In prasie of a turbo trainer.........

Redsteveb

I appreciate they may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I just got my 1st turbo trainer and must say I'm really pleased with it. I work from home running my own business, and work quite long hours so don't get a chance to ride during the week especially as I'm not keen on night time cycling, so I got this to make sure I kept my fitness levels up as I've got a few big "targets" for next year including Mont Ventoux.

After reading the latest edition of Cycling+ which had a feature on TT's I was intending to go with one of their recommendations, but a little further research and I came accross one that Wiggle had on offer. It seemed just what I needed, the main thing being the lack of noise which I understand can be an issue with some models.

I went with the Elite Crono Fluid ElastoGel model which Wiggle had reduced by 21% and had some 485 reviews with a 98% rating. It looked nice and simple, with just one resistance level with no cables or extra "gizzmo's" that I'm sure I wouldn't use. As usual with Wiggle it arrived a couple of days after ordering and took 5 minutes to assemble, and another couple of minutes to swap the skewers over.

I borrowed one of my wife's hard back books to level the front wheel and stuck an off cut of carpet under the trainer to make things nice and quiet. Luckily I've got enough room in the conservatory for the bike which has now started to resemble a branch of Evans with all my cleaning stuff, shoes etc...I've promised the wife she can have it back come Spring

I've not got a TV in there (yet) so simply listen to the news on Radio 5 Live, and then any live footie to help pass the time.

I've not got any specific training methods, but just start off in a nice easy gear to warm up and then progressively change up after 5 minutes or so. After 20 minutes you start to sweat and know you're working hard, and after 30 minutes I'm just about done. I didn't realise quite how tough this could be but then I appreciate that when out riding you can coast/free wheel quite a bit, unlike on the tt where you're constantly pedalling.

I was a bit sceptical about getting one initially, as I've read a few reports where people buy them and then dump the in the corner of a shed never to see the light of day again. However after a fortnight with mine, and having used it every evening I'm glad I went for one instead of spending the cash on another jersey or 2 that I didn't really need.

Anyway enough of my rambling, but if anyone has any doubts about getting one, I'd recommend giving one a try.

Bordersroadie

Dare I say the novelty will, with 100% certainty, eventually wear off. . .

I'd rather be out on a pitch black freezing cold damp windy night having a real ride than be on my turbo. However, if (for example) I'm looking after our wee girl and I'm the only one in the house, the turbo is the only option, so valuable in that respect.

Come back in 12 months and tell us you love it as much as you do now and I'll eat my hat!

Bobbinogs

I also think they are bloody great. Yeah they can be boring but that is often the way folks use them (staring at a blank wall for 3 hours spinning at a constant speed, etc.).

They can be useful for hard interval training all through the year and also for just spinning when getting back late from the office, etc. I also find mine invaluable for doing fettling on the bike, whether mucking about with stem setup or gear indexing. I also seem to use mine far too often ( ) when recovering from injury like a tight hamstring as I have at the moment...hard to just stop when one reaches a painful point if one is out on a 50 mile loop but a turbo means I can do just that as well as set the resistance at exactly the right pain-free level to work on.

navrig

They serve a purpose just like a dentist's drill and an enema tube

djhermer

Like Bordersroadie mine is now an unfortunate essential. I never thought i would buy one, but with the missus now working away during the week i have to get home to look after the kids and there's very little chance of riding during the day. So Turbo is my only option outside of weekends. I've been going about a month, 2-3 sessions per week and am finding the Sufferfest training vids masochistically rewarding. I couldn't sit there and watch the box or listen to the radio. I need structure and pain in as short a time as possible. Sufferfest provides this and it's definitely satisfying.

No doubt though, if it wasn't absolutely necessary I wouldn't be doing it.

MartAstur

I was thinking of getting a turbo trainer but was worried about the boredom factor. I guess I won't know how bearable it is until I get one but your post is encouraging so thanks. By the way, it seems you could also comment on the How to clean your white handlebar tape post

Frank the tank

I wouldn't be without mine now. They can be boring but you just have to be a bit creative with your turbo time.

It's been invaluble in my hip recovery, enabled me to "ride" when it's been just too dangerous to ride on the road (weather wise) sometimes it's just a case of being pushed for time. They're really useful it's just a case of learning to love your turbo.

nort757

im definately looking into getting one,looking to do the sufferfest vids too just too help out with the boredom,as with everyone we would all rather be out riding but sometimes circumstances dont allow

wardieboy

The boredom doesn't get to me on turbo sessions up to an hour in length. I use http://www.trainerroad.com to ensure that I am getting the most out of indoor training and follow the structured training plans to ensure I am focusing on the right things (base, build etc). At this point in the year I'm trying to do a minimum of two turbo sessions a week with a 60 miler at the weekend to try and retain some of the gains made over the last year.

If you use a heart rate monitor, cadence sensor, or even better virtual power/powertap there are many things to monitor during an interval session which distract you from wall gazing. Add some bangin choon's, keep it regular and you will be smashing everyone come the February reliability rides!

handful

I've got the same turbo and agree it's a bargain for the price. Boredom is definitely an issue though and it's only Sufferfest vids that keep me motivated enough for it to be of any great benefit. I find twice a week is more than enough though.

stueys

Definitely trainerroad.com, awesome for turbo training. And get a big fan.

For winter or targeting specific training turbo's are essential I think. I like to just ride when I'm out and not worry about zones, etc,etc.

ForumNewbie

Hi Redsteveb, I bought the exact same model from Wiggle a couple of weeks ago. I've got it set up in an upstairs room, I bought a mat and a front wheel riser block as well. But even with the mat I needed to buy some foam underlay to go under the mat to stop the windows vibrating downstairs. I also bought a turbo trainer tyre, and I'd recommend that if you haven't got one, as its smoother and will stop wear on your normal bike tyre.

Redsteveb

Appreciate all the comments, good & bad. Like I said, I'm not too keen on riding at night, so rather than just relying on my weekend ride thought it was a good way to stay fit(ish) over the Winter months.

I'd like to get some visual aids to help, but the wife wont sanction another tv in the house, so it's the radio for me (don't have an i Pod) which so far has proved fine for 30 minutes sessions. That said I could set up my laptop and watch some old TDF footage on You Tube when I get up to hour long rides which is my aim

I have noticed liked ForumNewbie said that the rear tyre is a lot smoother than it was, but if it wears out a replacement isn't going tp cost the Earth. As I only have the one bike, I don't think I can be bothered with changing tyres etc, although I have thought about picking up a cheap rear wheel to use with the trainer, and could fit a turbo specific tyre to that.

Bar tape is cleaned with Autoglym car polish and baby wipes :-)

Jim Newmark

I knew that I would get hooked on a Forum as soon as I look around, happens every time, and I only happened on this as Bordersroadie gave me some advice about a bum bag...
I have had a Tacx trainer for about ten years and wouldn't do without it during the winter. I started with a basic LED screen, now ended with the full works (Virtual Reality, steering frame, Real Life Video) built up gradually. It would cost a fortune to buy the whole lot now, but VR is great and very realistic as Tacx have a very extensive virtual world to steer and race through against virtual competitors from anywhere in the world (yes, there are many other freaks out there) or myself. I often despairingly try to hold onto my own wheel but can't manage it - must have had Weetabix for breakfast that day. My brother and nephews always want a go to challenge each other and me, so I can see where we will be at Christmas. The Real Life videos don't work on the steering frame (that is real photography, shot from a car, so a bit boring but if I ever get to Mont Ventoux it will be as though I have been before...
The Tacx equipment is superb quality and last for years. The one time a motor burnt out it was about five years old and the dealer "had a spare one in stock" and sent it to me free as they "just don't do that". It would have cost a lot to replace so I was pretty impressed. Nothing else has gone wrong even though it is kept in a dampish garage for year after year.
Ok, enough, wife is getting irritated
On a cold winter night, with snow and ice on the ground, I often have a full hour really, really hard workout in the garage and come in shattered. To be honest I don't think I could do it without the full works as even after many years there are still new (virtual) routes to follow.