rosstheboss
Retrobike Rider
What's good and what's not? I might put one on my christmas list....
And what's tis elastogel stuff all about?
And what's tis elastogel stuff all about?
Turbo trainers...
- Thread starter rosstheboss
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There are three different types of resistance, these being:-
1.) Air - the back wheel attaches to a fan so the faster you pedal the greater the resistance. These tend to be the cheapest models on the market but also the noisiest so if you live with anyone or are joined to your neighbours by thin walls I'd give these a miss.
2.) Magnetic - you'll be spinning magnetic discs with the resistance being provided by other magnets that can usually be moved closer to or further away from the spinning disc to give variable resistance.
3.) Fluid - these work by multiple discs being spun within a fairly viscous hydraulic fluid and are said to be the closest thing to riding out on the road with resistance being varied by using your bike's gearing. These are usually the quietest of the three types.
Some have a computer included as part of the package but if you already have a bike computer with a rear wheel sensor you're better off buying the non-computer model as the mechanical working will be the same and you'll get the same workout.
Also worth buying are a riser block for your front wheel (or just use a yellow pages) so you don't feel like you're riding down hill all the time without the benefit of being able to freewheel and it'll take some of the weight off your wrists and you'll need some form of sweat catcher that attaches to the handlebars and seat post.
Elastogel is Elite's brand name for a polymer coating they put on their rollers that gives good grip for the back tyre, quiet operation and a long life.
Off the top of my head, some of the major brands are Elite, Tacx, CycleOps and Minoura but I'm sure there are others.
I have an Elite with fluid resistance and an elastogel roller and while it's very good at what it does and is very quiet, turbo training is perhaps the dullest thing imaginable (with the exception of Big Brother) so I'd recommend setting it up in front of the TV / DVD player and sticking a few box sets of your favourite TV programmes on your Christmas list too!
1.) Air - the back wheel attaches to a fan so the faster you pedal the greater the resistance. These tend to be the cheapest models on the market but also the noisiest so if you live with anyone or are joined to your neighbours by thin walls I'd give these a miss.
2.) Magnetic - you'll be spinning magnetic discs with the resistance being provided by other magnets that can usually be moved closer to or further away from the spinning disc to give variable resistance.
3.) Fluid - these work by multiple discs being spun within a fairly viscous hydraulic fluid and are said to be the closest thing to riding out on the road with resistance being varied by using your bike's gearing. These are usually the quietest of the three types.
Some have a computer included as part of the package but if you already have a bike computer with a rear wheel sensor you're better off buying the non-computer model as the mechanical working will be the same and you'll get the same workout.
Also worth buying are a riser block for your front wheel (or just use a yellow pages) so you don't feel like you're riding down hill all the time without the benefit of being able to freewheel and it'll take some of the weight off your wrists and you'll need some form of sweat catcher that attaches to the handlebars and seat post.
Elastogel is Elite's brand name for a polymer coating they put on their rollers that gives good grip for the back tyre, quiet operation and a long life.
Off the top of my head, some of the major brands are Elite, Tacx, CycleOps and Minoura but I'm sure there are others.
I have an Elite with fluid resistance and an elastogel roller and while it's very good at what it does and is very quiet, turbo training is perhaps the dullest thing imaginable (with the exception of Big Brother) so I'd recommend setting it up in front of the TV / DVD player and sticking a few box sets of your favourite TV programmes on your Christmas list too!
Mike
Retro Guru
I've just bought one second hand magnetic one and I'm waiting for it to be delivered. I'm only going to use it on cold and damp days and dark winter nights when I can't get out on the roads.
I'm planning to add interest with music or TV because I can imagine 30-45 minutes a night getting quite boring otherwise.
I'm planning to add interest with music or TV because I can imagine 30-45 minutes a night getting quite boring otherwise.
Had one, gave up as I got too bored. I bought some nice LED lights with the resale money.
I had some great night rides last winter - moonlit in deserted lanes with frost on the fields sparkling is fantastic.
For me, outside is preferable even when it's close to freezing.
I had some great night rides last winter - moonlit in deserted lanes with frost on the fields sparkling is fantastic.
For me, outside is preferable even when it's close to freezing.
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I bought a Tacx magnetic resistance turbo trainer back in 1996 and spent a few months using it religiously over the winter months along with a heart rate monitor.
That was when I was still racing and followed a very structured training regime; I've still got my old training diarys too.
Turbo sessions are incredibly tedious and can be quite painful. The longer sessions at lower intensities were always the worst, even with music on or set up in front of a good film. I never managed more than 90 minutes before I died of boredom.
High intensity sessions and intervals, although shorter in duration, sometimes left me with wobbly legs and on the point of vomiting. Much more fun.
Since those crazy turbo days it's hardly been used, as I stopped competing in races and much prefer to go out and just ride.
If you do get one, don't bother with the front wheel block or a special sweat catcher thing, as the previously mentioned Yellow Pages and a towel will do the job nicely. It's also worth getting a fan set up in front of you to simulate a beautiful fresh mountian breeze as you cycle along, but more importantly to keep you cool. Sweat; you'll never have seen so much...
That was when I was still racing and followed a very structured training regime; I've still got my old training diarys too.
Turbo sessions are incredibly tedious and can be quite painful. The longer sessions at lower intensities were always the worst, even with music on or set up in front of a good film. I never managed more than 90 minutes before I died of boredom.
High intensity sessions and intervals, although shorter in duration, sometimes left me with wobbly legs and on the point of vomiting. Much more fun.
Since those crazy turbo days it's hardly been used, as I stopped competing in races and much prefer to go out and just ride.
If you do get one, don't bother with the front wheel block or a special sweat catcher thing, as the previously mentioned Yellow Pages and a towel will do the job nicely. It's also worth getting a fan set up in front of you to simulate a beautiful fresh mountian breeze as you cycle along, but more importantly to keep you cool. Sweat; you'll never have seen so much...
Old Ned
Old School Grand Master
I use a half brick to support the front wheel. The type with 3 holes in, the groove in the half, which is half the middle hole, fits a road front wheel nicely. An old towel draped over the bars catches the sweat but a head band is also useful.
Where can you get them from these days? I've tried all the local sports shops but no success.
Where can you get them from these days? I've tried all the local sports shops but no success.
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Old Ned":1yuo6o34 said:
Whoa there Ned! Sounds a bit technical to me.
Can you get them in anodised colours?
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