About to order first Turbo Trainer - Correct choice

Bike-Rich
Bike-Rich Posts: 275
edited November 2015 in Training, fitness and health
Hi all,

I've been reading all morning and hoping to put in order for my first turbo trainer but I have a few questions.

I already have Garmin 800, Ant Stick + Heart Rate Strap.

Am I right in saying I should get a 'Garmin Speed and Cadence Sensor' otherwise I will not get a speed readout (as 800 works on GPS)?

I've narrowed the turbo trainer choice down to these 2:

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

Which would you recommend?

Thank you :)

Comments

  • AK_jnr
    AK_jnr Posts: 717
    Hi,

    Yeah you will want a speed and cadence sensor. I have the top turbo which im really happy with. No deadspots.

    Since I got a powertap I dont need the garmin speed and cadence sensor as it picks these up.
  • Bike-Rich
    Bike-Rich Posts: 275
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19747890#p19747890]AK_jnr[/url] wrote:
    Hi,

    Yeah you will want a speed and cadence sensor. I have the top turbo which im really happy with. No deadspots.

    Since I got a powertap I dont need the garmin speed and cadence sensor as it picks these up.

    That's great - thanks,

    Im guessing the sensor is built-in with a power tap? What is the main benefit as although I don't own the garmin speed sensor yet it looks quite lightweight and waterproof?
  • AK_jnr
    AK_jnr Posts: 717
    Yeah it must be built in. If you mean benefit of having a sensor is you can track intervals via the speed as well as HR.

    Be wary though my turbos resistance goes up the turbo warms up so dont be disheartened if it looks like you are slowing down (like I thought)

    Its a nice and quiet turbo though. I rarely change the resistance unless I am doing sprint or hill climbing intervals. Level one is enough for 300+ watts at above 100rpm.
  • Bike-Rich
    Bike-Rich Posts: 275
    Noted, thanks for reply and help.

    Just to confirm, when I fit the 'Garmin Speed Sensor' it will also be useful for reading off the Turbo? It will give me a cadence reading on my Garmin 800?

    Thanks
  • ForumNewbie
    ForumNewbie Posts: 1,664
    I've got the elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer and I find it excellent. It has no resistance settings but I change gears for resistance, so I don't see that resistance settings are necessary.

    I use it with a Garmin 500, a cadence/speed sensor and HR monitor.
  • AK_jnr
    AK_jnr Posts: 717
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19748099#p19748099]Bike-Rich[/url] wrote:
    Noted, thanks for reply and help.

    Just to confirm, when I fit the 'Garmin Speed Sensor' it will also be useful for reading off the Turbo? It will give me a cadence reading on my Garmin 800?

    Thanks

    Yeah sorry if I wasnt clear. It will give you speed and cadence on the turbo and cadence out on the road.
  • Bike-Rich
    Bike-Rich Posts: 275
    Thank you,

    I've also been looking at the Jet Black WhisperDriver - can some please confirm it will be compatible with my 9 speed shimano cassette please?

    ^i notice the mentioned Trainer has a speed sensor available also - what would be the advantage of this over the garmin?

    Thank you,
  • BrandonA
    BrandonA Posts: 553
    There is no such thing as a "correct choose" when it's comes to buying anything. If there were no other products would exist as everyone would buy the best one. You need to find products in your price range and then compare them to a list of requirements and any brand loyalty you have.
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    For that sort of price you're better off getting something with smart features like the Tacx Vortex, it'll transmit speed, cadence and power directly to your Garmin, you won't need any other sensors. Plus it'll automatically adjust gradient and resistance for the like of Zwift & Trainer Road.

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