Bike trainer/videos

[JoyfullySo]

Hey,

I have become obsessed enough with tri training that I am ready to buy a bike trainer. DH is working extra for the next few months and road riding will be difficult.

Suggestions about particular brands? I don't want to spend a ton, but would like something that was relatively smooth and quiet. What videos,if any, are geared towards tri training?

Thanks for any suggestions!!

[colby]

I don't have anything useful to say other than OOH OOH ME TOO! Not for the same reasons, but I'm definitely interested in the same exact thing.

(Thus follows the reasoning, of course, I couldn't just post "me too!" )

My physical therapist now says my rotator cuff is probably torn, not just strained, so I'm off the bike (and out of the pool) until we're sure one way or the other. I can't take it. I've been running, running, running, but I really want to get back on the bike (and in the pool!!). If I can take the weight and vibration off of my shoulder by using a trainer, my PT and I might both be happy (Not so sure we'll be able to do anything about the swimming... but I'll take what I can get)

So, my Tony Soprano Workout Room (basement) is crying for a trainer, and I'm all ears for what's good. Good thread!

[colby]

Well, since my birthday was Saturday, I went and bought a trainer. The nice man at REI explained it all to me, and I only remember 25% of it but I did buy something Their selection:

Wind trainer: good road feel, but noisy, fairly inexpensive ($159). Automatic-ish resistance increase (as you shift/pedal harder, resistance increases).

Magnetic resistance trainer: less expensive ($159), manual adjustment (some had 3 different levels of resistance) with a slight adjustment as you shift also.

Automatic magnetic resistance trainer: a little more expensive ($209), with automatic adjustment with shifting (just like the magnetic resistance trainer but without having to set your difficulty ahead of time).

Fluid trainer: most expensive ($229), most road feel, best automatic resistance adjustment.

Since it was my birthday, I of course bought the most expensive model, especially after the REI dude told me it was the most road-like feel. I also bought a little riser dealie for the front wheel so it wouldn't move around -- it sure made a difference as far as height and balance goes. I felt very stable.

Putting the trainer together was easy, mounting the bike on it was difficult with just one person (I made my husband help). I rode for about 30 minutes this morning after being totally depressed for not being able to jog 4 miles (I ran a half marathon on Sunday and today my running muscles said NO). My legs felt better and I did like the feel of a trainer. The manual says it is equivalent to something like rough asphalt, and I suppose that's accurate. It does take some getting used to, and doesn't feel exactly like the road, but I found it to be a very efficient workout (I could keep my heart rate a lot more consistent).

My trainer (from Kinetic -- http://www.kurtkinetic.com ) came with a Spinervals DVD that I haven't tried yet -- this one (Competition 23.0, Time Saver I). The three 30-minute workouts were rated 7.5, 9.5, and 9.9 so I am a little bit intimidated I would like to try some other Spinervals DVDs but there are a lot to choose from (I did find this one that's multisport oriented, a 65 minute workout with bike and strength training).

Still looking at the DVDs I should get, but otherwise I'm so far happy with my trainer. My bike is in the living room right now, though

[Nanci]

This one time, at band camp, (actually, I think it was in Mike Magnuson's book, Heft On Wheels) I read that "A Sunday In Hell" was the all-time best cycling video, (he watched it, spinning) and I am here to tell you, it is NOT. The end is pretty cool, though. So if you can buy it cheap on eBay, go for it.

Nanci

[colby]

I found another one on the Spinervals site -- a Triathlon Performance 5-pack: http://www.spinervals.com/index.php?...roducts_id=201

Looks interesting.

[JoyfullySo]

Colby,

Thanks for posting information about your recent purchase... I have been looking around and found similar information. Please keep me posted on how workouts go with your trainer. The closest REI shop is 5 hours away , so I really depend on DPE (direct personal experience) for major purchases like that.

Nancy- good idea for a video. Will keep my eyes out for it.
Sorry I have been not been as quick to post a reply. Close friend of the family is terminally ill, and we needed to see him.

Then, yesterday I jockstrapped for my Hubby. His first Tri EVER!!! I am so proud!!!
Bittersweet week in our home...