Techs Mechs: Trainers, cheap ones.
by flying dog on Jan 11, 2012 10:34 AM EST
Email
Print
I'm looking for peoples opinions on what would be a good choice for an inexpensive trainer. Or maybe more appropriately what kind of a trainer would be suitable for someone who has no inclination to get into racing condition but just needs to get some exercise when it's too cold or dark outside. I'm starting out with very little knowledge about trainers in general but have seen some new magnetic resistance trainers on ebay for under $100, yet I know there other types that would cost considerably more. Would I be wasting my money on a magnetic trainer or would the design make a difference? Or is it better to search for a decent used fluid or air resistance trainer?
Thanks.
Too fat for flying dog. =(
39 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
With stationary trainers
you’re usually paying for smoothness, quietness, and build quality. So really, if you don’t need it to be quiet, don’t mind adding some shims to level it out and aren’t riding it for hours at a time, get the cheapest one you can find. I have the cheapest Cycleops one and it’s just fine.
On the other hand, if you want to have some fun- get some Kreitlers. :)
"I’m pretty disappointed, but if this is what people want to see, a race decided on a downhill," Andy Schleck said. "I don’t think that. A finish like this should not be allowed."
I have one for 60 bucks
Is my first one, is a little loud but neighbors dont mind. check amazon.com I got it from there… 5 magnetic resistance levels… with the block for the front wheel. I am happy.
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
I'm scouring the web, so I may have seen that one.
Do you think the one you bought may be any better than any others for any reason? Or was it just a case of cheapest available was the best available? Thanks.
Best one 60 bucks could buy yes.
I did a little research and they are all about the same. If you pay more you get less noise. That is about it… Just look and see what you can find. More expensive=less noise.
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
To give you an idea of what you can do on your trainer.....
http://app.strava.com/rides/3248308 it was a post at some point, when you get yours you will find that is a challenge to stay on it for more then one hour…
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Do you have rollers?
If not, you should try them out. I find they are less monotonous and truly show you how pitiful your balance and hand/eye coordination on a bike truly are. You can get a good workout on them and smooth out your spin too.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
this is why i got the trainer...
my balance really suck!… spun is right, it will improve your balance. and coordination. Resistance on it exist?
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Resistance
Kreitler makes a resistance unit as well as Magura does too, but if you want to go on the inexpensive trip Jeff Kerkove did the best trick. Put a folded up towel under the rear roller for some resistance. Sure it’s not scientific, but it works.
Health issues that have included balance problems rule this choice out.*
*Unless you know someone giving a set of rollers away. =)
craigslist
I got a 10-year-old Kreitler 2 years ago, bought a new belt, and presto!
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Jan 11, 2012 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Rim drive
The only one I know of is the Magura rim drive. They are best used for changing easily between road, mtb, CX bikes. The Magura rim drive was one of my first trainers. It got me through the Coach Troy Spinerval DVDs, but it slipped a lot when it came to out of the saddle sprints or bursts. Watch out for where the rim drive contacts the wheel as a couple of times I saw the rollers creep up to rub the bead of the tire.
Minoura makes them too.
They save on tire wear, unless as you suggest the rollers ride up/down. I thought they might be a lot quieter. I guess another positive is that you would find out how true your wheels were or weren’t. :o Thanks for the input.
I have a Minoura rim drive
Works fine, especially nice when I used it with my MTB.
I must admit I can’t stand riding on an indoor trainer, so I don’t use it at all (well, maybe once a year…). But that’s not because it’s rim drive.
Same as Above
I have a cheap magnetic trainer that was ~$70, some cheap rollers, and I got a used Kurt Kenetic. I use the Kurt Kenetic the most, but since my time is rather limited right now there is not much difference from the magnetic trainer except some noise and sturdiness.
Rollers are neat, but if I want a quick workout I just use the trainer. I used my rollers a great deal a few winters ago and the definitely helped my balance and pedal stroke.
I too have a cheap mag trainer
I used to have almost a complete set, rollers (for the purist in me), wind trainer (cheap and easy to carry around for pre-race warm ups), and a fluid trainer (nice and quiet for at home, and reserved for intense workout sessions)
These days I only have one, a cheap mag trainer. I use it to turn myself inside out in an hour or less, hidden away in the basement, while watching sufferfest videos (if you ride an indoor trainer and want a good workout, check these guys out, no, seriously!).
Advantages of the mag trainer? Cheap, I don’t have to worry too much about balance and form, like on the rollers; so I can focus on the intensity of the workout.
I am not one to just clock up miles indoors. If I am riding indoors it needs to be high value, intense, and over in about an hour.
My hats off to anyone who can clock over an hour (sometimes 3 or 4!?!?) sitting on rollers. You are made of better stuff than me…
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
Just different muk...!
those sitting on the rollers are the ones not going outside because of a little wind… You sir go outside on almost any conditions… Hats off to you…!
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Jens! Factor
I use the Jens! Factor to determine if I should ride or not. Using the weather as an excuse in anything less than a Jens! Factor of 4 is just lame, and if you have it available to you, a ride in Jens! Factor 5 is something you should try at least once, just for the “sensations” :-)
Having said that, I am currently laid up with a chest cold that I can not shake so am limited to light spins on the mag trainer in the basement, focused on keeping my HR under control and just spinning the legs over.
My goodness, I never realised that 45 minutes could take so long!!!!
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
Jens! Factor starts where I've already stopped considering it reasonable to go out.
I use the Curacao factor, if the dolphins are jumping then it must be warm enough to go out and ride. If the temp is under 80 I consider layering up. ([:-p (20 years in Florida will do that to a person.)
80...???? Whaat is that?
Take a look at NJ lovely riding weather temp today. Plus add a constant drizzle to it..
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/141093434
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Great point
Years ago our house had a back deck, wooden, raised off the ground and overlooking a kind of valley below.
My wind trainer sounded freaking awesome! My neighbour pointed out that at times it sounded like a Cessna was doing low level runs past our house. It took me a while, but I finally got his subtle hints and moved my training spot to the garage. Lost my wonderful views, but gained a friendly neighbour….
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
Agreed on going cheap.
Mine’s in the basement where noise is not an issue (I can turn up the TV to drown it out) and for $115 my PerformanceBike brand Travel Trac is on it’s 10th season of dependable use. My only advice is get yourself a cheap skewer and even put a little electrical tape on the derailleur (the area nearest the skewer, where it bolts to the frame) to avoid scratching while removing. I also have the travel trac rollers which I’ve used for 3 years. They are not Kreitler quality, but they are all alloy and they do what rollers are supposed to (which is scare the crap out of you).
"..In Belgium for sure they would try to stop the train."
Peter Van Petegem
been on the stationary one since Oct this year,
but need to switch to the rollers soon. Just wanted some low pressure (mentally) rides for a bit. Prefer rollers though.
"..In Belgium for sure they would try to stop the train."
Peter Van Petegem
Side question
Thoughts on what bike t use on a trainer. Do people use a different bike than their regular outdoor bike? Do they use special tires (that wear longer)? etc?
moo
I use the same bike... same tires..
Now you got me thinking if should I change the tires….??? Would make sense to do it.
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Use the cheapest tyres you can get
When my second bike was still here (now in different location) I would use that one on the rollers because sweat is murder on a bike, and I sweat a LOT (when on the trainer / rollers..). Now my solution is to no longer ride indoors :)
"Beer helps." -- Ant1.
+1
A sweat cover for the bike and towel for the floor are pretty much essential. Sweat is really corrosive to components too, so make sure that you keep things clean and protected.
"I’m pretty disappointed, but if this is what people want to see, a race decided on a downhill," Andy Schleck said. "I don’t think that. A finish like this should not be allowed."
I use my aluminum bike instead of my steel one
since it does get pretty wet. There are trainer specific tires, and I could see the value if I head a dedicated roller-only bike, but an old road tire (no tread) works fine.
Not that the conversation is around roller vs trainers, but I like a Mtn pedal/cleat set up for rollers since if I need to bail out quickly, it’s an easier step onto the slick cement floor on my MTB Crank Bros shoes over my speedplay road shoes.
"..In Belgium for sure they would try to stop the train."
Peter Van Petegem
Use the bike
with same geometry, but not carbon. I’ve been using a yellow Continental trainer tire for two years now with heavy use on the trainer. There is zero residue on the trainer from the tire. I cannot say the same for the road tires I used to use on my old trainer. By the end of winter the tire would be worn down and the roller had to be cleaned from the rubber residue.
Just got the cheapest tire I could find... $15 dollars. Will see how long it lasts..
Guy at the bike shop said it should give me at least a winter.
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
same one in blue here.... amazon?
Strava...? We are going for the TOP 10 this year...! Are you going to be part of something great or not?
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Celebrate the Giro d'Italia at Podium Cafe!
Check our Giro Section for race updates, on-the-scene reports, and other hijinx.
Featured Stories
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
