Trainer question - Tacx and more
 

So while I've been averaging around 250km a week here, it is getting to the point where the heat is getting a bit much. It is starting to touch 120F by mid-day - even by 9-9:30am, it gets *really* hot. So I have been thinking of taking my training indoors - onto a trainer. Plan is to do 2-3 hours outdoors in the morning, get indoors by 9 and do another 1-1.5 hours on the trainer.

The only trainer I have used so far is a cheap Minoura Rim Drive unit (RDA-80 or something like that), which felt terrible to ride - the resistance was always too strong and it didnt feel anything close to riding a bike.

I was thinking of a Tacx Fortius unit, but to be honest, that's a bit much right now - so I am thinking of getting a cheaper unit. The only LBS in this country carries only Tacx, so the Kurt Kinetic (the CAAD9 of trainers) is out.

So, my questions:

1/ Is the Minoura Rim Drive typical of all trainers or are fluid trainers more akin to the "real thing"?

2/ Any recommendations on Tacx models - something equivalent to the Kurt Kinetic?

3/ Any tips for staying interested while on trainers? I know people use DVDs, etc- any recommendations which work with regular trainers? Preferably geared towards improving TT performance (see sig).

Thanks,
V.

Buy a Kurt Kinetic from this place with the 15% off coupon. http://www.bicycleoutfittersindy.com/ There is really no need to buy a trainer at a LBS if they don't even carry the best one.

I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and a Tacx Fortius in my basement with a bike on each one all winter. They both serve their purpose. I use the KK for shorter interval workouts with Spinervals and CTS DVD's (I have most of them and they are both excellent). The Fortius is good for longer aerobic rides. The Kinetic will last forever. The build quality of the Fortius is average.

Thanks for that. I've picked up a Fortius for now - if I enjoy it, I might get the Kinetic for interval training at some later stage. Am looking forward to climbing Mt Ventoux :)