Indoor Trainer recommendations?

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2006-08-30 2:15 PM

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Subject: Indoor Trainer recommendations?

I'm thinking about taking the splurge this winter for an indoor trainer. I'd like to hook my bike up to it, and would love to follow a video. I don't know where to begin or what criteria to use.

Advice? Recommendations?

thank you in advance.

2006-08-30 2:39 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Master
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Morse Lake, Noblesville, Indiana
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
Years ago I used to watch bike races on TV/VCR while riding my rollers. If you do it, make sure you remember you are on rollers in your living room, and not on the road. I destroyed my mothers coffee table when the peloton went around a turn...

I really like rollers best, as they teach real balance, and keep you from bouncing, and really teach you a smooth spin.

Resistance trainers are great too, don't get me wrong, I just like rollers. If you get a resistance trainer, try to spring the extra money for a fluid trainer, or at the very least a mag trainer over on that uses a fan for resistance. Try to get one that has progressive resistance (I believe the Cycle Ops is the only Mag Trainer with progressive resistance).

Oh, yeah, get a Cycle Ops climing block for the front wheel.
2006-08-30 2:52 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I have kurt kinetic and it works really well. Had for 2 years now without any issues.
2006-08-30 3:37 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Aurora, CO
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I would agree with the above post about the Cyclops Trainers. Although I get by with the mag trainer, if I had it to do over again I would get the fluid. The fluid trainers are much more quiet, the mag can get loud at certain speeds.
2006-08-30 3:59 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Expert
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Parker, Co
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I have the Realaxiom V2 which has the DVD courses. I just bought L'alpe D'Huez and am looking forward to training on that - plus it has a slew of other climbs etc...Verona WC course, Mont Bondonne etc..it also gives you power readings and cadence plus a 10 week endurance building plan. I like the flow of the courses and it does beat just grinding out a workout.
I bought from Performance and they have been very helpful.
www.realaxiom.com is the site
2006-08-30 9:48 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?

Do you get feedback on the visual on your cycling? That is, does your riding come up onscreen? Or, are you just riding along to a workout video?

 

2006-08-31 11:39 AM
in reply to: #527005

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Expert
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Parker, Co
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
It moves as you move....so the faster you ride the quicker the course goes by! Or it grinds as slowly as you climb the hill! You can also race yourself...against your last ride on that course - it gives you a constant indication of how far you are behind or ahead of that time ( not a picture but a window with a stat read out). There is also one course with a champion - you can race him ( and see him on the video)..but he is too fast!
2006-08-31 8:51 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?

Cycle Ops trainer is the one I have and was highly recommended to me by many on BT. I bought mine off ebay but see them at a good price at Performance bike at times with a 20% coupon about the same price. I think I paid $225 about with shipping.

I do workouts given to me by my coach which are fun. Spinnervals DVD are nice as well. You can get a tri bike training book with lots of good workouts. Ask Jorge I'm sure he'd give you a couple ideas. I watch TV with my kids when I ride the trainer....good family time and nice workout.

But I love riding outside much more and try to do it all year long whenever possible.

 

2006-09-01 9:39 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I got my trainer in today MINOURA MAG 850 I got it on e-bay for 95.00 including shipping. I used it for a 30 min ride at 9:00 pm while watching Gladiator I like it very smooth and quite it will get loud if I shift to high gears and put on the speed but with the resistance control set to mid range there is no reason to do that it is nice and quite in mid gears and mid range resistance. I highly recommend it over a stationary bike.
2006-09-03 7:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
Has anyone had Cycle Ops thats had a Real Axiom, or vice-verse? Or experience comparing? I checked both websites, but couldn't get a feel for them. I will see if I can find them in the bike shops.
2006-09-06 2:43 PM
in reply to: #527005

Plymouth, MN
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I would definitely recommend a Kurt Kinetic. They even have a new one that is coming out soon that will allow lateral movement (up to around 30 degrees of tilt), as to mimic actual bike movements. The flywheel is nice and heavy as well so it provides resistance that is very similar to real life.

The warrenty is excellent! I've had one for 5 years and it has never leaked.

I have to say the RealAxiom looks real interesting!

Edited by usasportstraining 2006-09-06 2:47 PM

2006-09-07 9:45 PM
in reply to: #527005

New user
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Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I vote for Real Axiom. I've got rollers and scar to prove it.

Seriously, the RA is a good product. Put over 700 miles on mine last winter without any problems. The race yourself (or competitor) feature will push you beyond what you ever dreamed of doing. Videos are OK but I ended up watching videos and riding by feel.

It was nice to compare stats from previous rides though.

Mark
2006-09-07 11:28 PM
in reply to: #527005

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Master
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West Jordan, UT
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?

I would advise not getting one with fan resistance.  Mine is SOO loud.  It works as designed and gives me a great workout but it is unbearably loud.  I cannot hear the TV or even my headphones while using it.  It also annoys the family (who are in the house) when I am using it in the garage.  It sits unused a lot for this reason.   

 

 

2006-09-08 11:12 AM
in reply to: #527005

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Elite
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Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
Depends on how much you want to spend.  If you've got the cash, it seems like products like Computrainer are the cat's meow.  If less, I second the vote for the Kurt Kinetic.  Plus, it has an optional computer that'll give you real speed data. 
2006-09-09 8:44 PM
in reply to: #527005

New user
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Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Indoor Trainer recommendations?
I see that performance has got the Real Axiom trainer on sale at $549. They also have a 20% off coupon, so that drops it to $439. If you look around, I bet you can find a free shipping coupon. It don't get no better than this.

Mark
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