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So, I bought a turbo trainer for Xmas and I've been using it roughly twice a week, as well as general singlespeed night riding.
I use it with Sufferfest vids- Hunted, Angels (and shortly AVDP) and I've noticed quite an improvement in leg strength and endurance.
Should I just carry on like this, or is there a better way to train? Im considering a heart rate monitor but I think it'll be difficult to maintain a target heart rate zone program AND follow The Sufferfest vids. I can't face using the turbo without some sort of training vid!
I do give it the beans; had tunnel vision and spots before my eyes a few times so I don't need anything to motivate. Just seems a shame to put all that effort in if I'm limiting what I'll get out...
Any thoughts?
Surely someone else must still be fighting the Xmas flab?!
[url= http://www.trainerroad.com/ ]TrainerRoad[/url]
[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/trainerroad-stw-approved-sessions ]STW TrainerRoad thread[/url]
Wahoo Kickr, linked with cyclops virtual trainer for real time courses and a garmin virb elite to make my own local VR rides
Trainerroad linked with sufferfest. You'll need a ANT+ dongle, plus a speed and cadence sensor.
Assuming your turbo trainer is supported by trainerroad you can then train using Sufferfest at estimated power outputs rather than just perceived effort.
There's nothing wrong with just using Sufferfest films, although I'd want to vary them a lot more than just the three you have.
If you're not training to race and just to have a better fitness level for the summer then IMO a heart rate monitor is worthless and you'd be better off spending the cash on more Sufferfest films.
I love TrainerRoad with/without Sufferfest and thoroughly recommend it for serious fitness gains, but it comes with a cost if you don't have the equipment to begin with.
Golden chetah is a bit like trainer road but free open source software. The UI is a bit crap, but if you have a supported trainer (kurk kinetic/tacx flow/tacx sartori and a few others) you get virtual power. All you need is an ant+ speed cadence sensor and dongle.
I find that it gives you enough to focus on. I think you can view vids via the software too, although I haven't tried it.
There is another free one (virtual trainer?) but it on,y works on 64 bit windows or mac.
I do give it the beans; had tunnel vision and spots before my eyes a few times so I don't need anything to motivate. Just seems a shame to put all that effort in if I'm limiting what I'll get out...
What do you want to get out? Are you racing?
Thanks for all the info chaps 🙂
Not really training for anything specific- that's the problem really; no specific goals etc. I'm happy to put the work in but don't want it wasted. Main aim is to improve leg strength and fitness for mtb
I have an iphone so will look into ANT thingies and cadence sensors. Was hoping it could all come in under £100
Check out TurboTraining.co.uk
workouts for nowt.
Best with cadence and heart rate monitor plus a couple of Ant sticks
I got a Mio cadence and speed sensor for £30, garmin dongle for £30. Already had the heart rate strap but they're around £20.
Trainerroad is about £7 a month on subscription basis.
Summer is coming, days getting longer, why not just buy a few more Sufferfests for variation, enter an event or two and they get out riding?
Start trainerroad next autumn/winter.