mountain bikes and Trainers

[ColleenT]

ok, thanks. i'll go to the Bike store and see if i can get one.

[velogirl]

Actually, you don't have to use slicks on a trainer. I use a standard cycleops fluid trainer to warm-up for both mtn bike and cyclocross races -- with my knobby tires -- and it works just fine. And if you ever go to a mtn bike race, you'll hear the buzz/whir of every rider there warming up on their trainer (with knobbies).

Slicks will be quieter, and some folks will say they give you a more consistent feel, but knobbies work just fine too.

BTW, there are certain styles of trainers made just for mtn bikes. They have a rim-driven flywheel. This eliminates the need to swap tires if you don't want to use knobbies on your regular trainer.

[Pebble]

I've got a Minoura mag trainer & it's the rim drive type so it doesn't matter what kind of tires are on the bike.
I also recently upgraded from a Hardrock to a Giant Trance & thought I'd better check with giant in regards to using a dually with a trainer. They said it was fine as long as you use the front wheel chock to keep the bike level (means no unnecessary load on the suspension).

Unfortunately I don't use the trainer as much as I should (got it due to being tied down with the kids) as I much prefer to ride out on the trail!

[ColleenT]

ok, thanks everyone for the feedback. i was wondering what kind of pain in the rear it would be to remove the back tire, and replace it. i need a course in assembling the bike. it came assembled.

[madisongrrl]

Changing your rear tire isn't hard, but see if you can get a lesson from someone. Else, I'm sure you can google it. It is something you need to learn how to do anyway. You never know when you might flat!

Whatever tire you use on your trainer is going to wear down. So buy something inexpensive. I typically use retired road tires for my trainer (along with an old wheel.....I just change the wheels out because it is easier than changing the tire all the time).

[ColleenT]

that sounds like a good idea. i need to find a decent bike shop tho. the one i went to was not so hot. i will keep looking and see if they will teach me how to do it easily.

[Pebble]

Changing a tyre is definitely a skill that will come in handy, and it's not that hard to do once you learn how.

Park Tools website is usually pretty good for instructions on techy stuff.

Tire & Inner Tube Replacement

If you plan on putting alot of miles in using a trainer you may want to consider one of those bike trainers that is a bike in it's own right - it's a good option if you're not scarce with space. The benefits of going that way is that you don't wear out the drive train etc on your real bike particularly if you're trainer bound all winter or something.

The plus to the type you were considering of course is that you get to use your own bike & it saves room. They can also be handy as a bike holder if you ever have a go at adjusting your gears and other bits & pieces (changing handlebar & stem etc). Just remember parts on your bike will wear (the chain etc) as if you were using it for real riding (well except for the tyres if it's a rim drive!).