Cheap turbo trainer

[billy92]

After not getting out much this year due to the weather and a fractured hand I've decided I would like to buy a turbo trainer to increase my fitness on top of the daily commute to uni. However, I have no experience with these so I have a few questions

Is there much difference between the different models and brands?
Would I be better buying rollers?
What's the cheapest rollers which will do an acceptable job?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Budget?

 

[billy92]

Well I would say £50-£60 but I have no clue if that's an OK budget to expect.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Second-hand it's not bad. But for a new unit you're not going to be buying anything of great quality.

£80
£105
£120 - £130 - £135 Rollers

Cheap no-name ebay tat

 

[billy92]

I did think that might be the case. Would you recommend getting one second hand from eBay then?

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Try gumtree/local free ads/local clubs first. Turbos are hefty so if someone else has taken the wallet hit for postage, you might as well take advantage.

Then again, you may find a local seller on ebay

 

[doog]

This gets good reviews for £63 plus delivery. The only reason I mention this company is that they seem to do some pretty solid kit. If you can find them on ebay you might save a quid or two.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bike-Magnet..._1_89?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1364155594&sr=1-89

I got a Tacx 15 months ago and have used it a couple of times a week, without issue but double the price

 

[philinmerthyr]

Does a bike need and modification to be used on a turbo trainer?

Does using a turbo trainer damage tyres or wheels?

 

[Arsen Gere]

Does a bike need and modification to be used on a turbo trainer?

Does using a turbo trainer damage tyres or wheels?

I just use my ordinary road bike and don't change anything. Tyres get a coating on them and can wear flat rather than a more rounded edge. Some people use a different skewer. I don't. Some use a turbo tyre to get more grip, they are a softer compound and wear faster. I just use my normal road tyres.
The only damage to a wheel I have seen is when someone did not secure themselves properly and the bike fell out of the turbo and it hit a spoke.

 

[fossyant]

Rollers won't help if you have any broken bones - i.e. you've still got to 'ride' the bike. Turbos are useful if you've got an arm/shoulder/hand out of action.

Tacx do some good ones, even there bottom end models are quality.

 

[billy92]

Thanks guys I'll be sure to look at them. Other suggestions are also welcome. My hand is better now but I have been off for such a long time I want to get some rides indoors when the weather is especially bad as this has been a slow start to the year.

 

[RiflemanSmith]

I was thinking the same but I would be after some rollers about £150/200.
Cheers
Mark

 

[billy92]

I was thinking the same but I would be after some rollers about £150/200.
Cheers
Mark

I did think rollers looked better but didn't wanna spend that much. Just wanted something cheap and cheerful