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Fluid-Trainer problems

Old 02-02-17, 10:34 AM
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Fluid-Trainer problems

I'm hoping someone can help. I have a Performance Bike Ascent trainer (not a great one, I know) that I've had for many years, but have only used a few times because I don't think it is working correctly. I'll try my best to describe the sensation of using it - so bare with me.

First off, my bike is a 2008 Specialized Sirrus Sport. I have used both slicks and normal road tires on the trainer - the result is still the same.

The roller doesn't seem to roll smoothly or have any "glide" to it. if I roll it manually, it rolls while I am turning it but stops when I stop - there is no coast quality to it. It is the same when the bike tire is engaged - while I pedal, the crank turns the roller, but it doesn't spin the freewheel if I stop pedaling. I've tried verious changes to the setup, placing the roller closer and further from the wheel (while still engaged), lower and higher gears on the bike itself, to no avail. I'd liken it to the sensation of pushing a treadmill belt using only the strength of your legs - it moves, but only while I am moving it. Additionally, while it IS moving, it feels like the roller (or the wheel) is slightly oblong - I get a clear pulse where I feel a PUSH-PUSH-PUSH-PUSH rather than a smooth orbit of the pedals.

Sorry if these descriptions aren't doing the job but I need help. I'd really like to use the trainer this winter, but as it is now, I don't think I will. Can anyone help me?

N
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Old 02-02-17, 10:43 AM
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That is, unfortunately, how trainers work. There is no coasting, you just have to keep pedaling all the time. Better trainers have heavier flywheels which work better in giving a more 'realistic' feel, but they will still always feel like trainers.

The 'PUSH-PUSH-PUSH-PUSH' you describe is probably due to the same, and happens when you are putting less force when your legs are at the 6 / 12 o'clock position (I believe, can't tell for sure what you are feeling.) Working on your pedaling technique should help with that.

Now you know why some people equate the trainer to torture. Btw, the issues you describe should lessen a bit after 10 minutes or so, once the fluid warms up.
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Old 02-02-17, 11:38 AM
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PepeM - Thanks for the info - I'm definitely a novice on such things. I'll revisit it and see what happens.
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Old 02-02-17, 12:08 PM
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having had this model and am currently using a kurt kinetic, i can attest the differences are night and day, it all comes down to the flywheel, the ascent has a small flywheel, so it doesn't create a lot of inertia, while the kinetic road machine has a pretty substantial one and it definitely feels a lot more like being on the road, where if you stop pedaling, the wheel keeps turning. if you're planning on riding inside a lot i'd recommend it, it'll make a huge difference
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Old 02-02-17, 01:50 PM
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OTOH, the small flywheel makes your pedaling deficiencies more noticeable. You don't feel this on the road because of the momentum of you + bike. But on this trainer you easily feel when you're not putting torque on the bottom bracket because the thing slows down. So try this: put your bike in a really small gear and spin the cadence up until you are almost bouncing in the saddle. If you don't bounce, spin it up to ~115. You need a cadence equipped device for this of course. In any case, while spinning very fast, work on diminishing the throbbing and instead keep your pedaling smooth. This takes a fair bit of practice, but is totally worth doing. You need a very low gear so that you can keep doing this until you legs wear out without going over your aerobic threshold. Hints: keep your feet flat and relaxed, try to pedal with the shoe uppers rather than pushing down, and keep contact with the shoes' heel cups.

This is something you can do on the trainer which can't be done on the road. There are many exercises like this, specifically for the trainer, which will improve your strength and ability.
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Old 02-02-17, 06:27 PM
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Originally Posted by hubcyclist
having had this model and am currently using a kurt kinetic, i can attest the differences are night and day, it all comes down to the flywheel, the ascent has a small flywheel, so it doesn't create a lot of inertia, while the kinetic road machine has a pretty substantial one and it definitely feels a lot more like being on the road, where if you stop pedaling, the wheel keeps turning. if you're planning on riding inside a lot i'd recommend it, it'll make a huge difference
Do you have the Pro Flywheel (+12lbs) or the stock? The Pro improves the road feel and makes a night and day difference from the stock flywheel.

When I want my wheels to stop when my pedaling stops/work on smoothness, I'll ride the rollers.
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Old 02-02-17, 06:34 PM
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i have the stock, and it's nice. it's not actually my trainer, another forum member has lent it me for the past year since he uses rollers primarily, and i hated my ascent model. If I don't go with a smart trainer, I'd probably consider a used kinetic and picking up the pro flywheel
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Old 02-02-17, 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by naltimar
I'm hoping someone can help. I have a Performance Bike Ascent trainer (not a great one, I know) that I've had for many years, but have only used a few times because I don't think it is working correctly. I'll try my best to describe the sensation of using it - so bare with me.

First off, my bike is a 2008 Specialized Sirrus Sport. I have used both slicks and normal road tires on the trainer - the result is still the same.

The roller doesn't seem to roll smoothly or have any "glide" to it. if I roll it manually, it rolls while I am turning it but stops when I stop - there is no coast quality to it. It is the same when the bike tire is engaged - while I pedal, the crank turns the roller, but it doesn't spin the freewheel if I stop pedaling. I've tried verious changes to the setup, placing the roller closer and further from the wheel (while still engaged), lower and higher gears on the bike itself, to no avail. I'd liken it to the sensation of pushing a treadmill belt using only the strength of your legs - it moves, but only while I am moving it. Additionally, while it IS moving, it feels like the roller (or the wheel) is slightly oblong - I get a clear pulse where I feel a PUSH-PUSH-PUSH-PUSH rather than a smooth orbit of the pedals.

Sorry if these descriptions aren't doing the job but I need help. I'd really like to use the trainer this winter, but as it is now, I don't think I will. Can anyone help me?

N
There is no coasting with a fluid trainer, however, you can make it smoother by either pumping up your tires more or adjusting the distance of the rollers against the tire. I like there to be good contact between the roller and tire ... if there isn't, I get that funny pulsing situation. But with good contact also comes the need to put some effort into riding it.
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Old 02-03-17, 05:58 AM
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Super helpful folks, thanks! Lots to consider.
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