Trainers...early I know
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Currently Japan
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Trainers...early I know
Ok, here in japan Sunset is currently around 5pm, giving me very little time to get out and ride. And the weather has been complete crap. Yesterday I rode through a hail storm. Thus to keep up with Training I'm thinking about buying my 1st trainer. My LBS choices seem to be cycleops, and minoura trainers and rollers.
Recomendations?!
Recomendations?!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: mass
Posts: 942
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I tried them both, the cyclops wins hands down, it's the closest thing you can get to real road feel and it's quiet as a mouse.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Someplace trying to figure it out
Posts: 10,664
Bikes: Cannondale EVO, CAAD9, Giant cross bike.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 67 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Cycleops..and the Fluid2 is the best of the bunch. It automatically makes it more difficult to pedal (kicks in more watts) the faster you go. Feels about as close to road riding as you are going to get with a trainer.
They now make one with a computer attached that has riding programs and tracks watts. We have one in the bike shop..it's about $200 more than the Fluid2, but if youcan spend the money it is worth it.
They now make one with a computer attached that has riding programs and tracks watts. We have one in the bike shop..it's about $200 more than the Fluid2, but if youcan spend the money it is worth it.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Memphis TN
Posts: 816
Bikes: Raleigh, Benotto, Schwinn, Trek
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Performance Bike sells their Travel Trac 2000 for $149.99. It's a very quiet fluid resistence unit. I've used one for the last 2-3 years. It's solidly built, will mount just about any road bike, and doesn't take much storage space.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 2,794
Bikes: litespeed, cannondale
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Well, I have tried wind trainers, magnetic trainers, fluid resistance trainers, and trainers with freewheels. Personally, I think a trainer with a freewheel is superior to any of the others. The freewheel resists you as you accelerate and it even lets you "coast" a bit when you pause for some reason.
Of course, the bigger the freewheel the better. The "bikes" that they use for spin classes have pretty good sized freewheels and those bikes have a pretty good "road feel" but I have never used one for more then a sit on and spin for a minute. If expense and space is no consideration, you might look at one of these.
Of course, the bigger the freewheel the better. The "bikes" that they use for spin classes have pretty good sized freewheels and those bikes have a pretty good "road feel" but I have never used one for more then a sit on and spin for a minute. If expense and space is no consideration, you might look at one of these.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Medway, MA
Posts: 2,727
Bikes: 2011 Lynskey Sportive, 1988 Cannondale SM400
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 20 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The point of a trainer is NOT to coast. The flywheel on a Spinning bike is 38 lbs, and is essentially a fixed gear, so again you can't coast. It is also an expensive alternative to a trainer. My vote would be for rollers, since you will not only stay strong, you will also develop a more fluid pedal stroke and improve your balance. Start out by setting up in a doorway, so you have a place to grab onto in case of emergency. Second place would go to a trainer with either fluid or magnetic resistance. Stay away from the fan units, as they are noisy. Also, if you use a trainer, get a block for the front wheel to level the bike, and in any case, get a sweat guard for your bike. It attaches to the bars and under the seat post to keep sweat off of your frame, since it doesn't evaporate like it would if you were out riding. Don't want to corrode your tubes!!!
#7
Back in the Sooner State
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 2,572
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Instead of wasting money on a trainer block and sweat guard, you could also use a thick book (phone books work great) and just put a towel over the top of the bike. I'd also strongly suggest getting a fan at about body level and have it going. Your body can't cool itself properly if you're spinning in still air, and your efforts on the trainer will suffer.
#8
One day at a time
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Des Moines Iowa
Posts: 145
Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes my guy at the LBS told me that our Phonebook is the perfect size for the front. I think that I am getting the Fluid trainer... cant wait to get it and catch up on some Taped TV
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
having both Fluid2 and Rollers I would say go with rollers.
You get a much better work out, improve both balance and
pedalstroke.
I also find I don't get as bored on rollers, it takes too much
concentration for me to get bored. Lose concentration and I
end up riding off the side of the rollers (not a good thing).
Marty
You get a much better work out, improve both balance and
pedalstroke.
I also find I don't get as bored on rollers, it takes too much
concentration for me to get bored. Lose concentration and I
end up riding off the side of the rollers (not a good thing).
Marty
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#11
Senior Member
captsven I use a fixedgear bike on tacx rollers.
It will make you a better and stronger rider
It will make you a better and stronger rider
I had just planned on using my road bike.
I was going to get the kreitlers with resistance unit.
FXjohn
#12
Back in the Sooner State
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 2,572
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A buddy of mine that's racing cat 2's now broke his arm falling off of rollers. Pretty funny from the outside lookin' in.
#13
Spawn of Satan
I have broken a collar bone on rollers but that was back in the clip in days (12 years ago??).
Right now in Grand Rapids it is 45°F (7.2°C) with 15mph winds and 30mph gusts. Windchill is 38°F (3.3°C). They are also forcasting rain with some snow mixed in. Brrrr!!!
I think I may see if my rollers are in working order tonight.....
It is way to early for this kind of weather.
Oh well!
Right now in Grand Rapids it is 45°F (7.2°C) with 15mph winds and 30mph gusts. Windchill is 38°F (3.3°C). They are also forcasting rain with some snow mixed in. Brrrr!!!
I think I may see if my rollers are in working order tonight.....
It is way to early for this kind of weather.
Oh well!
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Palmdale, CA
Posts: 92
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez Comp Cr-Mo
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by captsven
Right now in Grand Rapids it is 45°F (7.2°C) with 15mph winds and 30mph gusts. Windchill is 38°F (3.3°C). They are also forcasting rain with some snow mixed in. Brrrr!!!
It is way to early for this kind of weather.
Oh well!
Right now in Grand Rapids it is 45°F (7.2°C) with 15mph winds and 30mph gusts. Windchill is 38°F (3.3°C). They are also forcasting rain with some snow mixed in. Brrrr!!!
It is way to early for this kind of weather.
Oh well!
Right now, 89 degrees F with 15 mph winds. "Windchill" is 85. Rain is forecasted for February.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Jersey shore
Posts: 946
Bikes: '87 Paramount & '02 Scapin EOS3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
11 Posts
A second vote for the Performance TravelTrac. This will be my third winter with it and it works well (although the fluid reservoir gets hot enough to burn you). A book is fine for the front wheel, but I recommend on the properly designed sweat guards. Rigging a towel is a pain.
#16
Back in the Sooner State
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Norman, OK
Posts: 2,572
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nah, put the front of the towel over the brake hoods to give your hands something cushy to lean on. Wedge a little of it between the rear brake housing and the frame in the back, and you're set!
What can I say? I'm distinctly anti-technology in many ways. Who needs a bunch of velcro?
What can I say? I'm distinctly anti-technology in many ways. Who needs a bunch of velcro?
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Currently Japan
Posts: 138
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks for everyone's reply, it couldn't come at a better time, with the literal monsoon pouring down outside the faculty room. I most likely will only buy the trainer or roller from the lbs, shipping to japan is a real price hike. I'll most likely go with a trainer, I don't want to fall off rollers and end up losing the upcomming triatholon season.
Since japanese schools have no insulation, I'll just train in the school gym, I'll be cycling to stay warm.
Random question, how do rollers vary their resistance....or do they at all.
Thanks all
Since japanese schools have no insulation, I'll just train in the school gym, I'll be cycling to stay warm.
Random question, how do rollers vary their resistance....or do they at all.
Thanks all
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: n.w. superdrome
Posts: 17,687
Bikes: 1 trek, serotta, rih, de Reus, Pogliaghi and finally a Zieleman! and got a DeRosa
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 15 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 9 Times
in
9 Posts
Originally Posted by anikuma
Random question, how do rollers vary their resistance....or do they at all.
or magnetic (minoura). These are options on both, Rollers don't need the
resistance. You can also vary resistance by letting air out of tires.
I'm of the opinion that rollers are more for cadence, balance, etc. than for
strength training and thus resistance is not needed.
Marty
__________________
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
Sono più lento di quel che sembra.
Odio la gente, tutti.
Want to upgrade your membership? Click Here.
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I always got the idea that rollers are more for developing form, pedal stroke technique, and balance than for exercise. I've seen dudes riding on them and dudes riding on trainers, and it looks like you can get a whole lot more exercise benefits from the trainers.
Koffee
Koffee
#21
Nut Job
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 517
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Trainers / Rollers --- Right Track?
After much reading throught the forum, I've basically nailed it down to either getting the following:
A 1up Trainer or a Kreitler Dyno-Mite Roller
I can only get one or the other at this time. I've read issues about the trainer messing around with frame flexing on high power workouts, but if you concentrate on form how much of a factor is it really?
As for the rollers, I don't know if it will be sufficient enough for simulating hills which I really love doing? I don't want to mess around with a noisy fan setup.
Which one? I'm leaning towards the 1up...
A 1up Trainer or a Kreitler Dyno-Mite Roller
I can only get one or the other at this time. I've read issues about the trainer messing around with frame flexing on high power workouts, but if you concentrate on form how much of a factor is it really?
As for the rollers, I don't know if it will be sufficient enough for simulating hills which I really love doing? I don't want to mess around with a noisy fan setup.
Which one? I'm leaning towards the 1up...
#23
Nut Job
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 517
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Rollers---speed calibration question. I'm leaning towards getting the Kreitler rollers, but am wondering about which size rollers to get.
I'm a pretty fit rider and love to get my heart rate up to anaerobic capacity during long rides just to wake me up, plus I love riding up steep hills.
Kreitler offers the 4-1/2" dia., 3" dia., and 2-1/4" dia. The first may be too easy, and the latter may be too hard. The middle may be just what I'm looking for, but my questions is--->"Does 25mph on the rollers feel like 25mph on the road?" I don't want to have to mess around with the wind fan accessory if I don't have to.
Any ideas?
I'm a pretty fit rider and love to get my heart rate up to anaerobic capacity during long rides just to wake me up, plus I love riding up steep hills.
Kreitler offers the 4-1/2" dia., 3" dia., and 2-1/4" dia. The first may be too easy, and the latter may be too hard. The middle may be just what I'm looking for, but my questions is--->"Does 25mph on the rollers feel like 25mph on the road?" I don't want to have to mess around with the wind fan accessory if I don't have to.
Any ideas?
#24
Senior Member
I always got the idea that rollers are more for developing form, pedal stroke technique, and balance than for exercise. I've seen dudes riding on them and dudes riding on trainers, and it looks like you can get a whole lot more exercise benefits from the trainers.
Koffee
Koffee
(I haven't rode any yet) I am going to get some for winter.
I guess you can mount the front fork (there's an accessory for that)
and get the resistance unit.
Then wouldn't it be exactly like a trainer?
FXjohn
#25
Nut Job
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 517
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm thinking to get rollers to avoid the stresses from locking the bike on trainers. I only have one precious road bike and I need to take care of it !