Turbo Trainer or Roller?

[aJohnson]

Ok so the weather is getting pretty crap at around this time, I do try to get out when I can though. So I'm wondering if it would be better to get a turbo trainer or rollers? Also if you could recommend some around the 100pound price range it'd be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Cathryn]

I've got a Cyleops Mag for sale if you fancy it...I've lost all the info about it (handy) but it looks very much like this one. It did me proud when I broke my leg last year and couldn't get out, but I haven't used it since, which means it's been used for about 3 months.

Drop me a PM if you're interested. If you want a new one, though, I can recommend it.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/cycleops/mag-trainer-ec007001

 

[aJohnson]

PM has been sent.

 

[jasonmccullum]

Cathryn. How much do you want for it?

 

[aJohnson]

Quick question, do turbo's burn through wheels fast or just tyres fast?

Thanks.

 

[Will1985]

Tyres...a turbo specific tyre wears slower (less heat as well).

Not sure if a wheel would be worn faster by turbo work unless the rigid nature means that unusual forces act on the structure...a wheel still lasts a lot longer than a tyre in any case.

 

[aJohnson]

Ok thanks very much Will.

 

[Dave5N]

Rollers. Turbos are boring. Ok for testers but dull as cough

 

[aJohnson]

Another (probably stupid) question...

My current tyres are 700 x 25C, but all the trainer specific tyres seem to be 700 x 23C, will they fit my wheel? I cannot seem to find any about it on my wheel.

Nevermind... I think I know the answer.

 

[Dan B]

Unless you have quite unusual rims I'd expect a 23c tyre will fit just fine

Rollers are probably more interesting, but turbo has the potential for much more intense sessions without the worry of falling off

 

[aJohnson]

Yeah I'll be going with a turbo, I'll try as hard as possible to make it not boring. Thanks.

 

[busa 1300]

I've never used either turbos or rollers, but I would've thought rollers were closer to the actual experience of cycling, helping to improve your technique as well as fitness.
What I don't get is why the turbos get the 'bells and whistles' but all the rollers I've seen are just that....rollers, offering no variation in resistance, no training programs or fancy games. These would appear to be nothing more than warm up machines.

 

[Will1985]

These would appear to be nothing more than warm up machines.

Yep - riding rollers may look cooler, but turbos have more of a place in winter (bad weather) training.

Someone wants to take their rollers to the BUCS hillclimb tomorrow - I'm not quite sure why because it won't have much benefit in preparing the legs for the 6 and a half minutes of pain.

 

[johnnyh]

I just took delivery and started using an Elite Fluid turbo, and have to say it is about as boring as the gym, but given it is for 30 mins to an hour on an evening in front of the tele or a film, it aint all that bad.

I guess it is like any form of training, people only do it if they want to. Can't see rollers being any more fun, indoors is indoors.

 

[davidg]

I just took delivery and started using an Elite Fluid turbo, and have to say it is about as boring as the gym, but given it is for 30 mins to an hour on an evening in front of the tele or a film, it aint all that bad.

I guess it is like any form of training, people only do it if they want to. Can't see rollers being any more fun, indoors is indoors.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Elite_Crono_Fluid_ElastoGel_Trainer/5360026397/
is that this one?

Does anyone have a view on this as it seems okay for the price...?