Turbo Trainer recommendations?

PAB345

Hi All,

i've just started cycling again to increase my general fitness and was thinking of getting a turbo trainer or a set of rollers. i know it would be better to be out on the road but work commitments will mean that I'll soon have about a 12hr day during the week and possibly half a day on saturdays. I also live in Belfast and the traffic is fairly bad and I wouldn't want to be riding in the dark as I had a few near misses last year on a 2 mile commute to the office.

My question is basically two parts, firstly which would be better, rollers or a turbo trainer (and can you recommend any models for use 3-4 times a week) and would it be better to use my normal road bike (with a second back wheel) or a fixed gear bike. From some things I've read they recommend not using your normal road bike indoors as it increases stresses and can damage the bike.

All advice is gratefully recieved.
thanks

fossyant

I've used my training bike on the turbo for years - I only have a basic tacx turbo fan type (i.e. rather loud) but need gears to 'adjust' the resistance. I actually use my normal road tyres, but as I hate using the thing, it's not normally more than 40 mins anyway. Ideally, you would use an old wheel with a turbo tyre on (hard wearing one/low heat generation) if you do lengthy sessions.

Personally I really hate them, but sometimes weather etc means you have to use them.

I've used mine during the winter with Pro Race 2 tyres on........ arggghhh wait to get shot here then.......

nmcgann

I'd recommend getting a magnetically braked turbo - something like a tacx swing or sirius (I have a tacx flow upgraded to an imagic - but it's expensive if you don't know that you will get on with indoor training).

On the turbo I'd suggest using your normal bike (you won't damage it) with a spare back wheel/cassette with a turbo-specific tyre on (either the conti or tacx trainer tyre). Normal tyres can wear really quickly.

I actually quite like using the turbo :oops:

Neil

rohloff-rich

Wiggle have got a good price on a CycleOps set - £150 for megnetic trainer, mat, riser block, bike sweat protector and DVD. Mine arrives next week 8)

fizz

I've got a Cyclops Fluid 2 Turbo Trainer, I havent used any others so I cant compare them, but its quiet enough that when I'm using it the other half can watch Eastenders without cranking the volume right up.

I'm really pleased with it.

SPECIAL123D

I've got a Cycleops Fluid 2 Turbo Trainer aswell, highly recommend it along with the block for the front wheel which has different height grooves to simmulate climbing.I think you can stack the blocks if you have more than one to make it an even steeper climb.