figbat
Slippery scientist
- Location
- South Oxfordshire, UK
I have previously eschewed turbo trainers in favour of real riding on the basis that on a turbo I get bored. However recently I am revisiting this view, what with things like Zwift, BKool etc to add interest and with less time available for me to get out due to work and home situations. I am now thinking about the realities and practicalities of turbo training and seeking input.
First things first - money isn't really an obstacle - I have access to an allowance that could buy any of the smart trainers (ones that need a bike adding anyway). But I am reluctant to blow this allowance on the most expensive one just because it is expensive. I am slightly invested in the Wahoo universe, with an ELEMNT Bolt and a general liking for the Wahoo experience, but this doesn't have to be a deciding factor. I would probably use it in my garage where I have power, light and some space, but no heating as such (other than the boiler and hot water tank for the house, which does tend to keep the space warmer than ambient). I would definitely want to engage an online training app or program to add interest and targets, but I would probably not go for a full-on 'training' program, it would be more like an arcade game for me to keep me going.
One worry is that I would buy it, use it a few times then abandon it. I guess it would have some future value should that happen, but I'm keen to try and avoid that so I want something that gives me the incentive to keep coming back to it, rather than being a chore that I feel obliged to complete. I have no problems with motivation for riding outside, any weather, any time of day or night, but this takes me away from home for long periods of time which isn't ideal or sometimes isn't possible (for example if my wife is out for the day or night then I can't go for a ride as I have to look after the kids - but I could use a turbo).
So, with the context set, any thoughts, advice, experience? Let's say I am looking at the Wahoo KICKR or KICKR Core as a straw man proposal. If I was to buy, is it now in the pre-Christmas sales, or wait until the Boxing or New Year sales?
First things first - money isn't really an obstacle - I have access to an allowance that could buy any of the smart trainers (ones that need a bike adding anyway). But I am reluctant to blow this allowance on the most expensive one just because it is expensive. I am slightly invested in the Wahoo universe, with an ELEMNT Bolt and a general liking for the Wahoo experience, but this doesn't have to be a deciding factor. I would probably use it in my garage where I have power, light and some space, but no heating as such (other than the boiler and hot water tank for the house, which does tend to keep the space warmer than ambient). I would definitely want to engage an online training app or program to add interest and targets, but I would probably not go for a full-on 'training' program, it would be more like an arcade game for me to keep me going.
One worry is that I would buy it, use it a few times then abandon it. I guess it would have some future value should that happen, but I'm keen to try and avoid that so I want something that gives me the incentive to keep coming back to it, rather than being a chore that I feel obliged to complete. I have no problems with motivation for riding outside, any weather, any time of day or night, but this takes me away from home for long periods of time which isn't ideal or sometimes isn't possible (for example if my wife is out for the day or night then I can't go for a ride as I have to look after the kids - but I could use a turbo).
So, with the context set, any thoughts, advice, experience? Let's say I am looking at the Wahoo KICKR or KICKR Core as a straw man proposal. If I was to buy, is it now in the pre-Christmas sales, or wait until the Boxing or New Year sales?