Turbo Trainers

essex-commuter
essex-commuter Posts: 2,188
edited December 2016 in Commuting chat
Not my favourite way of cycling but it enables me to tick over when I can't get outside due to weather or time constraints.

My current turbo is a 15 year old Tacx.

I'm looking at upgrading, any suggestions as it seems there are dozens out there. Not too fussed about it being 'smart' as I'm happy to watch TV/DVD or listen to music.

Ideally I want something that I can mount the bike on really easy, my current one has a resistance lever that I have to attach to the bars...to be honest it's a pain.

This one gets good reviews as a starter...any comments?
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-flu ... l-trainer/

TIA.

Comments

  • dhope
    dhope Posts: 6,699
    It blows the budget to pieces but anyway.

    I've got a Wahoo KickR with a Dolan frame and 1x10sp setup permanently attached.
    It's really, really good. It's 'smart' in that it has a power meter and adjusts the resistance as you're pedalling to keep you at your target output. You can point it at a TrainerRoad workout and as long as you're turning your legs then it'll keep you at the right power.
    e.g.
    https://www.strava.com/activities/278515064

    It's also expensive. Bike + turbo cost a grand in total. But, 2 years later, I think it's worth it.

    Anyway. That's the nuclear option ;)
    Rose Xeon CW Disc
    CAAD12 Disc
    Condor Tempo
  • tangled_metal
    tangled_metal Posts: 4,021
    I saw a BF deal for a turbo at £250 or so. It said power was measured on it. If it's still cheap it'll be on wiggle, CRC, Tredz or Evans. Most likely Tredz I think.
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    I've replaced by existing Tacx Flow with this version this winter:

    http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-t ... oCCI7w_wcB

    Only available from Halfords or Decathlon. I know you mentioned you were happy watching TV and such like but this one is a 'smart' option if you fancied it for little money.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX
  • essex-commuter
    essex-commuter Posts: 2,188
    Asprilla wrote:
    I've replaced by existing Tacx Flow with this version this winter:

    http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-t ... oCCI7w_wcB

    Only available from Halfords or Decathlon. I know you mentioned you were happy watching TV and such like but this one is a 'smart' option if you fancied it for little money.

    The blurb says:
    Behaves as a fluid trainer when used independently
    Does that mean that the resistance changes with power through the pedals or changing gear rather than a cable and lever?

    Is there any software you can use that doesn't require a subscription (Zwift). I'm sick and tired of paying monthly subs for everything!
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    essex-commuter wrote:
    Asprilla wrote:
    I've replaced by existing Tacx Flow with this version this winter:

    http://www.halfords.com/cycling/turbo-t ... oCCI7w_wcB

    Only available from Halfords or Decathlon. I know you mentioned you were happy watching TV and such like but this one is a 'smart' option if you fancied it for little money.

    The blurb says:
    Behaves as a fluid trainer when used independently
    Does that mean that the resistance changes with power through the pedals or changing gear rather than a cable and lever?

    Is there any software you can use that doesn't require a subscription (Zwift). I'm sick and tired of paying monthly subs for everything!

    Tacx have a free smart phone app that you can use. Not tried it myself.
    Mud - Genesis Vapour CCX
    Race - Fuji Norcom Straight
    Sun - Cervelo R3
    Winter / Commute - Dolan ADX

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