Trainer tips & tricks?

[alpinerabbit]

I bought a used cycle trainer off the 'net. It's a Tacx, magnetic type.
Got my package last night, hooked up the bike and it seems to work fine.

It is a bit loud, but I have no downstairs neighbors. Will ask to the left and above if they can hear me.

That remote gear-shift thingy, does not fit on my handlebar yet because I have campy so the brake cable is underneath the tape. I will have to remove a bit of the tape (will get new tape come spring)

...

what else? How to get started on that hell machine? my Ipod is loaded and I have a lot of DVDs....

[Bron]

I can't give you any advice, but can you let us know how you get on with it? I've been looking at used Tacx trainers on ebay and wondering if they were worth it.

[mtbdarby]

alpinerabbit - I don't use the shifter that came with my trainer, I just use the bikes gears. I would suggest buying a used spinervals dvd or some other program for motivation and to make the time fly. And a floor fan to give you a breeze since your front wheel isn't moving - it can get pretty warm riding!

[ehirsch83]

I use my trainer for drills. It helps break up the time(but not very fun).
Right now, a couple times a week, I am doing one legged drills- so ten minute warm up, then 3 sets of 5 minutes on each leg(so right leg,left leg, repeat 2 more times) Then I do a 10 minute cool down. With that, I have 50 minutes done. If I have more time I will add in a 10 minute hard effort inbetween the drills and the cool down.

That is just one idea of something to do on the trainer!

[SouthernBelle]

I'll second the Spinervals. There ae other kinds too, Chris Carmicheal comes to mind, but I've never heard or seen his.

I've also used www.cardiocoach.com which isn't cycling specific, it can be used on other machines or running. I use it on the stairmaster or spinner at the gym.

[Andrea]

Get a subscription to netflix and put your recliner in storage.