Virtual training help for a beginner

[markstev27]

Hi.
I do quite a lot of cycling but I'm also planning a head for the winter and looking into virtual training

What is the most cost effective way to do this as I've seen most ways are very expensive

I have a hybrid bike but have also looked at something like the peloton or nordic trainer

Thanks

 

[fossyant]

Tacx T2240- - £200 or under, Ant+ sensor and have you a spare laptop, otherwise Zwift etc can run off a good smart phone.

That's about as cheap as it gets.

 

[markstev27]

Tacx (or more properly Garmin who own them) have their own training programme that will talk to your T2240. Proper videos to ride against rather than CGI.

Thanks am I best to use a hard wheel? Are they quite easy to swap on my current bike

 

[fossyant]

Thanks am I best to use a hard wheel? Are they quite easy to swap on my current bike

You can use your current wheel/tyre. That's what I do with MrsF's bike. I still use a normal road tyre with my road bike, then swap over to MrsF's hybrid and adjust the roller. With 'tread' the tyre is a bit noisier on the roller, but works fine. I've never bothered with trainer tyres.

You can splurge a hell of a lot of money on 'virtual' training. I've had my Tacx 6 years since breaking my spine and using that for recovery. I just have a dedicated mini PC and a couple of screens for Zwift/Netflix ! PS not used it in ages though - will do in winter though.

 

[markstev27]

You can use your current wheel/tyre. That's what I do with MrsF's bike. I still use a normal road tyre with my road bike, then swap over to MrsF's hybrid and adjust the roller. With 'tread' the tyre is a bit noisier on the roller, but works fine. I've never bothered with trainer tyres.

You can splurge a hell of a lot of money on 'virtual' training. I've had my Tacx 6 years since breaking my spine and using that for recovery. I just have a dedicated mini PC and a couple of screens for Zwift/Netflix ! PS not used it in ages though - will do in winter though.

Thank you

 

[CXRAndy]

Riding a decent 'smart' turbo adds to the whole experience with varying resistance on Zwift.

£13/month is peanuts if you use it regularly. Autumn winter will see me on it 3 to 4 times a week

 

[Alex321]

I assume you already bought one, after this thread being 6 months old, but if you haven't, Tredz currently have a direct drive smart trainer for £250
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.ETC-ThinkRider-X5-2-Smart-Trainer_237587.htm

I have ordered one, expecting to collect from the Cardiff store today or tomorrow.

 

[cyberknight]

Riding a decent 'smart' turbo adds to the whole experience with varying resistance on Zwift.

£13/month is peanuts if you use it regularly. Autumn winter will see me on it 3 to 4 times a week

i know its a thread ressurection but i agree , way i look at it a cake stop on a club ride is at least £5-6 , 2 club rides missed due to bad weather has paid my sub for the month