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Cycling Forum: Indoor Trainer

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberVandalay
    • CommentTimeNov 8th 2007
     
    Vandalay

    As much as I don't want to, I got an indoor trainer and will try indoor training this winter.  Does it hurt to keep my road bike hooked into the trainer all winter or should I take it out of the trainer every time (or at all)?

     

    Thanks,

     

    G 

    • CommentAuthorFree Membervmidiver
    • CommentTimeNov 9th 2007
     
    vmidiver

    G

    I have a CycleOps Fluid trainer and I'll leave my bike hooked into it for extended periods of time (2-3 weeks) with no issues.  I do move the cylinder away from the wheel after each trainer session to save the tire from getting a "permanent" indention.  I'm not sure if that's a rational thought or not, but it's just what I do.

    Indoor training sucks (much better to be on the road) but it's a necessary evil in the winter.  I'd rather do trainer sessions in the winter then not and be dropped from the pack early & often come spring.  Happy Training!

    - Matt

    • CommentAuthorFree Membertomrob36
    • CommentTimeNov 16th 2007
     
    tomrob36
    I agree with the above post but get a higher mileage tire or training tire for the rear wheel it will hold up better. You could also try mtn biking in the off season.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberVandalay
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2007
     
    Vandalay

    TomRob36,

    Thanks for the good advice...... my brother actually just mentioned that to me.  I took off my higher priced tire and added a cheaper / heavier one-  don't care if it wears out.

    Hey ...... how tight should I tighten the resistance roller to the wheel?  When I get my bike locked in I have to tighten a screw to get the roller to meet the wheel.  How tight should that be (I don't want to over tighten)?

    Cheer!

    - G  Smile

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercorpsbum
    • CommentTimeDec 15th 2007
     
    corpsbum

    If you end up on the trainer every year, as many of u s do, look for an inexpensive bike you can devote to the trainer. Trainers place a great deal of stress on the frame because the rear end is locked in place and the frame cannot flex as it is designed to when you pedal. Leaving the bike mounted on the trainer doesn' t hurt it one bit, but do release the pressure on the rear tire by loosening the screw that increases the tension on the tire. If you leave it on, there will be a flat spot in time.

    Save your worn out tires for trainer duty! Continental makes great tires for on the road, but the rubber compound  wears quickly on trainers, so save the Contis for on the road!

     You might also get an inexpensive set of skewers with a steel axle to replace the one in your rear wheel. The trainer will mar the quick releases and the axle itself has to carry more load than when you ride on the road. Just devote the cheap skewer to the trainer and save the good stuff for on the road. Another nice accessory is an electric fan to blow some air over you while on the trainer. You can really extend your ride time, and intensity, with a little breeze as opposed to dripping overheating and fading quickly without the breeze.

    And of course use some sort of entertainment to keep you happy! Mp3s, race videos, training videos, a favorite movie....something! Having a written workout plan keeps you focused too!  

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberssgrouch
    • CommentTimeDec 17th 2007
     
    ssgrouch
    It really is amazing how much crap I need to ride a trainer! The boredom is a killer, so I monitor speed, HR, and time; I have a fan going and of course a CD player. None of that is required when I'm riding the trails!!
  7.  
    RookieRider2

    Wow, what a lot of info. I appreciate this. I just got a trainer last week and have yet to get the bike on the trainer. I'll check into a tire.

    Nancy

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberRiderman
    • CommentTimeJan 21st 2008
     
    Riderman

    We returned our Cycle Ops Fluid 2 and replaced it with a Spinning bike, I have a carbon set stays and I thought I was going to bust them? I love the Spinner because you can hammer the pedals with out fear.

    MW

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberlisandom
    • CommentTimeMar 24th 2008
     
    lisandom

    luckily, indoor training time is about over!

    i tried rollers for the first time this winter and really enjoyed them.  don't get me wrong, indoor training still sucks, but rollers def kept me more tuned in to what i was doing.  and i didn't fall once! 

    also, must have accessories as mentioned above, music, dvd's, fan, hrm, etc. 

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberDavidY
    • CommentTimeMay 11th 2008 edited
     
    DavidY

    Hi,

    I'd like to add one suggestion, especially if you're going to use your "really good" bike on the trainer.

    You will of course sweat a lot more while "riding" indoors, and some of that sweat will get on your bike. Sweat is highly corrosive, so wear the headband, wipe the sweat from your legs, etc.--whatever it takes to prevent sweat from touching your bike. And of course wipe the bike down thoroughly immediately after each training session.

     David in FL

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberTink11
    • CommentTimeMay 15th 2008
     
    Tink11

    I would highly recommend picking up some of these:

     

    http://www.endurancefilms.com/Videos/Cycling.aspx

     

    I LOVE the Rides series, the scenery is great and the ride flows well.  Its focused training using either, HR, Power or Perceived Effort.  It really makes an hour on the trainer go by much faster.   The Carmichael series is good too, but you're just watching a bunch of other people sweat on a trainer, so its not as much fun to watch. 

     

    And yes a FAN is a must, especially if you intend to do any sort of Brick/Build workout. 

  12.  
    writeturnonred

    Like David said, you WILL sweat a lot (little to no air circulation inside, even with a fan), so if you're using your "good" bike, cover up the frame with something - they make special covers now, but a tee-shirt is fine.

    I used a CycleOps Trainer all winter, and definitely improved my stamina.  And even though it's nice out now, I find myself using my trainer when I get home too late to ride outside, so it's definitely a good investment.

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