LeMond RevMaster for Fondo training??
 

Long cold winter here. Will do a bit of mountain biking with a little luck. What do folks think of using a LeMond Revmaster for indoor training to gain strength and/or endurance to hit the roads in the spring stronger? I was using a Cannondale R6 on a Cyclops fluid, but the whole assembly is being purchased by someone from me for a price I can't refuse. Besides, the thing barely fit in my workout space. I ride a Roubaix Apex outdoors. Wondering without the ability to "shift" on the LeMond if you still get get anything beyond just fast "spinning" for excercise.

With a spin bike you can adjust the resistance. It's no different than having gears, except the adjustment does not have steps. You can make it as hard as you want.

The best thing about a spin bike is that you can stand on it without fear of damaging a bicycle mounted on a trainer. Some spin bikes have funny ergonomics compared to road bicycles but the LeMond is designed to match road bike ergonomics.

I was on once and I was floored with how smooth it was. I won't put my carbon bike on a trainer which is also why I'm exploring this route. Thank you!

A trainer won't hurt a carbon bike unless it comes loose. Go to any race and you'll see plenty of people warming up with their expensive carbon race bikes on trainers.

I don't know about the LeMond but one drawback to regular spin bikes is no freewheel. Maybe someone who is a track racer or fixie rider can remember not to coast but I can't. At least once per session I forget and nearly get launched over the bars. Having a fixed gear and a large flywheel masks poor pedalling motion, so you can't work on your form.

Yea, I can see that Eric, without a freewheel as a drawback. I'd do a Computrainer, but then computer, cables and even more layout needed. Maybe I'll go find a LeMond for a workout somewhere for a bit and see how I like it.

The RevMaster is a great bike, I have *almost* purchased one on a few different occasions, I am taking the plunge this winter though (actually tomorrow).

I was stuck between a Keiser M3+ (with the adjustable handlebars) or the RevMaster. I am opting for the RevMaster to save some $$, though after adding a bike computer, I won't be too far off on $$ from the M3.

If you want to freewheel (I don't) then look at the CycleOps (they have the flywheel in the back and have the ability to freewheel). The low end model is only a little more than the RevMaster Sport.

I take a spin class on one. Fine machine for the purpose. Would bore without the fun class. Fixed gear with heavy flywheel is a drawback, as noted by Eric. My view is that a trainer should have as little inertia in the system as possible. Makes OLP and fast pedal more interesting. Rollers with resistance are the real deal. Ride any bike, any wheel/QR, any decent road tire. Real position, real feel equals real results. OLP and intervals very nice. Does take more space, may not work for you. You want the width of the roller frame plus 1'. Approximately the same length as the bike, plus 1/2 wheel, plus room for at least one 24" box fan.