How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

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2012-08-21 12:20 PM

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Expert
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Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Subject: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

I just purchased a used Cycleops Fluid trainer from a friend. Over the past 3 or 4 years I have become frustrated because I keep making cycling gains during the triathlon season only to see a huge drop due to very little off season workouts because I didn't have a bike trainer. I am seeking some advise on how to best benefit from the training workouts over the fall/winter months. I do not have a power meter and, based on some of the prices I have seen, I am not planning to buy one (unless someone has a good cheap suggestion).

My main questions are:

1) How do you know what level of resistance you have it set on?

2) Without having a powermeter, would it be beneficial to move my bike computer to my back wheel so I can get some feedback on mph?

3) How can I chart my progress if I am not sure what resistance level I am on?

Any other advise would be greatly appreciated.

2012-08-21 12:56 PM
in reply to: #4373305

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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

Try checking out trainerroad.  The virtual power is pretty cool feature.  You won't be able to find out your actual FTP but can track progress.  It also has multiple workouts and plans.  I've used it with my cycleops for about 4 months and am very happy with the results.

2012-08-21 12:57 PM
in reply to: #4373385

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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
rotagog - 2012-08-21 12:56 PM

Try checking out trainerroad.  The virtual power is pretty cool feature.  You won't be able to find out your actual FTP but can track progress.  It also has multiple workouts and plans.  I've used it with my cycleops for about 4 months and am very happy with the results.

 

x2 for TrainerRoad

2012-08-21 1:02 PM
in reply to: #4373305

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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
Your resistance depends on what gear you are in. I have a kinetic trainer and bought there power meter which was $80.http://www.kurtkinetic.com/kinetic-wired-power-computer-p-152-l-en.htmlt is just like a normal computer that takes speed and cadence and figures the watts. I don't know how close it is to a better power meter but thats all I use and I can see where I am at with it. You could move your computer and use speed and hr but it wouldnt by as accurate as a power meter in my mind. Cadence and gear selection plays a big difference in power output. Good Luck
2012-08-21 1:18 PM
in reply to: #4373385

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Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
rotagog - 2012-08-21 1:56 PM

Try checking out trainerroad.  The virtual power is pretty cool feature.  You won't be able to find out your actual FTP but can track progress.  It also has multiple workouts and plans.  I've used it with my cycleops for about 4 months and am very happy with the results.

Yup, TrainerRoad is a very valuable tool, IMO.  I, too, use a CycleOps fluid trainer, and if you have a Garmin and/or HRM and/or cadence sensor, it can figure out and track your power, speed, effort, etc.  Plus the guys behind TR keep making improvements and making an already great product even better!

2012-08-21 1:21 PM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

Sorry to jump in, but what total parts would I need to use TrainerRoad? I am hoping to pick up a used trainer soon for the long winter ahead. I have no HRM or anything right now of that nature.

Thanks,
Brad 

2012-08-21 2:05 PM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
bradlyaolson - 2012-08-21 2:21 PM

Sorry to jump in, but what total parts would I need to use TrainerRoad? I am hoping to pick up a used trainer soon for the long winter ahead. I have no HRM or anything right now of that nature.

Thanks,
Brad 



1. Trainer (Kurt Kinetics and CycleOps get the best review. Fluid are ideal. I use a CycleOps)
2. Speed/Cadence sensor (Garmin has one for $40ish)
3. ANT device to receive the data from your speed/cadence sensor (Garmin for $30ish)
4. TrainerRoad membership (is it still $10 per month?)
5. Laptop (ideally fed to a larger monitor so you can watch movies, etc. while training)

TrainerRoad is, hands down, the best thing about winter training. Really looking forward to getting back into their workouts. I'll miss the road, but this makes it so much more tolerable. 

2012-08-21 2:10 PM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
2) Without having a powermeter, would it be beneficial to move my bike computer to my back wheel so I can get some feedback on mph?

Absolutely. You will have to do this for Trainer Road, if you get it. I don't have it, and no plans to. Basically more speed = more resistance. So if you're going faster, you're working harder. If it doesn't seem as hard, you're getting better. Though do check to make sure it's set up consistently.

Not sure on the other questions though. Thought the fluid just had one curve? Variable was the magnetic?
2012-08-21 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

Fluid trainer builds resistance as speed increases, nothing to mess with other than do the same setup routine every time.

COF2 trainer can use the KK road trainer MPH vs Watts formula.  I found instances online where a powertap meter measured the same for each. 

That said,  look at the coach Jorge/BT winter cycling program. There's a spreadsheet available to use MPH training zones for the related power training zones. Guaranteed to increase your biking power!  Let me know if you would be interested in the spreadsheet.

2012-08-21 2:25 PM
in reply to: #4373569

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Minneapolis, MN
Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
BernardDogs - 2012-08-21 2:05 PM
bradlyaolson - 2012-08-21 2:21 PM

Sorry to jump in, but what total parts would I need to use TrainerRoad? I am hoping to pick up a used trainer soon for the long winter ahead. I have no HRM or anything right now of that nature.

Thanks,
Brad 



1. Trainer (Kurt Kinetics and CycleOps get the best review. Fluid are ideal. I use a CycleOps)
2. Speed/Cadence sensor (Garmin has one for $40ish)
3. ANT device to receive the data from your speed/cadence sensor (Garmin for $30ish)
4. TrainerRoad membership (is it still $10 per month?)
5. Laptop (ideally fed to a larger monitor so you can watch movies, etc. while training)

TrainerRoad is, hands down, the best thing about winter training. Really looking forward to getting back into their workouts. I'll miss the road, but this makes it so much more tolerable. 

 

Thank you for the info. I continue to marvel at this sport's attempts to render my wallet ineffective.

Brad

2012-08-21 2:36 PM
in reply to: #4373305

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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
+1 for TrainerRoad. I'm getting close enough to the end of the race season that I can't wait to start on the trainer again. Go figure!

2012-08-21 3:07 PM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer

Another +1 for Kurt Kinetic and TrainerRoad.

One tip:  when setting up your bike on the trainer, make sure your tire inflation psi and the resistance level of the trainer (i.e. how much you tighten the roller to your wheel - I use two full turns from where it juuuuust touches) is the same each time.  This way 20 mph is pretty close to the same resistance each time. 

I think the KK resistance curve is pretty accurate, especially in the sweet spot (18-23 mph for me).

2012-08-22 1:21 AM
in reply to: #4373736

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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
If I had a compatible trainer I'd go woth TrainerRoad as well.

HOWEVER if the cost of everything is an issue, the fluid trainers resistance increases with speed since there is just the one setting.

If you do the same workouts with a faster and faster overall speed, you know you're making progress, no extra equipment necessary, especially if you're running a HRM and can see overall lower BPM or of course lower PE.  Then you just wire the cycling computer to the back tire.

I do the same thing with my Mag trainer atm, I just keep it on the same setting all the time.
2012-08-22 8:53 AM
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Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
You don't even need your bike computer, really.  Just keep track of what gears you're using.  Your self-selected cadence is likely to be fairly consistent.  Use the same cadence in the same gear and you know you're doing the same work.
2012-08-22 10:43 AM
in reply to: #4373305

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Expert
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Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Subject: RE: How to...Cycleops Fluid trainer
Thanks everyone!! Great information!!
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