how do I use my trainer?

[Owlie]

Mine says that I should adjust the unit so that the rolly bit compresses a properly inflated tire about 3mm. I just do it about as tight as I can get it, so I have to really work to get the wheel to spin.

As for the block, the phone book didn't work for me (mom wanted it back!), so I picked up a cheapy from Performance for $10 on sale. Works just fine.

Training...still working that out myself. I've been just riding while watching TV, or riding with music, and adjusting my resistance to a level that makes me work at a cadence that goes along with the music. Well, as much as I can without making my knees freak out. I'm contemplating buying a cheap heart rate monitor, but we'll see.

[rain]

wow, ok -- i get it. I've heard discussions on the forum about winter training but well it didn't make sense. I get what you're saying about it being harder than outside, I thought I was doing something wrong.

I see from another web search that blocks are inexpensive. I don't know why I thought otherwise...

Thanks for the tip on all the websites - there's so much to learn! i love it I do have a mountain ride that I'd like to attempt this summer so this will help enormously. (It's probably absurdly ambitious but gotta try.)

cheers!

[marni]

wow, ok -- i get it. I've heard discussions on the forum about winter training but well it didn't make sense. I get what you're saying about it being harder than outside, I thought I was doing something wrong.

I see from another web search that blocks are inexpensive. I don't know why I thought otherwise...

Thanks for the tip on all the websites - there's so much to learn! i love it I do have a mountain ride that I'd like to attempt this summer so this will help enormously. (It's probably absurdly ambitious but gotta try.)

cheers!

definitely check out the Dr. Arnie Baker articles on training on a trainer at the road bike rider dot com website. There are at least two for climbing and climbing intervals along with several that incorporate one leg training as well as standing and sitting intervals.

[rain]

Marni, thanks for the tip - the website has a lot of other information I need to know to.