Paging The Cyclisti - Turbo Trainers

Which are the best type to go for? I've used a 3 roller set up before
but a quick scan around and looking on Ebay seems to show the single
rear wheel jobbies are now more prevalent.

Also used to use my mates with a road bike. I take it there would be no
problems using one with an MTB? What about off-road tyres I'd imagine a
spare wheel with a more "road" tyre would be a better plan.

Cheers in advance.

 

Never used a turbo myself because the main reason I ride is to be
outside. Only thing I can say is that you really want a road tyre on
the back otherwise the noise will drive you nuts.

 

We got one some years back when Jude was getting back after a snapped
ACL. It's got a single roller under the back wheel and clamps onto the
spindle - ISTR I had to change the rear Q/R mech to make it fit. This
was on a peugeot tourer, but I think the spare one I used was off a
MTB, so I can't see why it would be a problem.

It also has a bar-mounted resistance adjustment, so is quite
straightforward to use. Works fine and using a proper bike does mean
that you can get a more 'correct' riding position, which was something
that always pissed me off about gym cycle-trainers.

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ GSX-R1000K3
`\\ | //' BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, SKA#2
`\|/`
`

 

Yeah that's what I'd imagine.

I agree about being outside, but I'm a bit of a PFF when it comes to
riding bikes on the road esp in the winter (dark). A couple of nasty
accidents riding to work put me off that good and proper.

The intention is to turn the garage into a gym [1] so I looked at
buying/blagging an excercise bike for warming up but then figured I've
got an MTB which could be used instead.

Ta!

[1] Theory being that I might actually go, we'll see eh?

 

Ta for that. Most of the ones on ebay at the moment are that type as I
said, I think it would probably be the option we'll go for.

There seem to be two forms of resistance adjustment, magnetic flywheel
and fan (I guess like a proper rowing machine). Any ideas which are the
best?

 

We chose a magnetic one, but I can't remember the pros and cons.
Certainly the one we got does exactly what it says on the tin. Sorry I
can't be much more help.

--
_______
..'_/_|_\_'. Ace (brucedotrogers a.t rochedotcom)
\`\ | /`/ GSX-R1000K3
`\\ | //' BOTAFOT#3, SbS#2, UKRMMA#13, DFV#8, SKA#2
`\|/`
`

 

No worries! I bet either would be fine for what I need it for. It's not
like I'm in training for the TDF or anything!

 

....and magnetic it is then

Cheers for that!

 

Steve P came up with the following;:

Personally I like rollers, they 'feel' almost like you're riding, but
nowadays the single rear wheel things are also pretty damn good.

Definitely get road tyre/wheel combination. The rear might need a different
axle or some adjustment to the QR (if it has one) to fit the single rear
wheel things, but this _is_ the way to go unless you're in serious training
.... and even then they're bloody good.

 

Cheers for that. I'm currently watching a few on ebay!

 

I agree mostly with this sentiment, I cycle a reasonable amount (500 miles
last month) and love being outside. But I wonder how much of that was
freewheeling? Not that I freewheel a lot, but on an exercise bike it's
practically zero. Also, if you are looking to lose weight through heavy
sweating, then an exercise bike is better then being into a wind which often
cool you down.

Bad side of exercise bikes, you don't actually build up many muscles which
are useful on the road/off-road. How many times have I heard people tell me
they can cycle 20 miles in half an hour in the gym! Love them to see them
try and do 20 in an hour in the real world.

 

And form the other side of the coin, I went for an exercise bike because I
didn't want to faff around with my MTB changing wheels and mechs etc.
It's OK for an hour or two, but the seat isn't that nice, it's too wide
and "comfy". The ?crank length?[1] is too short for me, and I'd like
something longer, and the heart rate monitor doesn't work properly.

Other than that, it's brillaint.

[1] Obviously I'm not sure of the term here. The length from the centre
of the crank to the pedals.

 

Switters wrote

Crap aren't they. In the days when I had lungs enough to do it I used
the reduction in my peripheral vision as a guide and never went anywhere
near it. These days it is easier to stop exercise when I am gasping,
which seems as good a time as any and a lot less to faff about with.

 

Not sure I've ever pushed myself quite that hard. Even when I was in
training for the Mt Blanc trip, which was hard at times, I could always
see.

When you start having a heart attack, you know it's time to rest.

 

If you search Froogle there are ones that work off the rim so you
wouldn't have to change the wheel, no idea if they are any good though

 

Hmm that's thrown one into the mixer. I'll have a scoot around as that
would be miles more convenient.