Winter Time! Q's about the accesories!
 

Hello bikers!
I've noticed that the weather was getting really cold lately that I don't think I will be able to go out on the road anymore unless it's extremely sunny. (I dont like biking when its cold :()
So I went to couple of Bike shops to look for a bike trainer so that I dont lose my shape over the winter time. The price were ranged from $109 (Travel Trac with Mag & Adjustable Trainer) to $259 (CycleOps Fluid Trainer) Since this is my first time buying these stuff, I need your professional recommendations (as always)
Ive decided that I will be buying my trainer at either Performance Bike Shop or ebay whichever the cheapest.
Is it worth paying extra $$$ for the expensive ones? i mean the stuff varies from Magnet to Fluid.. should I consider these stuff when buying? (Performance bike shop has cheap Travel Trac stuff on sale for $109 with Mag + Adjustable Trainer) Could you tell me what is the most important thing to look at before to buy trainers? All I want from my trainer is Resistant control and it has to run well.

Secondly, I'm also in need of a workstand. I know that Park Tool is a good brand to look at but is ULTIMATE PRO COMPACT also a good brand too? I'm trying to get these off ebay so that I can get it for little cheaper. All I want is simple. I want stand to be portable, fits my size (Im 6.0" tall) and its strong enough to be held tightly during the repair. What do you recommend?

Thirdly, Is having the chain cleaner necessary? bike shop told me yes, some people said no... whom should I believe?

Lastly, Tires... I'm thinking about buying a spare tire just incase if my tire pops.. (Well.. I have to buy one anyway in the future) and I was thinking about getiing Michelin Pro 2 Tires... What are soo good about them though? all my friends seem to have this tire including people in this forum.. I mean there is gotta be a difference because this tire is $48.99 @ Performance!! compared to $24.99 regular road tires. Also, ive notice that they are 700x23c.. is this mean it will wear down even faster? (I have 700x25 right now)

Thank you in advance
Don.

Michelin Pro Race 2 tires - go to probikekit.com, you can get them for about $27 delivered

I've heard good stuff about the Kurt Kinetic($300, it's what I use), Cycleops 2($300) & Tacx Flow($400, has a power meter). I've been told the cheap trainers are well, cheap.

I would clean your chain

For the chain cleaners, do you take it off the bike and clean?
Thanks
Don

Bump

Which tire is better? 700x25 or 700x23?

23 for me.

I keep my chain sparkling clean and well-lubricated without removing it, or using a dedicated chain cleaner. I use Simple Green, a rag, and Pedro's Ice Wax.

As for a trainer, I just got a Cycleops Mag at REI for $119. I believe they are still on sale.

Michelin Pro Race 2-I've not used them, but they have an excellent reputation. However, if you've been running a 25, going to a 23 may give a slightly rougher ride.

Thanks for your reply.
Why would it give rougher ride? I thought the 25 and 23's stand for the thickness of the tire?
Also, is there a difference between Michelin Pro and Michelin Pro 2 Tires? I have two options but Pro's are little bit more expensive
Thanks
Don

Wider tire=more volume=smoother ride. The difference would be negligible, though.

My advice:

1) Get the cheapest tire you can find for the trainer. Don't waste a good tire on it.

2) Spring for (at least) a magnetic trainer.

3) Buy that trainer at your LBS. Because of the weight shipping is very expensive on trainers, you end up about the same.

I got a Topeak Prepstand with integrated scale. It is really nice having a scale, and knowing what your bike weighs in its various configurations. Your friends too will appreciate your scale when you take it to your ride start. The Topeak got a medicore review here:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?...peak_prepstand

I've found that a chain cleaner gizmo works real well.

I have a Cycleops Fluid 2 and like it. It gives a good road-like feel and I can't spin it out. I also got some good service from Cycleops/Saris.

Just remember to use any trainer in a warp-speed star-cruiser to compensate for the time slowdown you'll encounter while using it. Coach Troy <> Counselor Troi.

Hey Don, I just bought a Ultimate Pro stand (not the compact but the red one). They go for around 189.99 but you can get them cheaper with different web sales (I paid 160.00

I went with Ultimate over Park Tools because you get more for your money and Ultimate makes a lot of stands for other things then just bikes. Check out some reviews.... Velo news did a review on stands and so does Ultiamte's website.

http://www.ultimatesupport.com/s.nl/...21&category=60

I originally wasn't going to spend this much on a stand but couldn't justify a park tools home mechanic stand that was only a little less but without folding legs... I spent a little more then I originally wanted but am very satisfied and this will last a long time.

Thanks for your replys, I really appreciate that.
Spending $189 for a work stand seems outrageous to me.. I would honestly spend that much of money for saddle or etc...

You would spend 189.00 bucks on a saddle that you could wreck in one fall? But not on a quality workstand that will last you a couple decades?

Suit yourself.

I found a homemade stand design on this site one time with pictures and lots of details...search for it, I built it for about $37 and it works great...

I wish I had pictures to show you

Keep it Simple
 

The LBS pros that I've discussed this very topic with all swear by the Simple Green method, rag and then using either TriFlow or other quality lube on the chain. After reading the following mediocre review about Pedro's Ice Wax, I'd say "the jury's still out." 3.25 out of 5 isn't any rave review! Besides, who wants to re-apply the stuff after each ride?:( http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Lube/product_22261.shtml

Maybe you Will wreck your saddles in one fall but when I buy the saddles, it stays in good shape for atleast 5 years.. who knows, your workstand might snap in half one day.
Btw, I didnt meant to say saddle for one specific reason... just in the general ideas.. I just dont see myself spending over $200 for a workstand. i would rather spend that much of money getting parts for an upgrade..

Are the any mediocre quality stand that can hold the bike@ a reasonable price?? It needs to hold the front and rear wheel as well.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...ruing%20Stands


as for the saddles.... you obviously never raced or rode in a fast paceline.... crap happens and one moment you are riding along and the next someone wrecked and you are on the ground (your saddle thrashed).

I agree, Ice Wax is far from ideal for a mountain bike. But it works just fine on my road bike. That being said, I'm not unwilling to try other chain lubes, which I may well do when I exhaust my current supply.

I've always had good results with Prolink Pro Gold.

http://www.progoldmfr.com/products/prolink.html

For a good, inexpensive no-frills workstand, check out the Ultimate BRS-50R Recreation Repair Stand from JensonUSA.com. I got mine for $76.00 last month; they may still be on sale. It's an excellent, solid stand - but lacks many of the adjustments found on more expensive stands. But that's no big deal to me... I don't need the "bells and whistles".

Regarding the chain - no need to buy a chain cleaner. Get a replacement chain pin from your LBS (usu. about $2) and use a chain breaker to pop that chain off your bike. Soak it in gasoline or paint thinner; whatever solvent you prefer. Shake it around a lot to get all the grit off. Let it dry, then install it on the bike. Lubricate each link individually and wipe off excess lube before riding.

If you don't like working with chain pins, you can use KMC MissingLink to join your chain back together. You can pick up a card of 6 of these for about $10-$12 at Jenson and they make the process much easier.

PS - If you have an SRAM chain then it may have a reusable "master" link installed that you can pop on and off to remove/install the chain.

I thought all chains have the master link?? My chain is still a stock. I never replaced it before.

I thought you were going to talk about winter weather accessories: booties, gloves, ear warmers, balaclavas (or baklava, why not?), etc. A better way than the trainer, IMO...

The chain cleaners are more hassle than they are worth. Just learn how to remove your chain and then soak it in some citrus degreaser over night. I.e. spend your money on a bike repair manual and decent chaintool.

I ride the cycleops fluid trainer and can highly recommend it. They seem to have worked out a lot of the design kinks that plagued trainers in the mid 90s. My biggest concern with trainers is noise because I like to watch TV in my apartment while I ride.