Tell me about today's turbo trainers

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Tell me about today's turbo trainers

31 posts & 14 voices | Started 5 months ago by spacemonkey | Latest reply from Pawsy_Bear

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spacemonkey - Member

Last had one as a teenager back in the late 80s so methinks they've come on a bit since then. Never been a fan but with winter and so little time at present, I reckon I'll make use of it. So, who can offer any pointers?

> Entry-level rollers are good just for technique/concentration (not enough resistance unless spinning a high gear)? TTs better for resistance/intervals etc?
> Will be for MTB use only (for now anyway), so anything that takes a 26" should be fine?
> Best to run a trainer tyre? Currently running 317s so maybe limited to how narrow I can go. Am thinking of using a spare wheel but with the same cassette/chain.
> Noise - anyone used a quiet one downstairs while there's a 15 month-old sleeping upstairs? I reckon it'll be too noisy so I'll have to do daytime sessions. A camping mat any good? Or a proper mat?
? Riser block normally needed?
> Resistance - can be altered on the fly (by remote?)? Can you normally use your gears as well?
> Countering the boredom factor - surely Sufferfest et all are the way to go? Watching films/TV probably not the most stimulating?
> Speaking of Sufferfest - doesn't each video get boring when you've done it a couple of times? You know the route and it has the same old climbs, descents, attacks, etc. Or do they randomise some bits?
> Necessary to hook up to HRM/bike computer/PC/iPhone? I guess tracking HR/distance/cadence etc is a bonus but not a necessity?

Favoured models are Tacx Sirius and Elite Crono Fluid

Cheers

Posted 5 months ago #
RealMan - Member

> Noise - anyone used a quiet one downstairs while there's a 15 month-old sleeping upstairs? I reckon it'll be too noisy so I'll have to do daytime sessions. A camping mat any good? Or a proper mat?

I've used quite a noisy one whilst there was a sleeping baby in the next room. It's just background noise to them I guess, they ignore it and go to sleep.

If you've only got sound rather then video, try this.. http://soundcloud.com/velobeats

August is particularly good.

Posted 5 months ago #
spacemonkey - Member

I've used quite a noisy one whilst there was a sleeping baby in the next room. It's just background noise to them I guess, they ignore it and go to sleep.

Good to know. Happy to give it a whirl.

Tunes not a problem - will download some of those samples though. Ta

Posted 5 months ago #
The Swedish Chef - Member

> Entry-level rollers are good just for technique/concentration (not enough resistance unless spinning a high gear)? TTs better for resistance/intervals etc?

I use both rollers and a TT, Rollers are excellent for technique and work well for level 2 workouts, boredom is not an issue for as I listen to the excellent Velocast Race Radio podcast

> Will be for MTB use only (for now anyway), so anything that takes a 26" should be fine?

Most TT are OK with both wheel sizes

> Best to run a trainer tyre? Currently running 317s so maybe limited to how narrow I can go. Am thinking of using a spare wheel but with the same cassette/chain.

Get a spare wheel with a trainer tyre or road tyre, yes.

> Noise - anyone used a quiet one downstairs while there's a 15 month-old sleeping upstairs? I reckon it'll be too noisy so I'll have to do daytime sessions. A camping mat any good? Or a proper mat?
? Riser block normally needed?

I use a camping mat and a block of wood, perfect

> Resistance - can be altered on the fly (by remote?)? Can you normally use your gears as well?

The better TT can be, yes

> Countering the boredom factor - surely Sufferfest et all are the way to go? Watching films/TV probably not the most stimulating?

Sufferfest all the way for me

> Speaking of Sufferfest - doesn't each video get boring when you've done it a couple of times? You know the route and it has the same old climbs, descents, attacks, etc. Or do they randomise some bits?

No they do not get boring, twice or thrice a week, mix the films up, there are currently 5 or 6 to buy.

> Necessary to hook up to HRM/bike computer/PC/iPhone? I guess tracking HR/distance/cadence etc is a bonus but not a necessity?

Not needed but can be done with the top level Tacx and Elite TT

Elite have a new 2012 TT out that increase/decreases resistance, shows power readings, cadence, speed, distance etc, all via a ANT+ head unit. Neat!

Posted 5 months ago #
ianpv - Member

My turbo seems to send my kids to sleep (now 2 and 9 months) - I have it in one of the bedrooms, they share another one. It's just white noise to them, I think they like it. That's my excuse anyway.

Turbos are no more interesting than they've ever been but they're ok. I've got an imagic which is a bit more interesting. Gives power (effectively measured in some aribtrary unit) HR, cadence etc. plus the video stuff when it works.

Sufferfests are great but pretty full on for this time of year I think. More interesting than 2 by 20s but if you're training for something next year you may want to think about periodization etc. and all that dull stuff. If you're not training for something next year just sit on the sofa and watch masterchef - even that is more interesting than a turbo - or go for a night ride.

Posted 5 months ago #
Coleman - Member

I have an Elite Crono Fluid. Very quiet, super smooth, and the Crono system uses the riders weight to load the roller so gives a slightly more natural feel than traditional spring tension systems. Great value at Wiggle, but the newer SuperCrono Power Fliud model has nearly twice the resistance - which might be useful if your using mtb gears - mines fine on a road bike but you need to use the higher gears for efforts when interval training.

Posted 5 months ago #
spacemonkey - Member

Cheers guys. Some good comments in there.

My fear was the the resistance would be too light on a MTB, so maybe going for a higher-spec Elite (SuperCrono etc) is the best option. But a lot more money. Still, no point having something that doesn't offer a challenge.

Had a look at I-Magic last night - the Real World vids look great, but I can't justify that sort of expense.

Hmm.

EDIT: maybe not so expensive if this SuperCrono does the job instead of this one.

Posted 5 months ago #
trickydisco - Member

I bought a cheap 2nd hand £40 one off the classifieds. I can do the exact same workouts as guys using £250 ones

Posted 5 months ago #
thomthumb - Member

the elite you linked doesn;t have adjustable resistance (i think) if that is important to you.

Posted 5 months ago #
spacemonkey - Member

the elite you linked doesn;t have adjustable resistance (i think) if that is important to you.

Don't know yet. I guess a MTB can make it too easy therefore higher resistance is required? Also need to figure out what's best: magnetic or fluid.

Posted 5 months ago #
sefton - Member

I'm using rollers with a garmin hrm and its great for training - I can really get my heart rate into all the zones - I'll be pushing 30mph to achieve the highest zones though

Posted 5 months ago #
spacemonkey - Member

Are you on a road bike though Sefton?

Posted 5 months ago #
sefton - Member

yeah.

Posted 5 months ago #
njee20 - Member

I've got an imagic which is a bit more interesting. Gives power (effectively measured in some aribtrary unit) HR, cadence etc. plus the video stuff when it works.

The ones with the motor brake aren't bad, but the original ones are meant to be very inaccurate. Saying that, I've used my PowerTap on my I-magic and the figures aren't that different. Personally find the VR and the real-life videos a bit gimmicky for my liking, tend to just use the Catalyst software, which gives real time readouts of speed/power/cadence/HR.

Also need to figure out what's best: magnetic or fluid.

Fluid generally feel more realistic, resistance increases as you go faster, but they tend not to have the user adjustable resistance.

To be honest, even if you get one without adjustable resistance I doubt you'll find it too easy, even on an MTB.

I really dislike mine, I used it a lot at Uni when I lived in a city, and it was a good hour to get out to some quieter roads, but in the sticks I'd rather just go outside. They can be a very efficient use of your time if you can stick with it though!

Posted 5 months ago #
nammynake - Member

I recently bought a Tacx Satori and I am using my hardtail with a Tacx trainer tyre. It's not silent but isn't loud either, probably similar to a Hoover. Plenty of resistance - I can barely turn the cranks at its highest resistance and top gear.

Posted 5 months ago #
mudshark - Member

> Countering the boredom factor

Sufferfest must be good but video turbo trainers are gooder - though pricey.

Check these out for functionality (ignore the boring set up bits):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=02jT3tQL1l8

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErmIJ7IWP4I

Posted 5 months ago #
LS - Member

Rollers give you plenty of resistance if you let some air out of your tyres, say down to 70psi for 700x23. 400W-ish required for 53/12 at 90rpm (Powertap watts).
No doubt STWs answer to Fabian Cancellara will be along soon to say that's rubbish

Posted 5 months ago #
spacemonkey - Member

Can't see me spending that kind of dough mudshark. Won't be long before we have 'proper' smooth Streetview on TT and running machines. That would be cool.

I read some negatives about the Satori last night - reliability IIRC.

Posted 5 months ago #
The Swedish Chef - Member

Interesting numbers there LS, thanks

Posted 5 months ago #
mudshark - Member

Can't see me spending that kind of dough mudshark

I got my old RealAxiom from Ebay for a lot less money, recently I found a barely used RealPower there and got that for £310; a lot of machine for the money.

Posted 5 months ago #
robbespierre - Member

They are great!
We've got a Minoura V150 set up in the stairwell at mew office for lunchtime sessions. 10 resistance settings plus the gears.
I'm sitting sweating at my desk after a 45 minute lunchtime session - must go and have a shower now!

Posted 5 months ago #
LS - Member

Interesting numbers there LS, thanks

That's on my old Tacx 4" drums, no doubt you'd go a fair bit higher on anything with a smaller diameter.

Posted 5 months ago #
The Swedish Chef - Member

OK you're gonna have to explain that one LS.

Why would a smaller drum offer more resistance?

Posted 5 months ago #
trickydisco - Member

I've wondered why you can't get electro magnetic resistance on rollers?

Posted 5 months ago #
Coleman - Member

3 speed mag rollers;
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-arion-mag-parabolic-resistance-rollers/

Posted 5 months ago #
LS - Member

Why would a smaller drum offer more resistance?

Increased friction in the bearings, as the roller will be spinning faster than it would be if it were larger. The tyre will also have to deform more around a smaller roller.

Posted 5 months ago #
The Swedish Chef - Member

Thanks again LS

Posted 5 months ago #
LS - Member

No problem. I use rollers for anything below balls-out sprinting. I find turbos terminally boring.

Posted 5 months ago #
njee20 - Member

Surely the frictional losses in the bearings would be negligable, can't see it actually requiring more power to turn.

I read some negatives about the Satori last night - reliability IIRC.

It always feels like you're doing the beta testing with Tacx products IMO, considering how much the I-magic is (I've had mine about 7 years) the software, and the support are utter toss!

Posted 5 months ago #
LS - Member

You'd be surprised. There's 6 bearings to turn and they're going round pretty damned fast if the wheel speed is ~30mph. It's easy to detect with a powermeter the decrease in resistance as the bearings warm up to operating temperature over the first 10 minutes or so.

Posted 5 months ago #
Pawsy_Bear - Member

I can't burn my sufferfest vid to DVD any freeware software ideas? Thanks

Posted 5 months ago #

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