Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?

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2008-05-12 8:21 AM

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Subject: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
I've been in a never-ending battle with my fluid trainer trying to get it to the sweet spot where I'm riding on there at/around the same speed I average outside. On a normal ride outside I'm somewhere in the 17-18mph range, but I can never replicate that on the trainer. I'm either doing 13-14mph or can't make consistent contact with the flywheel. Anyone have tips/tricks on how to adjust the trainer to hit the right spot? I'm getting supremely frustrated.

2008-05-12 8:35 AM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?

How I adjust mine is when the flywheel touches the tire, I turn the knob another 2 and a quarter turns.  I then adjust the resistance with the gearing of the bike.  Never exactly the same as outside just because of the nature of it being constant resistance rather than up and down, etc.

2008-05-12 8:38 AM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
I'm in the same boat with my Kurt Kinetic speedwise. It always seems like I'm going to slow for the effort I expend. I only use the Garmin attachments I have on the bike for speed/distance readings whether outside or on the trainer, so calibration is not the issue.

I just spin the trainer at whatever RPE I'm looking to work at and leave it at that.

If anyone has a solution, I'd be more than happy to hear it, as well.
2008-05-12 8:41 AM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?

Question #1.... whats it matter what your speedometer says while you are on the trainer?

Trainers never are equivalent to outdoor. Just ride the same way you would outside. You should be using a resistance that allows you to spin at your regular cadence, and not blow up on HR (unless thats in your training plan).

Trainers are great for structured workouts and days when the weather doesnt cooperate. Just be aware that your speed is meaningless on the trainer...move on to HR or RPE based training on the trainer.

2008-05-12 8:45 AM
in reply to: #1396023

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
ranger5oh - 2008-05-12 8:41 AM

Question #1.... whats it matter what your speedometer says while you are on the trainer?

Trainers never are equivalent to outdoor. Just ride the same way you would outside. You should be using a resistance that allows you to spin at your regular cadence, and not blow up on HR (unless thats in your training plan).

Trainers are great for structured workouts and days when the weather doesnt cooperate. Just be aware that your speed is meaningless on the trainer...move on to HR or RPE based training on the trainer.

x2.  You're not going anywhere, so why should your speed matter?  RPE/HR/Cadence are meaningful measures.

2008-05-12 8:48 AM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
Here are a some of my training pointers.

1 Trainer is harder then outside because you do not have the roll to assist you.
2 Adjust the release clip so when you put it “up” to the wheel it is locked in place. On mine I have it indent the tire a little.
3 Train on the trainer using HR instead of speed, actually on the bike in general I train off HR 99.99% of the time. Speed has nothing to do with the environment such as hills, temperature, and wind so train as you race. (Unless it is a sprint then go all out)
4 If you have cadence sensor keep it above 100, if not count it for 15 and X by 4 and keep it there.
5 Keep the sound of the trainer to a constant whurrrr, this simulates smooth consistent pedal stroke with “push” and “pull”. If you are doing it wrong it will sound like whrr, whurr, whirr with each “push” stroke.
6 Change it up with training DVD’s or self induced torture.
7 Avoid external stimulants such as constant music or television. You can’t use it in a race so quit it in training.
8 Trainer in my house is a last resort, I only use it for a torture device or if I can’t ride outside, otherwise I am out doing the real deal.

Hope this helps.

Ryan


2008-05-12 8:52 AM
in reply to: #1396037

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
kanders - 2008-05-12 9:45 AM
ranger5oh - 2008-05-12 8:41 AM

Question #1.... whats it matter what your speedometer says while you are on the trainer?

Trainers never are equivalent to outdoor. Just ride the same way you would outside. You should be using a resistance that allows you to spin at your regular cadence, and not blow up on HR (unless thats in your training plan).

Trainers are great for structured workouts and days when the weather doesnt cooperate. Just be aware that your speed is meaningless on the trainer...move on to HR or RPE based training on the trainer.

x2.  You're not going anywhere, so why should your speed matter?  RPE/HR/Cadence are meaningful measures.

x3 (and add power to the meaningful metrics if you have it)

2008-05-12 8:55 AM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?

if you text me more photo's of hot chicks.. I'll let you in on the secret.

I had mine with way to much resistance so I just keep moving mine a half turn then would pedel for 15 min, then repeat until I found the right spot..
I'm not sure what others have experienced but it seems like after 5 min, it actually get a little harder to pedel, I'm not sure if it's just me or the fluid. Most likely me..

Or since being on the trainer is not that much fun, [unless you are watching america's top model] just get on and hammer away for that 50-60 min

2008-05-12 8:59 AM
in reply to: #1396023

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
ranger5oh - 2008-05-12 8:41 AM

Question #1.... whats it matter what your speedometer says while you are on the trainer?

Trainers never are equivalent to outdoor. Just ride the same way you would outside. You should be using a resistance that allows you to spin at your regular cadence, and not blow up on HR (unless thats in your training plan).

Trainers are great for structured workouts and days when the weather doesnt cooperate. Just be aware that your speed is meaningless on the trainer...move on to HR or RPE based training on the trainer.



You're right and I agree, it's more that it's a little demoralizing to spend an hour on a trainer and see that it shows 13.5 miles. I realize distance isn't the important part, it's just the mental aspect of the training that gets me. I'm easily dissuaded from using the trainer and this isn't helping.
2008-05-12 8:59 AM
in reply to: #1396067

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
Gaarryy - 2008-05-12 8:55 AM

if you text me more photo's of hot chicks.. I'll let you in on the secret.



I hope you like Latin women, because I work in the Univision Tower.
2008-05-12 1:00 PM
in reply to: #1395960

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Subject: RE: Cycleops Fluid trainer tips?
I rode the trainer a lot this year. I also watched movies while I did it. It worked for me and helped me pass the time. The training during the winter definately helped me establish a strong base.

I would be careful about over-adjusting the tension...you will just melt your tire off.

I 2nd, 4rd, or 4th the issue regarding HR training as the only measure on the trainer.

Good luck,

Get outside asap!!!

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