Trainer Recommendations?

[melissam]

I have a 1upusa.com trainer that I've been very happy with. I've put ~1000 indoor training miles on it since I bought it in early 2007.

It's easy to set up and can easily accommodate bikes with different wheel sizes (some of my bikes are 650C, one is 700C) and axle widths. With the exception of rear tire squeak, it's very quiet. You can use the trainer without a front wheel block, since the rear wheel is close to the ground.

Martin, the indoor trainer can be a great training tool. If you want to do intervals, you can do the exact workout you want, without having to deal with traffic, stop signs/stop lights, terrain, headwinds or crosswinds. Not only that, but you never have to worry about getting a flat tire on the trainer!

I preferred it over the gym because I could simply roll out of bed, set the bike & trainer up, do my workout, shower and head for work. It easily became a part of my morning routine.

- Melissa

[GraysonKelly]

How do you measure miles on a trainer? Will medium range trainer come with something to measure that? Keep in mind, I don't know and I need one. It's part of my knee rehab and I need something for winter.
Thanks,
Gray

[Irulan]

I am using a training program that I got online from www.lwcoaching.com. I want a little more structure than I think I'll get from the spinervals DVDs. It's a six week program for base building/maintaining.

[melissam]

How do you measure miles on a trainer? Will medium range trainer come with something to measure that? Keep in mind, I don't know and I need one. It's part of my knee rehab and I need something for winter.
Thanks,
Gray

Hi Gray,

I have a Cateye Astrale 8 cycle computer that measures distance via the sensor/magnet on the rear wheel. It also measures cadence, which is a great thing to monitor during indoor workouts.

I know, some people don't track indoor miles because you're not really going anywhere. I like to track indoor mileage because it's a measurement I can relate to and gives me an idea of where I am training-wise. For some reason, I'm not as good at translating hours in the saddle vs. miles on the road.

- Melissa

[gingerale]

Thank you for asking this! I'm getting some great info for myself since I just purchased a trainer this past weekend.

[malkin]

I look at the cracks in the floor
Recite memorized passages in my head
Listen for the various clocks in the house to count off the quarters
And pray that angels will catch me if I start to fall off the rollers.

[LaurenC]

Thanks everyone. Gingerale, what did you get and do you like it? Martina, I want to try the trainer instead of the gym as I can't really afford the gym right now. Also, I wouldn't be there enough to make it cost effective as most of my excercise comes from horseback riding, kayaking, skiing, and of course biking.

[Velobambina]

Martina - in a word, SPINERVALS. You will be stronger for the suffering.