Topic: Bicycle trainers

[Adrian's Dad]

Over the Spring and Summer I commuted to work on my bike a few times (~16 miles round trip).  I also rode it around the neighborhood because it is fun and healthy.  Now that the arctic air has found us, I am finding myself less than enthusiastic about riding outside.  So I've been looking at bike trainers.  They are essentially a rack you put your back tire on and it basically turns your bike into an exercise bike.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience using one and if there are good brands to look for.  There are so many that it's hard to research them.  I'd like something fairly cheap, but I know the really cheap ones are really loud and I'd like a quiet ride if possible.

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[BobChase]

I've got CycleOps' entry level one. Not sure of the model #, but it serves it's purpose. They make a solid product.

I can cut down on the noise level if the surface underneath me is solid such as a concrete slab. If I ride on the second floor of the house it gets loud.

The only thing I don't like is after a while it gets boring as all hell. One cure for that is to throw on a Spinervals DVD and train along with it.

If I do have no other choice but to ride indoors I usually opt to get on the rollers instead of the stationary trainer. It's more of a challenge since you really have to concentrate on what you're doing as opposed to mindlessly hammering away on the trainer(not that there's anything wrong with that). Rollers have the added benefit of developing solid bike handling skills and teach you how to ride straight. I can now ride the white stripe on the side of the road for miles  without coming off.

Mine are from Minoura and decent for as often as I use them. Kreitler is considered the Rolls-Royce of rollers.

[Adrian's Dad]

Wow, I didn't even know about the rollers.  That's pretty cool.  A bit pricey, but I think it would be well worth it.  Thanks. 

[BobChase]

Cody, if you decide to go that route here are some tips that helped me when I first got started that kept me from breaking my face.

• Set them up the first time in a doorway so you have a barrier on each side of you for when you start to lean. Otherwise you will just crash to the floor.
• Hold onto the door jamb with one hand and start pedaling. Keep holding on. When you get some good momentum going try letting go.
• Keep pedaling. If you stop, the rollers stop and you fall.
• You may be tempted to look down at your front wheel. Don't. Trust me on this one. You can do it once you get the feel for it but not at first.
• I don't know what kind of bike you have, but if you have knobby tires switch them out for slicks.
• Clipless pedals and proper bike shoes make it easier to get going. With one foot clipped in you can generate power through the entire stroke. Your other foot can be free just in case you start to fall.
  

It's like learning to ride a bike all over again, only on ice.

Honestly it should only take a few minutes for it to click. Once you get the feel you'll never lose it. After a few times you will be so much better out on the road and have tons of confidence.