Bike turbo trainer confusion!

esuhl

I'm thinking about getting a "turbo trainer" for my mountain bike so I can still get some exercise when it's cold and wet outside. I keep looking, but there are so many different types and options I don't know where to begin!

I'm confused about the various types of turbo trainer -- fans, oil, magnetic resistance, various controls, etc. Some use rollers; with others you remove the rear wheel and attach the chain to a cassette on the trainer. :-/

I don't care about statistics or tracking my performance or anything like that. I just want to ride in the most "realistic" and "fun" way possible.

A quiet turbo trainer would be nice, but I live alone in a detached house, so noise isn't a major problem.

I think I've seen turbo trainers that link up to a TV, with the wheel resistance corresponding to the on-screen terrain. That could be a great motivation. Are they expensive? (And are they worth it!?)

I could afford up to £500 for something incredible, but I'd ideally hope to spend about half that (or less!) if possible.

Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions as to how I should narrow down my choices and work out what kind of set-up would work for me?

Richard53

I can't help with turbo trainers, as I know nothing about them. But I did have some training rollers a long time ago (two rollers under the back wheel, linked by a belt to a single roller at the front). I sold them in the end, because I found I preferred being out on the bike. But anything where the bike is 'free-floating' is excellent for developing balance as well as maintaining fitness. It is quite tricky to keep the bike upright, and you certainly work for your pleasure. The downside is that getting up and rolling can be quite difficult until you get the knack, and there is the potential for a nasty fall if you get it wrong. If you live alone, that may be an issue. As far as I remember, the models where you basically bolt the bike onto the machine are OK for keeping you fit, but are about as much fun as sitting on an exercise bike.

wongataa

esuhl wrote: »

I think I've seen turbo trainers that link up to a TV, with the wheel resistance corresponding to the on-screen terrain. That could be a great motivation. Are they expensive? (And are they worth it!?)

They tend to be more expensive. More realistic feel equals more expensive too.

Look at the DC Rainmaker site for turbo trainer reviews/advice. It is road bike orientated but most trainers should accept a mountain bike wheel as well.

brat

I can't help you either I'm afraid. I have never used a turbo trainer. I prefer to get out when I can in the winter. My shift pattern is a huge bonus in the winter because it gives me more chance to choose the best times to get out - I only work full day shifts twice in each 10 day rota. I also run more in the winter to compensate for less cycling time.

If I really can't face going out, I have a Water Rower rowing machine which I've had for the last 6 years. It's really quiet, extremely smooth, and is an excellent overall exercise. It stows away against the wall when not in use, so it doesn't take up much room. I'll use it for 40 to 60 minutes at a time, and usually watch documentaries on iplayer while rowing. My wife also uses it almost daily. It's the best exercise machine we've had! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRoUlWtK3_k

RichardD1970

If you try one before splashing a load of cash on a expensive one, Aldi have some in tomorrow for £50.

https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thur-24-sep/product-detail/ps/p/turbo-trainer/

Johnmcl7

esuhl wrote: »

I think I've seen turbo trainers that link up to a TV, with the wheel resistance corresponding to the on-screen terrain. That could be a great motivation. Are they expensive? (And are they worth it!?)

These do exist, I'm aware of two types with one you pay for as a package or one you pay less initially but then pay a monthly subscription. The latter seemed good value for money for the content and on the basis you'd only be using it over the colder months.

I've a few friends with these types of turbo trainer but they don't seem to work well as a motivational tool. They were quite excited telling me about it when they initially received the systems then months later when I ask how they're getting on they've never got around to it. I realise it's an individual thing though and you can't generalise it.

It's something I occasionally look into it but the beauty of mountain biking is you can enjoy it any time pretty much so that keeps me going over winter. If I did have to buy one of these types of devices I'd probably go for rollers, they're meant to be more difficult and take more time to get good with but a few of my MTB friends use them for 24 hour endurance training. They prefer them over turbo trainers as it feels more like riding a bike.

The other option I'd consider is the local road bike groups have turbo trainer sessions where you turn up with your bike and turbo trainer at a local hall or similar and everyone has a pedal while watching some bike race stage on a projector. I definitely find group riding is a big motivation for me normally.

John