother, have your bike shop throw on the cheapest thing
they have that's slick. There are some very cheap tires. Walmart's cheaper still.

I can't imagine using a knobby tire on a trainer unless it is a rim drive type of trainer.

Better to put on another layer and go play outside anyway.

I'm thinking that you havn't tried it yet.

For me at least the objection is excessive noise. A knobby tire on a resistance trainer sounds like a motorcycle.
15 minutes doesn't count as riding. The idea (riding knobbies on a trainer or riding a trainer for 15 min counts as anything) is effin' insane. Anyone who suggests otherwise is drinking and typin'...

....A knobby tire on a resistance trainer sounds like a motorcycle.

You make that sound like a bad thing - some of us like that sound!

Anyone who suggests otherwise is drinking and typin'...

You make that sound like a bad thing - some of us like that sort of thing!

If you're going to be a mountain biker, you should get some training in swapping tires anyway; flats on the trail are not uncommon. You should be able to trade your knobby for a street-tread tire in a few minutes, with only a single tire tool for dismounting.

Consider checking out thrift shops/yard sales for a cheapie bike with the same size rear wheel set (same number of cogs) as yours. With an entire wheel, you could switch in just a few seconds.

As to the 15 minutes.... Normally, that's a warm-up. Most of the structured trainer workouts I've used are from 45 minutes to an hour, with constant changes of pace/gearing.

However, there's been a lot of research that indicates 15 minute long blocks of fairly intense aerobic exercise can confer benefits. If you only have time for a quick spin....Spin fast.

just get a cheap slick for your rear wheel if you're pressed for cash. You will also notice that, aside from wearing out your knobby tire, there will be rubber residue all over the place behind your trainer, so watch where you point it! Nothing like the smell of rubber on the heater!

Get those $6 tires from Performance.