Trainer advice (also CycleOps virtual trainer advice)

greencode

I"m wanting to get a trainer but am slightly confused as to what I actually need. I've been looking at the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer but just wanted to know what else I need to get i.e. new wheel (if so, does this need to be the cheapest wheel possible with 11 speed cassette (I'm currently running the 105 groupset), trainer tyre, QR Skewer etc etc.

Also, was looking at the CycleOps virtual trainer which looks as though it might take a little bit of the boredom out of the trainer but again, a bit unsure what you need to get it to work. I have a Garmin 500 with cadence sensor but do I then need something else to communicate with the laptop/iPad.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dippydog3

greencode wrote:

I"m wanting to get a trainer but am slightly confused as to what I actually need. I've been looking at the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer but just wanted to know what else I need to get i.e. new wheel (if so, does this need to be the cheapest wheel possible with 11 speed cassette (I'm currently running the 105 groupset), trainer tyre, QR Skewer etc etc.

Also, was looking at the CycleOps virtual trainer which looks as though it might take a little bit of the boredom out of the trainer but again, a bit unsure what you need to get it to work. I have a Garmin 500 with cadence sensor but do I then need something else to communicate with the laptop/iPad.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There is nothing wrong with just using your existing wheel. Properly set up the Cycleops will do less wear to the tyre than being out on the road.

If you want to buy s cheap wheel and tyre then do so, but its not mandatory. Also, the Cycleops comes with a QR skewer.

Have a look at Trainer Road. its very popular.

To cummunicate with your laptop you will need an ANT plus usb stick like the Suunto one. That will pick up from your cadence sensor and the Cycleops.

But a Wattbike is better.

greencode

Dippydog3 wrote:

greencode wrote:

I"m wanting to get a trainer but am slightly confused as to what I actually need. I've been looking at the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer but just wanted to know what else I need to get i.e. new wheel (if so, does this need to be the cheapest wheel possible with 11 speed cassette (I'm currently running the 105 groupset), trainer tyre, QR Skewer etc etc.

Also, was looking at the CycleOps virtual trainer which looks as though it might take a little bit of the boredom out of the trainer but again, a bit unsure what you need to get it to work. I have a Garmin 500 with cadence sensor but do I then need something else to communicate with the laptop/iPad.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

There is nothing wrong with just using your existing wheel. Properly set up the Cycleops will do less wear to the tyre than being out on the road.

If you want to buy s cheap wheel and tyre then do so, but its not mandatory. Also, the Cycleops comes with a QR skewer.

Have a look at Trainer Road. its very popular.

To cummunicate with your laptop you will need an ANT plus usb stick like the Suunto one. That will pick up from your cadence sensor and the Cycleops.

But a Wattbike is better.

Thanks for the help with this. Makes things much clearer. A few more things…

- Do I have to use the CycleOps skewer for the trainer and then change back to my regular skewer when out on the road?

- Is it the Suunto Movestick Mini that you're referring to? I presume these sticks are all the same i.e. I can get away with this one for around £22 rather than buying the CycleOps one for around £40!

- Wow, the Wattbike does look very good but space is limited (and budget!!)

Thanks again for your help here.

Dippydog3

Yes, Suunto movestick is the one.

I would change the skewer. The Cycleops one is shaped to fit the cup on the turbo tightening spindle so you get a snug fit.

I suppose you could use theirs on the road, but not vice versa.

Spartacus1981

You don't need a new wheel but will need Ant+ device like Suunto movestick plus Garmin speed/cadence if you want to use Trainer Road etc from what I understand.

I'm not sure if you've decided yet but I've a 2014 Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll that's never had a bike on it. Includes Kurt Kinetic Turntable riser block which you normally need to buy separately, skewer, dvd, manual etc, but no box. I'm offloading it for a friend who bought it on a whim but it's a bit too much for me.

Apparently it's the business. PM me if interested.

greencode

Bilkobaggins wrote:

You don't need a new wheel but will need Ant+ device like Suunto movestick plus Garmin speed/cadence if you want to use Trainer Road etc from what I understand.

I'm not sure if you've decided yet but I've a 2014 Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll that's never had a bike on it. Includes Kurt Kinetic Turntable riser block which you normally need to buy separately, skewer, dvd, manual etc, but no box. I'm offloading it for a friend who bought it on a whim but it's a bit too much for me.

Apparently it's the business. PM me if interested.

Thanks but I've gone ahead and purchased a trainer. I went with the Elite Crono Fluid as it seemed like a pretty good deal at Wiggle (£130). Yep, got the Garmin cadence sensor already and just purchased the movestick as well.