Help with choosing a turbo trainer for a single speed bike

timmybolt

Hi all,

I was wandering if you could help me with the choice of a turbo trainer to buy (i'm a bit of novice when it comes to the more indepth stuff so please bare with me).

I've read a few reviews and i've narrowed the choice down to between the following trainers:

Elite Crono Fluid ElastoGel Trainer
Tacx Sirius Folding Cycle Trainer

I understand they are both good turbo trainers however the bike i wish to use them with is my single speed specialized tricross. Given that i have a single speed and that i believe that you cannot change the resistance of the Elite (although it is progressive with your speed), would you recommend the Tacx for my requirements over and above the Elite?

I don't perticularly need the resistance for a full training regime as i am really using it just to stay in shape but i am worried that the Elite will simply be too weak given that my gearing on my bike is on the lowish side (i quickly start spinning when going downhill although is ok for a decent speed on the flats if that is any indication).

Any suggestions between the 2, or other possible models, or any other help would be very much appreciated.

Thankyou.

GiantMike

Hi Timmy

I'd suggest a variable resistance turbo will allow you to tune the resistance for what you're trying to achieve. I keep my turbo on the same resistance setting and use gears to effectively change the resistance.

I haven't tried either of the trainers you mention so I can't comment on them.

cougie

Yes you do need one with variable resistance. Mine is a cateye cyclosimulator with magnetic resistance.

Whatever turbo you get - get one that you can adjust as you ride.

MikeWW

Tacx Sirius should give you everything you need
Had one for a while and they work well

timmybolt

Thankyou all for your feedback. I think I will go with the Tacx based on what has been said. Seems to tick all the boxes.

Tom