Trainers!

[daedala]

It is coming on winter for those of us in the northern hemisphere, and I'm not too interested in biking in snow and cold. Further, my mountain bike fits me perfectly; the bike fitter said he couldn't do anything to improve it for me. So I'm thinking of getting a trainer.

Has anyone used them? Thoughts, opinions, reviews, warnings?

Comments

[jae]

I haven't used them--I ride recumbents, and it would probably be a heck of a time finding one that would fit, say, my trike. :) But it sounds like a wonderful idea, since what you want to do in the off-season is train the exact muscles you'll eventually need during the cycling season.

-J

[ell]

I've got one, it's a love-hate relationship for me. I know it's good for me, but relative to going out and riding, I find it much harder, but you do get to watch tv etc. Ive got a Cycle-Ops Magneto Pro (look for sales, my LBS had a great sale on them last christmas) and it's a really nice magnetic trainer IMHO

(But I recommend also getting some cold weather gear and trying the whole biking in the cold thing. It's really fun to be out in winter if you're dressed for the weather)

[sporky_rat]

I agree with the fun to be out in winter. You've got a lot less people to weave in and out of on biking trails in the winter and when you come in, that hot chocolate is so much better.

[damerell]

Studded tyres are the thing. If you're lucky you've got 700C or 26" wheels and can buy them, but I bodged up a set with rivets for 650B wheels, and two icy winters later, I haven't had a prang.

[alien8]

I have a cyclocross bike, and Schwalbe Winter Marathons will be added should we get any snow (London, UK).

Ref trainers: I have a Kurt Kinetic Rock & Roll. This moves sideways that means you use your core just like riding outside.

Failing that, get some rollers - they do the same and improve your balance.

either way - you'll need a fan.

It's not an exclusive thing - I do intense intervals on the trainer as it's kinda mad to do them outside even in the summer :)