Do I really need a turbo????

Steve_F

I just set up 'my first turbo' last night.

Wasn't sure I needed it and still not sure how much I'll use it. Not going to make myself sick if it in the first week since the weather looks ok at the moment.

There are at least a couple of times through the week where I'm bored and restless in the horrible winter nights. My plan is to replace these with even a half hour spin. Got to be better than nothing.

First impression was just how rubbish my pedal stroke really is. So many dead spots with no power going through either pedal. One leg drills are seriously needed which this will be great for.

I just got a cheapy (£73 delivered, new) off eBay. Happy enough with it so far, if I really use it I can upgrade at the start of the summer when they should be cheap!

RetroSi

Get a set of rollers instead, they'll teach you far more than a turbo will.
They're not boring as you need to concentrate a little & you learn poise, balance & cadence which you can't on a turbo.
It's just like cycling on the road as there's nothing holding you, i.e you're not clamped in which for my money is the most unnatural way to cycle. As in your exercise bike.
Most rollers are £150 + although I've seen them for under £120 inc p+p
They even sell rollers with settings for resistance now. (extra £)
Plus it will give you core body strength that a turbo can't.
Why do you think the track riders use them?

Wappygixer

Over the last 3 years I have bought a new turbo trainer, used it for 2 weeks got bored as hell and then sold them.
I would rather could grains of sand.
I sell lots at work but always advise my customers how boring it can be.Even sitting watching a film does not do it for me.
Today though I found a great alternative for me.Spinning classes which I get free with my gym membership.I always thought these would be a doddle for a hardened cyclist.Wow was I wrong.OK so I have been off the bike for 4 months due to illness but it was the hardest workout I have ever done.Sweat poored from almost every part of my body.But on top of all this I actually enjoyed the pain as an instructor was pushing us on.
So my answer would be no you don't need a trainer, you could spend that money on going towards a quality set of lights and winter clothing.You could even buy a few months membership at a good gym and have access to all the other benifits they have.

acebobby

Wappygixer wrote:

Over the last 3 years I have bought a new turbo trainer, used it for 2 weeks got bored as hell and then sold them.
I would rather could grains of sand.
I sell lots at work but always advise my customers how boring it can be.Even sitting watching a film does not do it for me.
Today though I found a great alternative for me.Spinning classes which I get free with my gym membership.I always thought these would be a doddle for a hardened cyclist.Wow was I wrong.OK so I have been off the bike for 4 months due to illness but it was the hardest workout I have ever done.Sweat poored from almost every part of my body.But on top of all this I actually enjoyed the pain as an instructor was pushing us on.
So my answer would be no you don't need a trainer, you could spend that money on going towards a quality set of lights and winter clothing.You could even buy a few months membership at a good gym and have access to all the other benifits they have.

Ironically it was my spinning classes that got me into cycling, to be precise its les mills RPM!
I do this about 4 times per week, I took it up to get fit but I enjoyed it so much I bought a road bike. I still enjoy my classes but was toying with the idea of buying a turbo to get more saddle time through the winter!
From me though a big thumbs up for the RPM spin classes, I just think the problem is managing enough classes per week, I can make 4 and ideally I would prefer double or even treble that!

Bobby