Nola_Gal

I picked up a wind trainer last week which I'm enjoying a lot. It has been rainy and cold (by NOLA standards) and getting dark much earlier so I think this will help me keep moving until the weather improves. I've done a few 10 mile trainer rides on it so far but I'm reading about the advisability of using a special trainer tire. I only have one bike with one back wheel.

Do I need to get a trainer tire? If I don't, do I have to worry about my tire wearing out sooner or worse, tire failure ?

Thanks!!
Nola_Gal

flip18436572

Depends upon the tire you are using. I use my old road tires on my rollers through the winter and get new tires in the spring. But, I run on 700c x 23.

Mr. Beanz

I wouldn't use a $60 tire!..Pick up a $20 tire somewhere. You can use it outdoors when you have th chance plus on the trainer and not have to worry about premature wear.

I like the Serfas Seca tire from REI. Good solid tire. The Conti $20 (Ultra) punctures far too easy IMO. Heck, I like the $22 Serfas tire far more than the $30 Conti tire.

Oregon Southpaw

^ Yes

OR, if your tire is really old just keep rocking it through the winter. And have a spare on hand for outdoor rides.

I have put about 50 hours in on my trainer with the same tires I rolled on all summer. It is getting squared something fierce but I expect it'll get me through the winter OK.

I don't know anything about the "trainer tires" everyone keeps recommending me. But as a cheapskate I'm much more of the "ride it 'til it breaks" school.

DieselDan

Use an old tire, cheap tire, or a special trainer tire. If you're on a set of rollers, don't worry, as rollers don't wear tires much if at all.

flip18436572

I wear out my rear tire on my rollers every winter. This year may be worse, because our snow came very damn early. I plan on getting in over 1000 miles the next two months and my rear tire will be very flat/squared off by then. I am sure the trainer is very similar, but probably a little more wear.

Nola_Gal

I still have the same set of tires that came on the bike. They're Maxxis Fuse 700x23. I bought the bike a couple of years ago but one thing after another...this time I've been riding much more consistently. I'm still not up to long distances but I had been riding several times a week before winter stole my fun. That's why I grabbed the trainer off of craigslist, so I could keep my momentum.

I'm noticing that the rear tire is a little squared, so I guess I will pick up an inexpensive tire. Thanks!

Nola_Gal

Oh, and I'm on a wind trainer. I picked it up for $50 and other than being a bit noisy, I like it as much as you could like riding inside. It's also giving me a chance to practice 'clipless'

takingcontrol

LOL a bit noisy, that's like saying water is a bit wet. I just got a wind trainer also and it's sounds like a jet is taking off in my house, but as I live alone and am wearing my MP3 no worry's.

spthealien

I bought a Conti Home Trainer tire. I think it cost me $35 back in July. It's specific for trainer use as it handles the rubber-melting heat in a different manner than normal road tires. It's a bright yellow. Putting about 60 miles a week since the end of October, it's beginning to wear down to a black stripe down the center. I'd rather those tires wear out than my Michelin Pro3s due to trainer use.

bautieri

If you don't mind thrashing your current tire then it will be fine. It gives you the perfect excuse to go buy a new set of tires in the spring! My magnetic trainer has already thrashed one tire this year, so I have the old front tire on the rear and a new set waiting at the LBS that will be picked up once the rest of my parts order comes in. When I was there I spoke with the mechanics at the LBS who explained that special trainer tires are available and use a "different" rubber compound which has much less carbon in it hence it handles heat better. However a trainer tire is in the neighborhood of 50 bucks or so. I think I would rather buy a handful of cheapie tires when they go on sale and have the option of riding outside if the weather is nice enough. That is not an option on a trainer tire as it will get chewed up in no time.

To reduce noise from a trainer, ride it on the ground level of your home. The basement works best for this as the majority of the noise comes from vibrations in the floors.