Portable Power for Turbo Trainer

bsharp77

The updated Bkool turbo trainer looks really good - especially with the new 3D world software - just upload a GPS file and it will create a virtual 3D route of your ride...ill be able to do all my favourite summer rides indoors on dark nights in winter!
You can read initial impressions on DC Rainmakers site:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/08/trai ... dates.html

Anyway, looks like a great way to train over winter while keeping it fun. Not too dear for whats on offer, and bkool even offer monthly instalment payment plans....one problem.....I have no power in the garage!

Anyone know of an easy portable power solution? (that doesn't cost too much!)
Ive had a quick google search, but cant really find anything appropriate.

If anyone would have any ideas please let me know. If I cant get power, then I cant get the trainer

imposter2.0

Extension leads are pretty cheap. Useful for wiring up a light as well, unless you plan on training in the dark...

bsharp77

Extension lead not an option due to the garage being away from the flat - was looking at the portable power packs that you can get at places like screwfix - they have usb charging ports and a 12v plug input. This would be really handy to recharge in the flat and bring out to the garage - I just don't know if it would be powerful enough to run a turbo for a couple of hours?

slowbike

Obvious solutions

1. Portable generator - annoyance is having to fill it up with fuel and it's noisy - not really an option.
2. battery pack and dc2dc converter or inverter - the viability will depend on what power your turbo requires. Mine requires 0w so can't help.

I with a TV, the media play (turbo) and lights you'd be pushing on needing 2-300w. 200w = 17amp at 12v, 300w = 25amp at 12v - on the basis that you could use a car battery with the inverter you can drain them to ~50% power, an 80Ah battery would last you ~2hrs or a 110Ah a bit longer.
You'd then need to take the battery back to be charged - preferably somewhere ventilated, not sure this works in a flat environment - depends if you have somewhere outside to place the battery.

homers_double

Just buy some lights and go for a normal ride.

cougie

Or trainerroad and a laptop ?

FatTed

By a turbo trainer that does not need power? move house, use in Flat etc or could you run it off your car (if you have one)

frisbee

If it's just using a piggy back style AC-DC adapter it won't be using that much power.

It'll be the fan to keep you cool that'll need loads of power.

StillGoing

For that kind of money and your circumstances, I'd go and buy a Tacx Bushido that doesn't need power, yet will still do virtual reality rides and works with an iPad.