Question for the Spinervals Guru's

[Veronica]

It sounds like you have the resistance set too high on the trainer.

You want the resistance high enough so that the tire doesn't slip, but not so high that you can't pedal.

V.

[Blueberry]

My high gear is either a 52 or 53 11, and I played with the resistance just to play with technique. Usually I'm riding moderate resistance on the rear, and do the rest of the changing with my gears (i.e. it's tight enough the tire isn't slipping, but the wheel won't move for long when the pedaling is done). I still go down really fast (I do weigh more than most of you probably).

But....I'm really thinking that there must be a different movement associated with standing on the trainer. Some of the Spinervals call for standing in a small chain ring/23 set up. I've also tried it on big chain ring/15. (I'm doing Uphill Grind and I did Recharge today, for those who have them). I shake all over the place and cannot pedal a circle to save my life. Maybe it's that I'm so used to rocking the bike when I stand outside?? I usually don't stand much either (much prefer to spin), but will on occasion for a change of position/to stretch.

CA

[SadieKate]

The tapes say you're supposed to pedal a circle while standing? I guess I need to pay attention more.

The human body doesn't actually pedal a true circle while sitting. Yeah, the bike can't sway so you do have to adapt and you learn to be very smooth.

I also don't always use the gear ECT says to. I adjust based on the gears and conditioning I have, plus the cadence I am capable of at that time in my training (a dynamic range).

[Blueberry]

The tapes say you're supposed to pedal a circle while standing? I guess I need to pay attention more.

I don't think they say that. But, when my weight hits the pedals, they very un-glamorously go to their lowest position. Maybe pedal smoothly would be a better goal In any case, i'm no where close.

The human body doesn't actually pedal a true circle while sitting. Yeah, the bike can't sway so you do have to adapt and you learn to be very smooth.

Yep - I think that's a better way of explaining it. It can't, but I strive for something that doesn't look like someone intoxicated and flailing around

I also don't always use the gear ECT says to. I adjust based on the gears and conditioning I have, plus the cadence I am capable of at that time in my training (a dynamic range).

Oh yeah. And I'm liberal with the extra easy spin time too (and water breaks). I just feel like I'm fundamentally not getting part of the workout. Maybe it really is just a technique I need to work on. Maybe not when I'm already getting tired in the middle of a DVD.

Thanks for the input - it really is giving me food for thought

CA

[SadieKate]

Try jobob's advice about pulling up then. When I start to hear a thunk in the bottom bracket on standing that's what I do also.

[emily_in_nc]

Interesting...I can stand and pedal on the trainer MUCH better than on the road! I think on the road I often end up in too easy a gear since I am a spinner and thus may not upshift enough before standing. I actually enjoy standing on the trainer, but on the road, since I am climbing a hill when I do it, it tires me quickly, and I have a hard time getting my weight centered in the right place (tend to be too far over the handlebars) so my effort is not all that effective.

When I fractured my pelvis and started back on the trainer eight weeks after surgery, I was not allowed to stand on the bike (no weight bearing). When I was allowed to do that at about 12 weeks, I tried, but could not coordinate the effort at all so had to sit back down immediately. The leg on the bad side just couldn't make circles/pull up (my hip flexor on that side were severely affected and required lots of PT). As I healed even more, got stronger and did more PT, it became easier and easier. But since you're strong enough to stand on the road, it obviously isn't that with you. Hmmm.... I'm perplexed! It doesn't seem like it would have anything to do with your weight. There are some pretty big folks on the "Team Clydesdale" Spinervals that stand and pedal. I wonder if it's bike geometry?

I am usually in the large chain ring (50t) and one of the smaller cogs in back when I stand. I keep the trainer on the "2" resistance setting (out of 5, where 5 is the most difficult), if that helps at all. All trainers are different, tho....

Good luck, CA -- let us know if it gets any easier!

Emily

[jesvetmed]

I found that my old trainer just didn't cut it for high resistance stuff. Once I upgraded to Cyclops II, I have no problem. (Although I still cannot stand and spin at 100 rpms like he asks you to do in some of them... Not even going to try! )