Trainer tips & tricks?

[alpinerabbit]

I bought a used cycle trainer off the 'net. It's a Tacx, magnetic type.
Got my package last night, hooked up the bike and it seems to work fine.

It is a bit loud, but I have no downstairs neighbors. Will ask to the left and above if they can hear me.

That remote gear-shift thingy, does not fit on my handlebar yet because I have campy so the brake cable is underneath the tape. I will have to remove a bit of the tape (will get new tape come spring)

...

what else? How to get started on that hell machine? my Ipod is loaded and I have a lot of DVDs....

[Bron]

I can't give you any advice, but can you let us know how you get on with it? I've been looking at used Tacx trainers on ebay and wondering if they were worth it.

[mtbdarby]

alpinerabbit - I don't use the shifter that came with my trainer, I just use the bikes gears. I would suggest buying a used spinervals dvd or some other program for motivation and to make the time fly. And a floor fan to give you a breeze since your front wheel isn't moving - it can get pretty warm riding!

[ehirsch83]

I use my trainer for drills. It helps break up the time(but not very fun).
Right now, a couple times a week, I am doing one legged drills- so ten minute warm up, then 3 sets of 5 minutes on each leg(so right leg,left leg, repeat 2 more times) Then I do a 10 minute cool down. With that, I have 50 minutes done. If I have more time I will add in a 10 minute hard effort inbetween the drills and the cool down.

That is just one idea of something to do on the trainer!

[SouthernBelle]

I'll second the Spinervals. There ae other kinds too, Chris Carmicheal comes to mind, but I've never heard or seen his.

I've also used www.cardiocoach.com which isn't cycling specific, it can be used on other machines or running. I use it on the stairmaster or spinner at the gym.

[Andrea]

Get a subscription to netflix and put your recliner in storage.

[lauraelmore1033]

I have the remote thingy that doesn't fit on the handlebars either. I just set the tension to 2 and leave ti resting out of the way beside the bike and change resistance by shifting gears. (the lowest setting doesn't seem to have the right amount of resistance to simulate riding on the flats, but 2 seems about right for me. Yours might be different) I've been doing the Spinerval thing and it is definitely easier just to shift the gears.

also, I'm kinda paranoid about leaving the roller/resistance "unit" in contact with the wheel when I am done. I'm afraid it might put a flat spot on the tire. I had a rim drive trainer years and years ago which got a flat spot on the rubber roller when I forgot to release it from the rim when I was done, and it seems reasonable to assume that a tire would do the same thing.

I second the netflix suggestion also...

[HillSlugger]

I used to use the remote resistance thingy but now I only use the gears. It lays on the floor.

My trainer is set up in front of a tv with dvd. I usually ride while catching up on shows I've missed or movies I know nobody else in the family wants to see. I'll often due intervals during commercials. I recently acquired two Spinervals but haven't yet tried them.

[alpinerabbit]

Hmmm-

thanks.

I asked the neighbors and just the shop downstairs can hear me, and they're gone after 7 pm. it does get pretty loud.

[indigoiis]

I finally set up my "new" used blackburn trainer today and challenged my girly noggin to figure the thing out. That took me about 20 mins which cut into my exercize time. But at least now I know how to set it up!

I did:

10 min. warm up to various music, some fast, some slow, trying to keep my cadence in pace with the music.

10 mins of 2 minutes one side, then the other. I had a hard time with this the first set, and was laughing thinking about how easy the above TEer made this sound. I couldn't figure out where to put my "not live" leg. Then I got it. And once i got it, WOW, what a workout.

5 mins "climbing" standing and seated.

10 mins. warm down and then 5 minutes stretching.

I was a sweat monster.
It was good.
I feel like, this is so awesome, because with the weather being cooler now, I was getting depressed about not being on my bike.

So thanks, all.

[LBTC]

I had a hard time with this the first set, and was laughing thinking about how easy the above TEer made this sound. I couldn't figure out where to put my "not live" leg. Then I got it. And once i got it, WOW, what a workout.

I was wondering the same thing. So, what did you do with your your resting leg?


Spinervals is more fun, Chris Carmichael can be demoralizing - he pushes very hard, so if you find spinervals too easy, get one of his!

You'll want to put a mat under your bike and trainer, to protect you floor from sweat (yes, it's true!), and it may even insulate the sound a bit. If you are really picky about your bike, you may want to wipe it down after every session, or lay a towel across the top tube, again, because of your sweat. I really loved riding the trainer while watching the olympic cycling events. That was really motivating!

Have fun!
H&B
~T~

[indigoiis]

I put my resting leg back on the trainer.

I also took a long sleeve tshirt and put it t-down on my handlebars, wrapped the sleeves around once forward to back, then tied the sleeves up on the top tube. Made for a handy sweat catcher and I stuck my ipod on the inside of the shirt.

Talking Heads is great spinning music.

[HillSlugger]

I get sweaty, but I never seem to drip anywhere. I wonder if it's because I have a fan set up to blow on my face and chest. :confused: