H3NDRIX

Well I have logged close to 1000 miles on my CAAD10 since getting it in June of 14'. With work getting busier and having a busy family life it is getting harder and harder for me to get rides in during the week.

I have come to the conclusion that a Trainer will be good and something I think I will use often. I am wanting to increase my cardio and my leg strength on the trainer so I don't loose any conditioning during the week in between weekend rides.

I'm 6'4 280lbs.

My question is are their certain trainers that are stronger and will hold up to my weight better than others? After doing my research I think a Mag trainer will be what I am looking for.

Also I have a bike computer with the magnet attached to my front wheel. How can I measure my distance and speed while on the Trainer?

10 Wheels

Just go for 15-20 mile real rides...Get lights if it will be dark.

dr_lha

I'd recommend Cycleops and Kurt Kinetic trainers (not their Rock and Roll though, which isn't recommended above 250lbs), which are built very strong and will have no problem with your weight. Why did you decide on a mag trainer out of interest?

FYI I own a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine 2.0 fluid trainer, it's really nice.

H3NDRIX

that is an option also, but riding at night in the dark for 1.5 hours doesn't really appeal to me. I figured I could use the trainer while at home after the kids go to bed.

H3NDRIX

I see a lot of Cycleops trainers at good prices.

I have just started doing my research the last few days, and I think the price of the mag trainers is what has me leaning towards them. Also I have read(not sure how accurate it is) that over time the fluid trainers can start to leak.

Rock31

I got a Cycleops and I actually really enjoy it. The winter, snow and ice do not really appeal to me so all of my winter riding is done in front of the TV on my trainer.

dr_lha

FYI The Kurt Kinetic Road Machine is a sealed unit, so can't leak. I believe that the latest Cycleops Fluid trainer had it's leaking issues fixed too.

Yes, Mag trainers are cheaper, but fluid trainers are quieter and give a more realistic road feel. The progressive resistance of a Fluid trainer I think is a net plus also. Still, if you're limited by budget...

H3NDRIX

I will look further into the fluid trainers, is the resistance adjustable on the fluid trainer?

also, how to I measure my distance with only the back wheel spinning?

dr_lha

The resistance in a Fluid trainer goes up the faster your wheel spins. This works great for me, I use structured power-based training using TrainerRoad and have no issue hitting the power levels using this method. I've never used a mag trainer though I'll admit, so can't comment on how that would work with the little adjuster, the way the fluid trainer works just seems natural to me.

You'd need a speed meter that measures from your back wheel rather than your front wheel. What are you using right now to measure your speed?

H3NDRIX

Is their any maintenance with fluid trainers?

right now I have a Cateye Urban wireless computer on my bike, and on my rides I also use my iPhone with a gps cycling app.

dagray

I would put my vote in for the BKool Pro trainer/simulator. I am now 362 pounds and have been using one of these since October of 2014. The software/app also works with the Wahoo Kickr trainer (I haven't used that trainer).

The software controls the trainer via Bluetooth and reads cadence and heart rate sensors. If you have ridden a route you can input the GPS data to the software (very easy) and then ride the route on the trainer with very similar resistance. Also you can race others, ride with others, ride routes other people have input, and even ride segments of the five world tours.

Dave

dr_lha

No maintenance that I am aware of. EDIT:

Kurt has this nice video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj-NzjGatGs

Haven't felt the need to do any of this stuff though.

The Cateye is on your front wheel right? So that won't work as is obviously. I don't use one myself, but can it be moved to the rear wheel?

I use a BlueTooth speed/cadence meter in conjunction with my iPhone. I use a Wahoo BlueSCv2, but others are available that are cheaper. This will relay speed/cadence to your iPhone, then you'd have to mount your phone to your handlebars to see your current speed, which is a major downside.

pinsonp2 

On my trainer (KK Road Machine) I use the Cateye Stada Cadence (https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Cadence...strada+cadence). The Cateye Double Wireless should also work (https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Caden...strada+cadence). I am sure there are other brands that allow both cadence and speed to be picked up from the rear wheel, but I know these will for sure.

P2

LGHT

Not sure how the weather is in your area, but I love ridding in the dark. I borrowed a friends trainer for a week and thought it was the boring thing on earth and I could never get used to riding on it. No wind in your face, scenery, cool breeze to enjoy etc etc. Instead of getting a trainer I got a couple of really good lights 250 watt lights and now enjoy riding at night. The streets I ride don't get much traffic and I'm fortunate enough to have a few dedicated bike paths if I really want to get off the road. In fact I rode in the middle of the day Sunday and thought wow I really missed riding at night. It was hot, humid, sticky, and too many people on the rode.

If your content on getting a trainer I did like the kurt fluid run I used during a bike fit over the cheap mag one I borrowed if that helps.

H3NDRIX

I will check to see if it can be moved to the rear wheel. If not I might look into the Wahoo.

My phone is already mounted to my handlebars via my Rokform Mount.

H3NDRIX

weather in my area is good. I live in SoCal, so the weather is not really the reason for me buying a trainer.

My main reason is I didn't want to invest in an expensive light system that I would have to take off every time I go for my normal day time rides, and I figured I could do my workouts in the comfort of my home or my garage at night.

LGHT

Ahh well if your in So Cal then you really should be riding at night in my opinion. I was also against it initially until I started riding on the SART after work and realized how much fun it was.

I have 2 cygolights Metro 550's. They are about $60 each new and wow do they put out a lot of light for a little over $120. Don't worry about getting them on and off. The quick release bracket on the bottom that they come with takes a few turns on the bolt and then it just comes right off. It takes less than a minute to mount and dismount both lights. I actually don't even take mine off since you can simply slide the light off the bracket to charge and slide it back on which takes about 2 seconds.

LGHT

Ohh and on a side note the 2 lights I use are probably less than half the costs of a new trainer which is also one of the reasons I "adapted".

dr_lha

My reason for using a trainer is a low of 4F tonight.

LGHT

Ironic since that's the same reason why I'm living in So Cal

dr_lha

...and just to make it doubly worse, my wife is from LA, so I get to hear the "why don't we live in California" comments at home too!

salreus

I have the kinetic by kurt road machine also and enjoy it over below freezing temps outside right now. The resistance is based on your cadence and gear your bike is in. keeping the same cadence but changing gears will give you different resistance and power output.

Only thing the trainer app tells you to do is to loosen the rollers after your down working out. Not really sure why. But that is pretty much it. As far as training, you will get 30 days free with trainer road and can stay with them for 10 a month. or use any other program or make up your own.
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sstorkel

A trainer is not an accurate simulation of a real-world ride, so it's best not to worry about speed and distance. Focus on time and heart rate (or power output) instead.

salreus

No doubt... I miss coasting when I get tired and still getting to log distance. Stupid training program always has me peddling. Can't wait to see how much it's going to help me out once I get on the road.

IBOHUNT

It will...

Did Ericsson then Fin tonight