questions about trainers

[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.

[aicabsolut]

I've got a new bike and a newer trainer. I went with an expensive fluid one, because having a quiet trainer is important in my apartment building. It took a little getting used to, but it's a big improvement over my dad's ancient wind rollers.

As far as getting used to the pedals--it's no substitute for being outside. It can help you get a feel for the motion of getting in and out, but because the trainer elevates the bike off the floor, it's rather tall, so the getting on/off motion is different than you'll have outside. Plus, you can't coast on a trainer's flywheel but for a couple of seconds--and the pedaling "feel" is then off when you resume, so it's not a very good practice for learning how to get going and clip in, even if you can jump on the bike in a similar way as you'd do it outside.

And once you know what it feels like to clip in and out, adding the balance factor outside is another ballgame.

But as far as getting 'used' to the bike otherwise, it's great. It's helped me realize what other fit adjustments I need--the shop did some and then wanted me to try out the current setup for a while before swapping out everything. But on a trail, I was too worried about joggers, other cyclists, ipod-wearers, etc. to really figure it out. I thought I needed a shorter stem. But after time on the trainer, I'm thinking smaller bars first, plus those wedge things in the hoods for easier reach of the brake levers. And if all is still not right, then I'll think about the stem.

A trainer is good for putting on some music and tuning out the world-- something you can't do outside with other people and vehicles around.

[RoadRaven]

Initially, we just bought a second hand one... no bells or whistles... just clamp the rear onto it, chock the front wheel so its level an ride.

It was ok, but very very noisy.

We set one rear wheel up with a speedo/cadence counter on it so all bikes had to use the same wheel - that was useful.

It was also a hassle - with 4 cyclists in the house wanting to use it, all with different set-ups it meant alot of chopping and changing of bikes and wheels.

So... after much umming and ahhing we now have a Vega spin bike - and although a big outlay ($NZ700) it is extremely worth it cause we are not putting our purty and expensive bikes on a trainer and not constantly taking wheels on and off.

It gets used more than the trainer ever did cause it is so convenient... and its almost quiet - given that the only space for it is the living room, this is very important.

It comes with a little comp on it that does speed/distance/time/average/heart rate on it... we have also set up another comp on it that reads cadence.

The only thing I would change about it is a power tap - but of course, they are soooo expensive...

[ima_bleeder]

... adding the balance factor outside is another ballgame.

That's the majore issue I've heard. Rollers are better for keeping up your balance, but I have no desire to work that hard at it. I'd probably roll right off them and crack my head open. If you've never ridden a bike before a trainer would probably make you feel more comfortable, but I think you should be aware that when you get it out on the road it's going to feel a good deal different.

But if I didn't already have an elliptical I'd definitely get a trainer, just to keep up the winter fitness level. And I don't think you can understate the value of starting the 'cycling season' in good condition. It took me all summer to get to a 'beginner' level of mountain bike fitness.

[JmcG]

I use my trainer in the winter months when it's super cold and icy on the roads and too dangerous to ride. I think you definitely do get "used" to your position on the bike when it's on the trainer - esp if you're doing hours long training sessions on it. I usually put my tri bike on the trainer so I can get used to being in the aero position for hours throughout the winter. I always feel like I get a great workout too on the trainer - it's harder for me to keep my heart rate up on the trainer than outside riding. I'm not sure why, but keeping it at around 150-160 bpm on the trainer is killer, while I really have to slow down and pay attention to keep it that low while riding outside (that's the aerobic range I keep in doing base mileage in winter months). It's a different feel but still a great workout - an hour on the trainer feels like 2-3 hours on the road!

But whatever trainer you do get, be sure to put a cheaper tire on your rear wheel so it doesn't eat up your $$ tires. I have a cycleops fluid trainer, and it still shreds my tires slightly, so I switch out to a $5 tire I bought at performance bike a few years ago.

Good luck and have fun!