Indoor trainer

[bluerider]

Hi there,

I'm thinking fwd to the wintery months fast approaching and was wondering if you all use an indoor trainer? I have my bro's old Cycleops Fluid trainer but have yet to try it. Is it possible to do hill training on these things? Also, for wind resistance, any ideas? I guess a fan??? I'm getting depressed just thinking about it but with the days getting shorter it's something I'd like to start thinking about.

Thanks,

Sue

[DeniseGoldberg]

The Cyclops Fluid Trainers are good trainers - should be a great start for you. As far as resistance goes, you get the resistance from a combination of the trainer (roller against the wheel) and the gears on your bike.

That said, a fan is helpful to keep you cool!

--- Denise

[neuroticcyclist]

Agree on the trainer. Read Chris Carmichael's book about how long to stay on it compared to roads.

I also recommend big screen tv and DVD. I turn out the lights, crank up the tension and watch a movie......

[slinkedog]

Also, there are the Spinervals DVDs or VHSs and Chris Carmichael has a video series to do while you're riding the trainer, too. I've only done one Spinervals, but it did help me a lot when I was doing it regularly. I'd like to get some others to work on.

By the way, the Spinervals that I do is the Uphill Grind and it helps with your hill climbing.

[Selkie]

I second the use of Spinervals. They have gotten me into great cycling shape.

[betagirl]

I have a cycle ops Wind trainer and use spinervals videos. Last winter I slacked off completely because the trainer was SO boring without something to follow. My friend told me about the spinervals and I used them in the spring to get back into shape. There are several different ones, including one for hill training. They really get you into shape, or keep you there.

[bluerider]

Thanks everyone for your feedback and advice. I guess I have more to look forward to when the snow hits.

[AutumnBreez]

My DH has recently ordered the Kreitler Rollers with the front fork stand. Without the stand you have to learn to balance on the rollers, and I don't have enough confidence to do that and be clipped in. Once your slow down, you have to be able to balance. Maybe some day I will do it, but other wise it does have a fan for resistance if you purchase that accessory. The rollers have a life time guarantee on them. www.coloradocyclist.com have them, and you can also learn more on the www.kreitler.com
Also it teaches you to train so that you have better form out on the road.

[Pax]

Not to intrude on your thread Bluerider but I have a (sort of) related question. Has anyone used an exercise bike instead of a trainer? Any pros/cons? I'm sure it's not the same as a bike but I like the thought of sitting upright while trying to keep in shape this winter.

[Adventure Girl]

Also, for wind resistance, any ideas? I guess a fan???

A fan might be nice to keep you more cool and comfortable, but it won't help with any wind resistance training because on a trainer you will not be riding into the wind. Your only tension adjustment will your choice of gears unless you have a trainer with variable resistance.

One other suggestion I have is to put a towel or something over your bike to catch the sweat. Sweat can be very damaging to a bike. I just had to have my headset replaced because it was corroded inside from sweat. I'm pretty sure that was from time spent on the trainer. Now I use one of these:

[slinkedog]

Well, that's quite a nifty little doo-dad! I ride my trainer a TON (way more time on the trainer than on the roads) and I do put a towel over my headset most of the time. However, Specialized says that my headset is sealed, so I wonder if I have to worry? Or is everyone's headset sealed and I really need to do the towel thing?

[bluerider]

Hey Adventure Girl,

Thanks for the great advice. I checked out CycleOps and they have this fancy accessory called the Bike THONG. I'm glad it's for the bike. Nifty!

[Trekhawk]

Bluerider - check out this website that Irulan mentioned to me in another thread. www.icebike.org

This might be up your alley as Im sure you get plenty of snow where you are. Are these people crazy or sane Im not sure but its worth a look.

[bluerider]

Thanks for the link. That's not a bad idea! I was thinking about doing a winter tri. No probs riding in the snow, it's the ice that makes me wanna stay inside. I run outside in the winter and have fallen several times on icy roads/sidewalks. I love how the site says "You will be looked upon with the smile of respect by friends and co-workers..." REALLY?!?!?!?