Turbo Trainer Help

token56

I'm looking at getting a turbo trainer. I'm currently injured but am hopeful of getting back soon but wont be able to do much running and cycling will probably be the best option. So I want to look at getting a turbo trainer for the next few months.

I've looked at a few different ones but I'm a bit clueless. I'd prefer something thats quite and from what I've gathered the gel/fluid ones look the best in this regards. I'm also looking for one that will allow me to monitor my power output, not that interested in other metrics as from what I understand things like distance etc are a bit pointless on a trainer. Price isn't that much of as a problem and I'm willing to invest in something decent. Oh I'd also prefer it is one I could buy in a shop here in Ireland/Dublin but if I have to get it off Wiggle or something its not the end of the world.

From my research so far this one http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-fluid-elastogel-trainer/ seems to have good reviews but doesn't have anything for measuring power etc.

One with measurement etc is this http://www.wiggle.co.uk/tacx-flow-computer-turbo-trainer-with-skyliner-support/
Its a bit more expensive but dont know if its value for money?

Anyone any advice?

kennyb3

Two bits of advice 1) visit the cycling forum 2) tacx satori from bike24.com

token56

Thanks for the advice, might be a good idea to ask across the other side alright, I just know there are a few people here have turbo's who might have been able to help. I'll take a look at the Satori too.

Thanks again.

catweazle

I have the Satori and I am happy with it but unless the newer models have them I didn't get a power unit with mine. I did see the Flow which has the power meter on offer on bike24 for a super price. Abhainn has just bought a flow himself so maybe pm him and see what he thinks

Have a look at jackybacks training log, although his turbo is pricy it looks like great fun. I would love to have his turbos gps capabilities to produce cycle routes

kennyb3

Good points catweazle, i missed the power bit sorry. How much cycling have you done? Just if this is only for when you are injured from running id be thinking cheap and chirpy and secondhand. You might find you hate it - im not a fan of turbo's myself for example.

token56

Thanks again for the advice guys. Yeah I think the Flow is going to suit my needs the best and bike24 certainly seems to be the cheapest by far.

Kennyb, I've been cycling on and off for the past 2 years now but I would still be a novice at it. However my plan if/when I get back running is to do a few duathlons next year so I'll be keeping up the cycling during the spring & summer months. I dont mind investing in a decent one because its something I will use and I want to build up a bit of cycling base over the next few months. I think I'll actually be better at cycling than at running.

snack_ie

I dont mean to hijack the thread but I am also looking for a turbo...

Training has taken a hammering recently with the weather, and I need to start getting more hours in on the bike.

My problem is that I live in a houseshare with people, so I need something which is relatively quiet. I live upstairs sandwiched between two bedrooms. I have an old turbo at home (its a Tacx somtthing or other, a fairly cheap and cheerful model) but the think is so so loud. I do like my housemates too so I would like to be considerate!

Any advice - not looking to spend too much too!

hunnymonster

ok, Tunney and the other purists will blast me for this but if noise is an issue what about a 2nd hand spinning bike (gyms are always selling them off). You can get a fairly good position (not Ideal but not bad) on the bike and they are silent. That's what we have and it works well.

tunney

hunnymonster wrote: »

ok, Tunney and the other purists will blast me for this but if noise is an issue what about a 2nd hand spinning bike (gyms are always selling them off). You can get a fairly good position (not Ideal but not bad) on the bike and they are silent. That's what we have and it works well.

My issue is not the bikes but the classes. As long as the training is relevant.

snack_ie

I would prefer use my own bke...
If there are silent spin bikes how there are not silent turbos???

token56

A related question for the tires. I know a turbo trainer can be rough on the back tire and if using it for a while I'll need to change tires before I go back out on the road. But at the moment I just have whatever tire on it that came with the bike (Specialized Allez double). Will this wear away very quickly on the turbo trainer? Would I be better off buying an extra spare or two tires while I'm buying the turbo?

tunney

snack_ie wrote: »

I would prefer use my own bke...
If there are silent spin bikes how there are not silent turbos???

To be honest my fluid trainer and my computrainer are both very silent really. Yes you can hear them but well less than a hoover.

tunney

token56 wrote: »

A related question for the tires. I know a turbo trainer can be rough on the back tire and if using it for a while I'll need to change tires before I go back out on the road. But at the moment I just have whatever tire on it that came with the bike (Specialized Allez double). Will this wear away very quickly on the turbo trainer? Would I be better off buying an extra spare or two tires while I'm buying the turbo?

Some turbos are soft on tyres (Elites with elastogel). Most are harsh - if using a specialist tyre you really need a wheel that will be only used with the turbo.

Some do argue that for accuracy of wattage readings a high end road tyre is better........

snack_ie

I think when I am home over XMas I am going to go around having to do a tour of everyone I know who uses a turbo! Seriously!

airscotty

Just spotted this on the Base2Race Facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Base2Race/161244997243831

Its a new type of turbo trainer that you dont use your back wheel on and just hook it directly upto the chain. Never seen one before but looks pretty cool but not sure how it compares on price to the other options.
http://www.lemondfitness.com/videos/discover-the-revolution-video