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Loosen trainer when not in use?

Old 01-15-06, 08:49 AM
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Loosen trainer when not in use?

Should I loosen the tension on my trainer (cycle-ops fluid 2) between uses? Does having that pressure on the tire wear anything (tire, wheel, etc.) out more quickly or cause other problems?

Am I paranoid? Does everyone else HATE their trainers?
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Old 01-15-06, 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Dewbert
Should I loosen the tension on my trainer (cycle-ops fluid 2) between uses?
I always loosen it. Seems like constant pressure on one spot on the wheel could cause problems.


Originally Posted by Dewbert
Does everyone else HATE their trainers?
Yes. But the doctor told me no riding for at least 4 more weeks or he not responsible for any "damage" to my shoulder. So I'm on the trainer every morning or evening

Don't tell my doctor but I may sneak out for an occasional ride around my neighborhood or to the store.
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Old 01-15-06, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by Dewbert
Should I loosen the tension on my trainer (cycle-ops fluid 2) between uses? Does having that pressure on the tire wear anything (tire, wheel, etc.) out more quickly or cause other problems?

Am I paranoid? Does everyone else HATE their trainers?
I just take the bike off from the trainer and suspend it in the garage.

I love my trainer. It's either that or trying to roll in snow/ice.
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Old 01-15-06, 01:50 PM
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I usually unwind mine, but not always. Don't really care about the tire/wheel since I bought a cheap one for the trainer and the real one's in the garage waiting for better weather.
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Old 01-15-06, 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Dewbert
Does everyone else HATE their trainers?

No.
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Old 01-15-06, 02:04 PM
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Hmmm, I would use one, but I don't think that my studed tires would work so well with the trainer.

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Old 01-16-06, 12:32 PM
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I love my trainer. In fact, you might be hearing some good news pretty soon about me and my trainer, we're THAT happy together.

I take my bike after each use. I'm more concerned about maintaining constant pressure on the flywheel/resistance dealy as well as the brace that holds the rear wheel. I'd think it'd weaken them both over enough time, similar to a continuously coiled spring losing its recoil. I feel like I'd have to gradually tighten both further over time, until they finally break. Crazy? Probably.

Anyone know if having front shocks is harder on trainers? I've got the shocks as stiff as they'll go, but the bike still bounces when mashing.
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Old 01-18-06, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by fillthecup
I love my trainer. In fact, you might be hearing some good news pretty soon about me and my trainer, we're THAT happy together.

I take my bike after each use. I'm more concerned about maintaining constant pressure on the flywheel/resistance dealy as well as the brace that holds the rear wheel. I'd think it'd weaken them both over enough time, similar to a continuously coiled spring losing its recoil. I feel like I'd have to gradually tighten both further over time, until they finally break. Crazy? Probably.

Anyone know if having front shocks is harder on trainers? I've got the shocks as stiff as they'll go, but the bike still bounces when mashing.
what kind of trainer do you have? Any pics?
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Old 01-19-06, 07:17 AM
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I take the pressure off of the tire when not in use.
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Old 01-19-06, 12:41 PM
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Originally Posted by kingsfan4life
what kind of trainer do you have? Any pics?
It's nothing outside of the normal list of trainers, a CycleOps Fluid^2. I've ended up using it way way more than I would have hoped (I was worried it'd collect dust). Last winter I hit about 1 hr per day. This winter is not much different. I use the indoor cycling time as an excuse to watch classic films. And before anyone says anything YES I'd rather cycle outside, and I DO commute in the cold when I'm not being considerate of my girlfriend.

My friends have tried wind resistance units and reported they rarely used them due to the deafening noise. If you're looking into trainers I'd say an extra $50-75 is worth it for something that's quiet and easy to use, and therefore more likely to be used often. The Fluid^2 lets you switch gears as normal to change resistance, instead of using a cable or getting off the bike to fool with screws, and it's relatively quiet.
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Old 01-19-06, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by fillthecup
It's nothing outside of the normal list of trainers, a CycleOps Fluid^2. I've ended up using it way way more than I would have hoped (I was worried it'd collect dust). Last winter I hit about 1 hr per day. This winter is not much different. I use the indoor cycling time as an excuse to watch classic films. And before anyone says anything YES I'd rather cycle outside, and I DO commute in the cold when I'm not being considerate of my girlfriend.

My friends have tried wind resistance units and reported they rarely used them due to the deafening noise. If you're looking into trainers I'd say an extra $50-75 is worth it for something that's quiet and easy to use, and therefore more likely to be used often. The Fluid^2 lets you switch gears as normal to change resistance, instead of using a cable or getting off the bike to fool with screws, and it's relatively quiet.
What he / she said.
Longest I've gone indoors this winter is 2 hours.

Most 1 hr rides I work on breathing / form. Beyond that I have some music or now DVD's on the laptop.
Working up to the wathching LOTR while pedalling.
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Old 01-20-06, 09:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Dewbert
Should I loosen the tension on my trainer (cycle-ops fluid 2) between uses? Does having that pressure on the tire wear anything (tire, wheel, etc.) out more quickly or cause other problems?

Am I paranoid? Does everyone else HATE their trainers?
I just have a pedal that after the initial adjustment when setting up the trainer, I push to disengage the trainer/tension from the tyre. When I want to use it again, I just hit the pedal an it engages the roller to the tyre at the proper tension. I leave my bike in the trainer all winter and never have to re-adjust anything.

I love my trainer...now. I'll hate it in the morning when I have to use it again.

\aj
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