Is it possible that extended use of a trainer can cause damage to the bearings in the rear hub? When I take the bike out on the road, it feels like I'm riding with the brakes on. The wheels seem to spin okay, but once I start peddling it's another story.

I cant see it causing any more damage than riding on the road.
Did you check to make sure the wheel is aligned properly, and not rubbing the chainstay when you get on the bike?

That's one of the things that I look at initially and it's not rubbing, I didn't check the brake caliper to see if it was misaligned. I was told by a bike buddy that it possible that it's possible that there is some internal friction happening that's creating heat and perhaps creating some binding. But there is no real way to know. I didn't notice this issue last season and I've only had these wheels for two seasons AND it spend the entire 2006/2007 winter on the trainer. It's a Xero Wheelset. Prior to this set I had a great pair of Spinergy Spox.... should have kept them.

do you keep the trainer resistance wheel clamped down on the tire? i dont think that leaving it is a good idea, i always back it off and re-position it when i use it.

Just a thought...

Not joking, but could it just be that the resistance of real riding is much greater than whatever resistance the trainer puts up when you pedal?

If there was heat building up somewhere, you'd feel it by touching the parts.

Thanks guys....

The question wasn't one of comparison of riding on the trainer vs. riding on the road. I know they are different. I am simply exploring the possibility that my trainer could be causing damage to my wheels. Just to confirm, when the bike is on the trainer and I'm not riding it, all connections are loosened so there is not continued stress on the frame or wheels. It's during the time that I am on the trainer and there is pressure on the wheels, is there damage being done? Don't know... Could be just a bad wheelset. Or, maybe I just don't have the power anymore, but I refuse to believe that.

I'll figure it out.... time to contact the wheel manufacturer and the trainer manufacturer.

Yes I think it can. It puts a different kind of pressure on the wheel than riding. Especially when you stop the wheel and tighten or loosen the trainier. The small trainer wheel in one point on the diameter is why trainers ruin tires so fast. I think if you tighten the trainer too much you can ruin the bearings, you are holding the axle from moving away from the force, not like riding a bike. I have ruined two rear bearings on bikes this way.