Turbo Trainer

[Glasgow44]

Hi there
I’m looking to buy my first turbo trainer. One of my friends has recommended a Cyclops Fluid 2 Winter Training Kit - what are your thoughts on this and has anyone any other recommendations?
Also – I’ve heard that using a turbo trainer can shred your tyres – is this true?
I’ve got a Specialised Sirrus Sport with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and a Giant Defy road bike with Continental Gatorskin Hardshell tyres – are both these bikes suitable for using on a turbo trainer?
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[S-Express]

There are many turbos on the market and the majority are perfectly functional - the main issue is the kind of use you want out of it and how much you want to spend.

Assuming correct setup and usage, a turbo will not shred tyres - that's a bit of an old wives tale. Either of the bikes you mention should be ok for use on a turbo, although the Marathon will probably create quite a lot of tyre noise on the roller. Assuming your turbo takes a QR fitting, then any bike with QRs will fit.

 

[I like Skol]

Hi there
I’m looking to buy my first turbo trainer..... what are your thoughts on this and has anyone any other recommendations?.....
I’ve got a Specialised Sirrus Sport with Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres and a Giant Defy road bike with Continental Gatorskin Hardshell tyres – are both these bikes suitable for using on a turbo trainer?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Thoughts..... Don't do it! Sounds like you have two nice bikes there, get out and enjoy riding them.

 

[Glasgow44]

Thoughts..... Don't do it! Sounds like you have two nice bikes there, get out and enjoy riding them.

I want to, I really do but I'm thinking of what to do in the bad weather!

 

[S-Express]

Thoughts..... Don't do it!

Nice to see people getting their pointless comments in early...

 

[I like Skol]

Nice to see people getting their pointless comments in early...

Pointless how?
I'm sure a turbo or rollers might work for a small number of cyclists that are very committed to a training regime or maybe even just enjoy it , but how many people buy the kit and then hide it away under the bed to gather dust or sell it on once they come to their senses and realise what the hell were they thinking!

 

[Venod]

I would recommend a direct drive trainer, depending on model they are usually quieter than a rear wheel one, make sure you get a smart one so the resistance can be controlled via computer/tablet/phone/garmin. I have a Tacx Neo a fantastic bit of kit but expensive, other brands are available.


http://turbobiketrainer.com/direct-drive-indoor-turbo-trainers/

 

[I like Skol]

Anyway, getting back to the OP. Bad weather is not actually that bad. Admittedly, no one likes setting off in the rain (although even that isn't too bad if you have the right gear) but getting caught in the odd shower isn't the end of the world and how many days are we realistically going to lose due to snow?
I cycle commute all year round about 3 days a week typically and those days are not dictated by weather but by family commitments. I think a fair estimate would be that I only get rained on for perhaps 10-15% of those days despite living in sunny Manchester. I do get really caught out sometimes though and arrive home feeling like a drowned rat (soggy underpants and squelchy shoes) 3-4 times a year but on the whole it isn't too bad and fear of the weather is much worse than the weather itself.
Save the money you would spend on the turbo and perhaps buy some overshoes and a decent jacket.

 

[S-Express]

Anyway, getting back to the OP. Bad weather is not actually that bad. Admittedly, no one likes setting off in the rain (although even that isn't too bad if you have the right gear) but getting caught in the odd shower isn't the end of the world and how many days are we realistically going to lose due to snow?
I cycle commute all year round about 3 days a week typically and those days are not dictated by weather but by family commitments. I think a fair estimate would be that I only get rained on for perhaps 10-15% of those days despite living in sunny Manchester. I do get really caught out sometimes though and arrive home feeling like a drowned rat (soggy underpants and squelchy shoes) 3-4 times a year but on the whole it isn't too bad and fear of the weather is much worse than the weather itself.
Save the money you would spend on the turbo and perhaps buy some overshoes and a decent jacket.

Mate - none of that has anything whatsoever to do with the OP. He was asking for turbo trainer buying advice, not a weather report in Manchester, FFS.

 

[I like Skol]

Mate - none of that has anything whatsoever to do with the OP. He was asking for turbo trainer buying advice, not a weather report in Manchester, FFS.

Do you actually read what anyone posts or just keep typing whatever you are thinking regardless?

I’m looking to buy my first turbo trainer.... what are your thoughts on this.

I want to, I really do but I'm thinking of what to do in the bad weather!

EDIT: We are both making valid points. Just because you don't agree with my view does not make me wrong!

 

[S-Express]

I think it's you who is not reading. Like I said - he's asking for buying advice - not a weather forecast. Maybe just stop posting unless you have anything useful to add to the question posed?

 

[I like Skol]

@Glasgow44 I don't really need to say anymore on the subject now. S-express has proven my points, don't buy a trainer or you too could end up as bitter, angry and argumentative as he is.....

 

[Dishy]

I just got a tacx flow smart trainer, good for the money and runs with zwift and bkool got mine as by time i finish work its dark so can go on turbo when kids go bed

 

[AlanW]

There is a miss conception by some that using a turbo trainer is boring. Well yes once up on a time that was indeed the case. However, with the likes of Zwift, TrainerRoad plus many more programmes becoming ever more popular and also becoming very advanced, turbo training has certainly bought about a whole new world of training.
Its more than just training in some aspects as well now, with virtual club rides on Zwift for example most nights. Plus all the challenges, a bit like Strava I guess it makes you want to take part and get involved.
Trainers have also taken on a whole new dimension over the last twelve months as well, with direct drive options becoming more available all the time, but at a cost!
My recommendation would be and whatever make you finally decide on, make sure that it is a "Smart" one, you will then be able to join in and get totally immersed in the virtual world of turbo training. As a pointer, maybe look at the Tacx Vortex, a superb "Smart" trainer for the money.
I also have a Tacx Neo, its total immersion in the virtual world and the delights that it brings, in fact I might never ride outside again......

 

[S-Express]

@Glasgow44 I don't really need to say anymore on the subject now. S-express has proven my points, don't buy a trainer or you too could end up as bitter, angry and argumentative as he is.....

Pipe down, you pointless individual. The forum for those who don't want to train is here - http://www.floristnews.co.uk/ - meanwhile, please allow those who want to talk seriously about indoor training to go about their business without being molested by the 'wah, wah, I don't like turbos' brigade.