Trainers

[ZenSojourner]

If you are using a trainer . . .

What trainer are you using, and why do you (or don't you) like it?

Also, has anybody used the cyclo-core DVD sets to augment your training, and how did it work for you?

Thinking of breaking down and getting a trainer . . ..

[smilingcat]

I have a mag trainer. I use it. but its boring and exhausting.

Some will tell you to use a used or crummy bike cause its hard on the frame. I don't take a chance with my good bike so I have a beater on the trainer just in case it is hard on the bike.

I don't use DVD or anything like that to zone out. Maybe that's the problem.

smilingcat

[VeloVT]

I have a Kurt Kinetic "road machine." It's a fluid trainer.

Likes:
-super stable
-super smooth, acceleration feels a lot like the road
-pretty quiet, relatively speaking

Dislikes:
-ugh, the trainer is so boring!
-this is inconsequential, but the skewer supplied with the trainer is quite long, and my small carbon bike has narrow dropouts -- it's a major hassle to get it tightened down. (I know this is hard to believe, since I *think* road bikes have a standard dropout width, but compared side to side, my bike's skewer is at least 1.5 - 2" shorter, maybe more, than the trainer skewer. Maybe to accomodate mountain bikes?).

In spite of the annoying skewer, though, I would definitely recommend this model.

[Thorn]

Kurt Kinetic--two of them so that DH and I can ride at the same time. During those long, boring northern winters it helps with the motivation if both of us can ride at the same time. Stable, relatively quiet and a nice, solid feel. No real complaints. Put on a DVD and go.

I've only used one or two of the freely available Cyclocore videos. I personally find Graham to be a bit obnoxious and can't tolerate him. Peoples opinion I respect, though, say its good.

Like many on TE, I'm a Spinervals junkie--TE got me addicted. Evil Coach Troy is tolerable, although I do find that when doing the long aero workouts that putting ECT on low volume and hooking up Netflix on-demand keeps me going longer (finally did the Hard Core 100 start to finish!!!)

[TxDoc]

I tend to use the rollers more than the trainer - anyway my trainer is a RavX TX4, and I love it. It is quieter compared to the cycleops and blackburns, folds up so you can put in away easily, and takes like 5 seconds to set up. I have never used DVD's or anything, just plan my own training for the day and stick to it.

[ASammy1]

I have the CycleOps Mag +. I'm not in love with it, because I just don't like to use a trainer (get bored easily).

Other than that, it's a great trainer for those that like trainers. It's a bit loud, but that's not a big deal to me.

[roadie gal]

I have the Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer, too. I agree with what everyone else has said. It's quiet and stable. Apparently they also have very good customer service if there is a problem.

My only complaint (and it's really my problem more than the trainer's) is that there isn't a tension adjustment on the trainer. With my old one I had it set so I could match Coach Troy's gearing. The Kurt is a bit harder than my dialed-down old one, so I have to down-gear from what Coach Troy suggests. It makes me feel like a weenie.

[RolliePollie]

I have a magnetic trainer.

What I like about it:

*It's a perfectly good trainer
*My old bike looks nice sitting on it

What I don't like about it:

*It's boring as heck
*It creates a time warp (i.e. time stands still)
*For some reason it rarely gets used

I think all the dislikes are my problem and not the trainer's. Where do you live? I'd give you a great deal if you want to buy mine. Shipping would cost a ton though.

[ZenSojourner]

Well I'd have to pay shipping anyway. But I'm clear across the country, in WV, LOL!

[woohoo]

I have a Cycleops Fluid 2 and it's great. Not ultra quiet but pretty good, and it has a nice road feel to it - it gets harder as you go faster. Have used it for ~60 sessions in the last 3 months and enjoyed every minute of it (in a kind of tough but good way!) I don't use any DVDs, instead I have my mp3 on and use a list of workout programmes from 'Workouts in a Binder for Indoor Cyclists'. It's tough going but interesting enough to keep you coming back to the trainer for more when it's not sunny enough to get outside.

L ; )