swaz
Likes Bikes and Dirt
I have a rim drive trainer and it is the good without costing $600+. Also zero tire wear and much much less noise. But jeessuuss it is boring! When I was a roadie the max I could do was about 1:30hrs and that is whilst watching a DVD or TV. A mate used to do 4+ hours in his bathroom with the heater light on to get ready for the Hawaiian Ironman.Thanks for the reply - I figured it was to good to be true and that price was reflective of quality.
Its nice to know they are effective and efficent if you have the discipline to use them properly. I have 3 young children and besides the whole 'winter complaint' I am struggling to time manage over about 5 hours riding time a week. So I figure I can maximise these hours by doing some (3) high intensity sessions on a trainer (I have gone sourced some sufferfest videos) and with a longer ride on the trails once a week. I have been looking at the jet black fluid Z1 and a few others around the $300 mark. I have been told today that there is a Japenese brand that starts with M (minatiou I think) that make some pretty good basic ones, if I want to test the concept out before I commit. So I have some google research to do....
I only own one roadie and want the ability to not have a spare wheel or change a tyre, will I really need a specific trainer tyre?
What is your intention with the trainer? To get fitter and/or do intervals? If so then I would invest in a good one.
If your intention is to spend time on your bike, don't bother and just be happy with your 5 hours a week which is still quite a bit! I used mine when it was wet or cold just to ride, and that lasted for about a month before the mind numbing boringness of it gave me the perfect excuse not to use it anymore. If you want to get stronger, investing in some weights might be a better idea.