Originally Posted by bbccyclist
I can think of no better place to post this than in a forum aimed at bike mechanics.
I've read that trainers can be hard on bikes and that we should use older "backup" bikes on trainers instead of our high-end super light road bikes. I've also read that this isn't the case at all and you can pedal away on your Colnago C50 hooked up to trainer during the winter months without fears of any damage.
What's the real story?
Thanks
I don't have any hard facts to offer either, just more conjecture. The rear axle of a bike is one of the stronger areas of the frame though, if that helps. Most frames tend to give where the downtube and the headtube are welded. I would think as long as you remain seated instead of standing and hammering your bike would be OK.
That being said, I still use a backup bike on my trainer just to be safe.
I feel odd calling it a backup bike though as I've put substantially more miles on it this year than I have my nicer bikes.