Getting a trainer...ideas re bike for the trainer?

[Wahine]

I actually saved an old wheel as well as tires for use with my trainer. But I have only one road bike so that's what I use on my trainer, I just swap out the rear wheel once we hit indoor season.

[melissam]

Hey Salsa,

How about Plan B? Instead of buying a used bike for the trainer, why don't you put your present bike on the trainer and buy a new, extra-spiffy bike to use outside?

Just doing my part to help the economy and justify buying new bike stuff...

-- Melissa

PS I use my old Bianchi on the trainer. It's the bike I bought during my second year in college, so it goes against RoadRaven's advice of not putting a sentimentally precious bike on the trainer. OTOH, if something were to happen to the Bianchi on the trainer, I'd consider it ample payback for the time it broke my leg.

[salsabike]

Ha! Don't think I didn't consider that, melissam. But I'm not done with the Bianchi yet...

You made me laugh loudly. Then I showed my spouse your post and HE laughed loudly.

[salsabike]

So here's what we've found so far that we think will work---an '07 8-speed Raleigh on sale for $315 (Sora shifters). Best we seem to be able to do without spending a couple of months haunting Craig's List.

[Drtgirl]

How do you know how much tension to put on the rear wheel?

[HillSlugger]

How do you know how much tension to put on the rear wheel?

I've always used just enough that the tire doesn't slip if I put my thumb on the trainer wheel and try to turn the bike wheel.