Don't know if this is the right forum, but since I ride a road bike, here I go ...

The winter weather is setting in Portland, OR and it is crappy outside. Cold, rain, way too many 'slick' leaves on the road to ride ... yeah I'm a wuss and a noobie.

Anyway, I was thinking of getting a trainer. Saw several threads & pros and cons of the same. What I want is something that can hook up to the TV or to the PC and hence control the 'training' session. Does anybody in this forum use anything like this? How do u folks like it? Would you recommend it? Any specific product?

I did get a TravelTrac Century Mag Plus Trainer with the remote. But I guess I would need to pace myself. And I have very little belief in myself that I will, in the comfort of my residence and in front of the TV. Hence the need for something that will 'push' me. Not to digress, but are the spinerval DVDs of any help? Will that suffice with the trainer that I bought?

Plz help,

Stuck @ home & going thru' withdrawal symptoms since I can't ride.
Magesh

This isn't the answer to your question but I'll tell ya' what I did to simulate my 20 mile training circuit.

I broke the circuit into 5 segments. Using a HRM with a Lap button I'm able to determine my average Heart Rate over each segment and time covering each segment.

I've kept these records for over 70 or 80 trips around the circuit.

Now, at home I strap on my HR monitor, start pedaling on the trainer, and keep my average heart rate equal to what it is over each segment for the length of time I normally ride each segment.

The workout is actually more strenuous than the actual ride because on the ride there are times when my HR is higher than average, then lower when coasting etc. But on the trainer I maintain the HR throughout the entire time of the segment so the heart and muscles don't really get much of a chance to rest.

The nice thing is, by watching my HR I can keep the intensity even as I shift from one gear to another depending on how I'm feeling.

So, bottomline, you can control your own training session just by watching your HRM and the clock (and a TV show if you're so inclined, hehee).

Good luck!
..rickko..

www.computrainer.com

Hooks up to a computer and complete simulates riding a set course. You have a couple that comes with the software, but 100's available for download at the website, or you can make your own. Living in the Northeast myself (yeah, right, REALLY north east in a couple of weeks... Moving from NJ to Sweden), you really get an appreciation for the computrainer. Sitting on a trainer just spinning for hours is as exciting as watching paint dry.

If you are prepared to drop the kind of money required by a CompuTrainer or some other VR trainer, you're better off buying a PowerTap and watching videos. The PowerTap will serve you well when the weather gets better.

Phew. That IS expensive PRO stuff. For me stuff like this will also suffice: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120. Even for this, I'm fighting shy about the $.

This is what I have and I got this brand new for like $84/- (
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...egory_ID=4120# )

My Q is: Is there a true value addition in using a computer based trainer - simulator? Or again is it more of personal preferences as most of the cycling stuff?

You also mentioned other software available. Can u direct me to some sites? Searched google and I was all over the map. BUt then again, it would need to interface with what I currently have. And I checked with Perf' and they advised that the Mag+ trainer will not interface with any PC.

In conclusion: I think I'm going to end up getting a simple HRM/Cadence computer to hook up to my rear wheel and start pedalling, due to price constraints. (Don't know how much the DVDs & HRM/Cadence unit will set me back. Hopefully much less than the Computer Trainer.) And then follow this routine (non automated way):

.20 minute warm up ~ 80 cycles on the cadence
.3 rapid minutes @ 100 cycles with 'rest' (70~80) in between every minute
.Hit the highs (1.5 ~ 2 times HR) for abt 3 mts and then settle down
.10 ~ 15 mts of 60 cycles
.1 mt sprints for a total 5 mts
.Slow and warm down.


Gotta make a decision asap.

Yes, the computrainer might be expensive, but it really makes a difference. Another option (and much cheaper) is to get together with a bunch of friends for spinerval videos or just plain spinning for a few hours. Makes the time on the trainer survivable.

Abso-freaking-loutely the right answer there people!

Grab a PT SL and drip sweat all over it while watching those numbers. When the sun comes out again, hit the road with the PT. Money is better spent on something that can be used year-round.

I find power-based trainer time to be quite effective. You don't need anything fancy like the computer trainers when you can easily build simple routines with the PT. I do things like: 10 min 150W, 5 min 300W, 10 min 200W, 10 min 150W, 10 min 200W, 10 min 150W. One eye on the TV and one eye on the power meter

With bad weather preventing you from riding--what you are looking for is something that will challenge and motivate you to keep riding despite being captivated indoors.

You already have a stationary trainer. No need to spend a lot for powertrainers, computers, and other gadgets

The DVDs are good and they keep me motivated when I can't go outside to ride. During the winter months, I'll do stationary rides 3-4 times a week. It keeps my legs spinning when otherwise I would have zero miles.

What also helps is if you can find another friend with a stationary trainer who would do the sessions with you.

Keep a training diary. That helps see your progress. I use one online which also helps me to gauge my progress against others. See www.activebody.org

The DVDs are typically around $30 each. Pick a couple that look interesting to you. Spinervals and Carmicheal Training Systems are both good series.