Turbo trainer question

comicbookguy

Hi guys, I wanted to ask a question of the experts. I am looking at getting a turbo trainer, mainly to see me through this crap summer and then into the winter hoping to shift some weight. I'm not what you would call light at around 21st (130kgish) but this trainer is for myself and the wife so it would need to cater for my hybrid tyres (26"?) and the wife's 700c wheels. Not that I want the moon on a stick or anything but I'd like if possible to keep the price around a couple of hundred.
Does anyone have any recommendations on turbo trainers bearing the above in mind?
You guys have all been so helpful on my previous questions I'm hoping you can help me out again.
Thanks in advance
Karl.

GiantMike

Hi Karl

From my experience turbos are very very soul destroying. Even with a training plan I dread hopping on for my hour of sweaty purgatory.

If you're local to Lytham or York I can lend you one for a week or 2 to see how you get on before you commit to a purchase.

dw300

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/

This is excellent value for money. Look for a fluid trainer with a flywheel if you want a bit more realism.

Don't forget to allocate some money for a riser block for your front wheel (about £15), and perhaps an 18" floor fan (if you shop around you can get one for £30), that'll make the sessions a bit more bearable.

This thread may interest you too if you want a structured training plan. I'm getting my hardware delivered tomorrow!

xscreamsuk

If you get a turbo then I highly suggest you get Sufferfest downloads, makes the time pass and gives you a beltin workout. Did an hour on mine tonight and couldn't get that intensity out on the road.

comicbookguy

All, thanks for the replies, @DW300 I have just been looking at that Elite Chrono and it looks like a really good buy with some great reviews. And @screamsuk those sufferfest downloads do look good, I might have to get them running on a projector in the garage...lol
One other quick question I have just though about though is to work out how far i will have "ridden" on the turbo trainer, obviously a cycle computer is required but does anyone have good ideas for one to use with a turbo trainer that also won't break the bank?

amaferanga

dw300 wrote:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/

This is excellent value for money. Look for a fluid trainer with a flywheel if you want a bit more realism.

Worst turbo I've ever used. Cycleops Fluid 2 costs about the same, but is so much better in so many ways. The Elite clamping design is pants if you move around in the saddle and the resistance on those things is so variable and so temperature dependent that speed (often used to gauge effort as a proxy for power) is completely useless.

So my advice would be that Elite fluid turbos are the ones to avoid at all costs.

cougie

I'd also look at spin bikes. Then both your wife and you can use it and they're much easier to set up than mounting a bike on a turbo.

You do have to be very motivated though - most pieces of kit dont get used.

Personally I'd look at gym membership see if you use that - classes are usually easier to attend than an appointment you make with yourself in the garage...

xscreamsuk

comicbookguy wrote:

All, thanks for the replies, @DW300 I have just been looking at that Elite Chrono and it looks like a really good buy with some great reviews. And @screamsuk those sufferfest downloads do look good, I might have to get them running on a projector in the garage...lol
One other quick question I have just though about though is to work out how far i will have "ridden" on the turbo trainer, obviously a cycle computer is required but does anyone have good ideas for one to use with a turbo trainer that also won't break the bank?

Tacx flow has computer and powermeter built in. Got mine cheap in decathlon