questions about trainers

[southtxrider]

How useful is a trainer in getting "used" to your bike? Do a lot of you have one? I know it can be used to exercise on when the weather is bad but is that it's primary/intended use?

Sorry if this is kind of a nieve question, but I guess I am still very nieve!

Thanks!

[RoadRaven]

Do you mean a stationary trainer you pop your own bike on, SXR?

[gobles]

Right now I am riding my new road bike on a trainer due to a broken collarbone suffered on my mountain bike. I found the trainer helpful with the new bike, I realized I need a longer stem, also it has helped with the clipless pedals, WILL NOT use them on my mountain bike so practicing on the trainer has been helpful. I think when I get to actually road ride my bike, I will be more comfortable with it since I have already ridden it for some time. I know it will be different on the road, but now I know the fit and feel of my bike.

[southtxrider]

yes, I'm so sorry - I should have been more clear. I did mean stationary trainer to pop my own bike on - so I can get the "feel" of my bike without the fear of falling/traffic/obstacles, etc.

It sounds like some are using it like I was hoping to Esp w/learning clipless pedals. I think I'll put a trainer on my list

Do I need the high dollar ones? I see they range from $100 up to $6-700 - The diff seems to be electronics, but if I am just using it for the purpose I posted about, do I need the fancy ones or will an entry level one be just fine?

THANKS again

[gobles]

The one I have is your basic, no electronics. I have a Garmin Edge 305 to tell me distance and cadence and such. If you are just using it to learn your bike, I dont think you need a top of the line trainer, but if you plan to train in the rainy season and you don't have a bike computer that reads from the back wheel, you might want one that has all the bells and whistles. Also, if you are willing to spend the big bucks and you have room, look into a bike roller, very nice.

[Kalidurga]

From what I've been told, the main difference between low-price trainers and higher priced ones is noise and "feel". The lower-end ones apparently can be very loud but often feel more realistic, while the higher-end ones are much quieter, but can feel less realistic as far as resistance. Or so I've been told.

I'm hoping to get one for this winter, and the most important thing I've learned so far is: Like a bike, buying a trainer apparently takes a good bit of research and testing.

[gobles]

I forgot to metion the noise. Mine is a bit loud, but with my head phones in it's fine. The noise is the only thing I would change on mine, but it is not bad enough to keep me off. But I also have the tension at the highest mark, maybe if you put less on, the noise would go away.