Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Eric Douglas]

A couple of additional thoughts:

Yes, trainers are boring.  Music  or Netflix works for me.

Interval training can make for a short & productive workout.

Trainer specific tires make a difference-- besides saving wear on your road 
tires, they are quieter and slip less.

Eric

On Monday, January 1, 2018 at 9:05:29 AM UTC-5, ascpgh wrote:
>
> Every trainer, bike, rider and manner of use creates its own situation. I 
> used one to rehab a leg before I could walk or ride for real. 
>
> I found the stench from the rear tire friction on the resistance roller 
> contributed to shortening my sessions. I was nothing near a board track 
> pursuit rider making my frame seem liquid in response to the waves of input 
> from my physical awesomeness, but I did pour sweat which I addressed with 
> rags and towels to keep off the hardware and floor. 
>
> I took it outside in cooler weather to mitigate the sweat and reduce the 
> irritation of others at home since that thing with its fan resistance was 
> loud.
>
> I wouldn't go so far as to attach the demise of that bike frame ('86 
> RockHopper) with my use in that trainer, but it tore a chain stay with a 
> crack emanating from the margin of the bridge weld that progressed its way 
> in a spiral around the stay. No phase of my riding on that bike before 
> failure was anything near what would have been challenging to its 
> construction. 
>
> Late (after I could walk and ride again) I got some Tacx 4" rollers for my 
> indoor sessions. I found the response of the bike to my pedaling input more 
> realistic and mentally engaging. After a while I upgraded to an early 
> NiteRider headlight and red blinkie tail light. Much happier for my 
> situation. 
>
> Hope all the input helps you reach the best outcome for your situation 
> Jonathan.
>
> Andy Cheatham
> Pittsburgh
>
> On Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 5:34:09 PM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:
>>
>> My first (of 3) and only well-used trainer was a magnetic resistance 
>> trainer with this design, with 7 or 9 degrees of resistance. I recall 
>> asking a bike shop mechanic about the flex, and he looked at me with 
>> contempt and said, "What do you think the bike is doing when you ride it?" 
>> I was too abashed to come back with a crushing retort, but I did realize 
>> that he'd missed the point -- the rear wheel did indeed wag. However, bike 
>> shop rats didn't think it a problem, and I did not find it a problem in 
>> practice with my steel Miyata 610 or some such, even spending considerable 
>> periods in 12th gear on Resistance #9, standing and honking hard.
>>
>> BTW, this roller, and the 2 fan rollers I've owned, didn't seem to be 
>> hard on tires; as I said, I put many miles only on the mag one.
>>
>> On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 2:04 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>>> 
>>>
>>> Trainers - some of these have mounts that lock the front fork onto the 
>>> stand, sans wheel, and support the rest of the bike frame with a clamp-on 
>>> device at the BB shell. The rear wheel then rubs against a magnetically 
>>> resistive flywheel affair that can be varied in intensity.  Has anyone ever 
>>> researched what kind of stresses this setup places on the frame assembly?
>>>
>>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[ascpgh]

Every trainer, bike, rider and manner of use creates its own situation. I 
used one to rehab a leg before I could walk or ride for real. 

I found the stench from the rear tire friction on the resistance roller 
contributed to shortening my sessions. I was nothing near a board track 
pursuit rider making my frame seem liquid in response to the waves of input 
from my physical awesomeness, but I did pour sweat which I addressed with 
rags and towels to keep off the hardware and floor. 

I took it outside in cooler weather to mitigate the sweat and reduce the 
irritation of others at home since that thing with its fan resistance was 
loud.

I wouldn't go so far as to attach the demise of that bike frame ('86 
RockHopper) with my use in that trainer, but it tore a chain stay with a 
crack emanating from the margin of the bridge weld that progressed its way 
in a spiral around the stay. No phase of my riding on that bike before 
failure was anything near what would have been challenging to its 
construction. 

Late (after I could walk and ride again) I got some Tacx 4" rollers for my 
indoor sessions. I found the response of the bike to my pedaling input more 
realistic and mentally engaging. After a while I upgraded to an early 
NiteRider headlight and red blinkie tail light. Much happier for my 
situation. 

Hope all the input helps you reach the best outcome for your situation 
Jonathan.

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

On Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 5:34:09 PM UTC-5, Patrick Moore wrote:
>
> My first (of 3) and only well-used trainer was a magnetic resistance 
> trainer with this design, with 7 or 9 degrees of resistance. I recall 
> asking a bike shop mechanic about the flex, and he looked at me with 
> contempt and said, "What do you think the bike is doing when you ride it?" 
> I was too abashed to come back with a crushing retort, but I did realize 
> that he'd missed the point -- the rear wheel did indeed wag. However, bike 
> shop rats didn't think it a problem, and I did not find it a problem in 
> practice with my steel Miyata 610 or some such, even spending considerable 
> periods in 12th gear on Resistance #9, standing and honking hard.
>
> BTW, this roller, and the 2 fan rollers I've owned, didn't seem to be hard 
> on tires; as I said, I put many miles only on the mag one.
>
> On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 2:04 PM, George Schick  > wrote:
>
>> 
>>
>> Trainers - some of these have mounts that lock the front fork onto the 
>> stand, sans wheel, and support the rest of the bike frame with a clamp-on 
>> device at the BB shell. The rear wheel then rubs against a magnetically 
>> resistive flywheel affair that can be varied in intensity.  Has anyone ever 
>> researched what kind of stresses this setup places on the frame assembly?
>>
>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Belopsky]

I just didn't like the pool of sweat

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Christopher Murray]

Get one if you want one. Don’t get one if you don’t. Riding on the trainer is 
not awesome but it gets a little less not awesome the more you do it. Is it 
like riding outside? No. Is it exercise? Yes. Will it help keep you healthy and 
in shape? Yes. 

I’ve had a medium quality trainer for about 10 years. I’ve used it enough to 
justify the cost but never with great regularity. I think of it like arm 
warmers, rain gear, or cold weather gear. I don’t use it for every ride but if 
it means I can ride 5-10% more then it is worth it. My advice would be to not 
overthink it. 

Cheers!
Chris

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Jonathan D.]

I agree Patric. With Will we did 10 miles a day in Europe when he was eight 
months in a ring sling. We also went on a backpacking trip with him. The first 
time We successfully only went 2 miles in. The second one the threat of snow 
turned us back. We haven’t been as ambitious with two kids.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Deacon Patrick]

6 month olds tuck really well under a jacket in a sling, so your outer wear is 
their outer wear, and your body heat is theirs. 2 1/2 is trickier, but bundled 
up and just as part of the normal expectation of “doing things and it happens 
to be wet and cold” timed with breaks to warm up, ours do great outside for 
quite a while, with the limit until they’re over five of 20˚F. Experiment and 
you’ll be amazed what real activities work and are a blast!

With abandon,
Patrick

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Jonathan D.]

Chris - I think I must of hit the perfect time for the question with the 
middle of winter and post holiday eating.  

I realize another thread might be strategies for staying in shape and 
getting outside with two little kids. I my case they are 2 1/2 and 6 
months. It is a wonderful challenge to have. It has made me rethink how I 
use all my time. 

For working out, I have had to rethink how I approach this time.  I 
actually really appreciate what I learned, or was turned on to, by Eat 
Bacon, Don't Jog.  I added kettlebells and deadlift bars in my basement. In 
fact I am writing this between deadlift sets.  I try to squeeze this in 
once a week with heavy weight.  I also began bike commuting.  This allows 
me to get time outside during time I would have waisted sitting in a car. 
This has also allowed us to go to one car.

I also find myself getting up at 5:15 to get a cup of coffee in, stretching 
(opposed by Grant but I can't agree with everything) and meditation.  It 
has really helped.

In the summer, Will and i ride the city on the Joe. It happens less in 
winter, but it is a great way to keep up riding even with a kid.

The appeal of the trainer is to be able to bike while still listening to 
the baby monitor.  Leaving the house isn't really an option.  My wife finds 
it useful during the day and we using a cheap old fluid trainer from 
Performance Bike. I might test ride a newer version and see  how it works 
in comparison. 

Thank you for all the advice. Here are some photos of Will and I out on the 
bike and excited to get his sister 
out. https://www.instagram.com/p/BcfKpYUjHhr/?taken-by=jonathandpdx

On Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 3:07:25 PM UTC-8, Chris Birkenmaier wrote:
>
> Glad to see you are getting some responses   I started a thread on 
> trainers a bit ago and got zero comments. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Chris Birkenmaier]

Glad to see you are getting some responses   I started a thread on trainers a 
bit ago and got zero comments. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Patrick Moore]

My first (of 3) and only well-used trainer was a magnetic resistance
trainer with this design, with 7 or 9 degrees of resistance. I recall
asking a bike shop mechanic about the flex, and he looked at me with
contempt and said, "What do you think the bike is doing when you ride it?"
I was too abashed to come back with a crushing retort, but I did realize
that he'd missed the point -- the rear wheel did indeed wag. However, bike
shop rats didn't think it a problem, and I did not find it a problem in
practice with my steel Miyata 610 or some such, even spending considerable
periods in 12th gear on Resistance #9, standing and honking hard.

BTW, this roller, and the 2 fan rollers I've owned, didn't seem to be hard
on tires; as I said, I put many miles only on the mag one.

On Sun, Dec 31, 2017 at 2:04 PM, George Schick  wrote:

> 
>
> Trainers - some of these have mounts that lock the front fork onto the
> stand, sans wheel, and support the rest of the bike frame with a clamp-on
> device at the BB shell. The rear wheel then rubs against a magnetically
> resistive flywheel affair that can be varied in intensity.  Has anyone ever
> researched what kind of stresses this setup places on the frame assembly?
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Max S]

PDX probably has many used trainers via craigslist; else, a Kurt Kinetic (e.g. 
via REI) is great. Kinetic sells a little magnet and sensor that goes on the 
fluid trainer, is calibrated, and provides fairly accurate wattage info via a 
companion app that’s free to use for basic workouts. Slightly more expensive 
models clamp the frame sans rear wheel, which has many advantages. Lots of 
online “multiplayer” options to help with motivation, etc. 

I’m in a similar situation - kids, real winter, demanding job, etc. I’ve tried 
out everything from riding fixed outdoors / traditional rollers / trainers to a 
full-on CompuTrainer (and at an earlier point even VO2max assessment). Takeaway 
for me was: whatever it takes to develop a habit, which takes about 6 weeks of 
consistent doing to stick. Some exercise is better than none! 

Another thought: free weights and/or rower to put on a bit of upper body mass. 
I crashed recently and broke my collarbone... common enough injury in cycling 
and other sports. But I do wonder if a bit more upper body muscle mass couldn’t 
have limited the damage... As I recover enough to restart exercising, I’ll 
probably do a bit more upper body / whole body workouts. 

- Max in A2

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[lum gim fong]

Salt on the roads keeps me indoors. Don't wanna mess up the bike. Though they 
held up riding on dry salted roads in years past. I will ride on dry salted 
roads. Chain and fasteners were victimized but componemts and frame were fine. 
I dont ride on wet roads in winter. I'd be scared even on studded tires.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Jonathan D.]

Thank you everyone. Sounds like everyone’s experience kind of confirms mine. 
It’s hard to make riding indoors fun and the newer trainers might help a little 
but still probably preferable to force myself outside when possible. Luckily we 
had a sunny day in PDX and I got to go for a ride. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[lum gim fong]

I tried Kreitler rollers.
Couldn't balance.
Bored after 5 "miles". Bring cycling indoors.

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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Toshi Takeuchi]

I know that parents with young kids have very little spare time and I am
happy to get a 30 minute to 1 hour spin after my kids go to sleep a couple
times a week.  I've used a cycleops mag trainer as well as wind trainer
(noisier but more resistance). I bought the cheapest rear wheel I could
from QBP so I can slap a cheapo tire (under $10 fire sales from Nashbar) on
it with harder tread on it for my trainer.

A fan is good to keep cool as pointed out earlier.

Toshi


On Sat, Dec 30, 2017 at 8:30 PM, 'Mark in Beacon' via RBW Owners Bunch <
rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> wrote:

> Whenever I have Bike Trainer Thoughts, I lie down on the couch until the
> thoughts pass. Sometimes I sweat a bit before they are all gone, but not
> enough to need towels and fans, thank goodness.
>
> On Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 11:29:16 AM UTC-8, Jonathan D. wrote:
>
>> I’m not sure if this is off-topic. I would use the trainer with a
>> Rivendell bike. I’m considering getting a bike trainer and wondering if
>> anybody has experience with one. I have a kid and sometimes it’s hard to
>> really go out for a long ride. Sometimes might be generous. Besides my bike
>> commute it is hard to ever go out riding. I also like the idea of a Zwift
>> compatible trainer. I also worry this will be an item that just sits in the
>> basement and I never use. But mostly for the winter when my kid doesn’t
>> enjoy biking in the rain.
>
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Re: [RBW] Re: Bike Trainer Thoughts

[Patrick Moore]

After suffering several different kinds of indoor exercise, I find this
advice refreshingly refreshing!

On Sat, Dec 30, 2017 at 3:30 PM, Garth  wrote:

> [...] I prefer walking my local hills in winter, trouncing through snow,
> the woods and fresh air and natural light. In winter I don't even think
> about bicycles.  When spring comes then I eventually start riding again
> when it's well warm enough.
>

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