Cycling Trainer Recommendations
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- This topic has 12 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 2 months ago by
Lt. Dan.
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December 20, 2016 at 3:15 am #918890
Brett L.
ParticipantI’m new to the forum and apologize if someone has already asked this question. I’ve been bitten by the cycling bug and want to take the next step with training. I’m looking to set up a pain cave, complete with cycling trainer and TV setup. I could use some advice on trainers:
My goals – I plan to mostly complete longer rides, hopefully an Ironman one day. I have no plans to do any crit races. I’m looking for time in the saddle and and consistent riding without having to worry about traffic or stoplights inteferring with ride time.
My setup – currently have a road bike that I plan to add aerobars onto in the next 6 months. One day I may invoke the rule on n+1 and get a dedicated TT bike, but I need many more miles on new road bike before my wife let’s me buy another. I currently only have a cheapo computer on it that tracks distance and speed through rotation sensor. I don’t know if I’m able to get a speed sensor because my phone isn’t ANT+ compatible. (First question I guess, can I get Bluetooth compatible speed sensors??).
So, with all that said, what kind of trainer should I be looking at? I’d like it to be compatible with Zwift or other similar apps to distract me from the monotony of training, but I also don’t want to spend a ton of $$. I’m willing to attend enough to avoid wind trainers (too loud) but should I look at magnetic trainers, fluid trainers, SMART trainers….? What are the pros/cons and what really is going to give me the best bang for the buck?
PS, also not opposed to buying used, assuming that trainers stay in good shape. Do trainers stay in good shape?
December 20, 2016 at 5:48 am #1061919KLizotte
ParticipantWelcome to the forum. I’ve had a dumb trainer for a few years and it has largely sat in the closet collecting dust because I found it boring. But with the advent of cycling websites and smart trainers I decided to give trainers another try. I received my first smart trainer a few days ago(!). I got a CycleOps PowerBeam Pro Ant+. Cost was $499 (free 2 day S/H) from BackCountry.com. Best price on the web by far last week. They are currently out of stock for the Ant+ version but are offering the same price for the bluetooth version. I got Ant+ since that seems to be the standard and I was worried about bluetooth interference since I live in a large high rise apartment building with tons of phantom signals flying through the apartment. Do your research (check out DCRainmaker’s website for reviews).
I went with CycleOps since my dumb trainer was from the same company and I never had any problems with it. Also, the price offered by BackCountry was almost too good to pass up. So far I’ve been very happy with it. I highly(!) recommend a trainer that provides controlled resistance; that is, the software will automatically adjust the resistance for you as you go up and down hills, do workouts, etc. Stops you from cheating! It also makes rides more lifelike.
I use a laptop hooked up to a large flat screen tv. I prefer the big picture and positioning the laptop would be a pain if I wanted to view the screen from the bike. If you are going that route, you will probably have to buy a cable to connect your laptop and TV. Check to see if your TV/laptop will talk to one another; it will probably require buying a cheap cable (check your laptop and TV’s ports/documentation for which kind of cable); make sure you buy a long one.
If you’re laptop is very old or has an underpowered graphics card you may be out of luck. My laptop is five years old and is doing ok on most VT platforms but on Zwift things are a bit choppy. Zwift seems to be the most graphics intensive platform out there.
You can download the VT software and test it out for a week or a month and see how well your laptop responds and whether you like the videos, graphics, workout, etc. of the various platforms available.
Zwift is a simulated platform with lots of other real life cyclists.
CycleOps and Bkool offer both simulated and real life video as well as solo rides and competing against others in real time.
VeloReality is more geared to high definition, motion stabilized real life video.
I highly recommend downloading them and checking out what they are like; one of them offers a spectator option. There are other VT platforms that I haven’t looked into including Sufferfest and TrainerRoad. Right now I’m concentrating on CycleOps since I’ve paid for a month’s use. I have also purchased some videos from VeloReality (their VT software is free).
I really like using the real life videos because I like “visiting” places I haven’t been before. Tonight I rolled through 18 miles of farmland in Germany. The other day it was through Red Rocks park in CO (hilly!) another day it was Scottsdale. The downside is many of the videos are crowdsourced so the quality (and bumpiness) varies since most are taken from cameras mounted on handlebars or helmets. There are companies out there who make high quality videos of famous cycle routes using motion stabilized cameras and high definition. Bkool even offers the option of real time weather in its videos.
OTOH, you may like the competitive aspect more and Zwift may be more to your liking. I’ve only done one Zwift workout so far and it really did make me work harder than I would otherwise; seeing the other riders was fun. I’m hoping I can tweak some of my laptop’s settings to cut down on the choppiness.
All of the VT software offers structured workouts and you are expected to take a FTP test (basically going all out for 20 minutes to set a baseline). There is a great variety in the workouts so I’m sure you will find something to help you meet your goals.
You will definitely need a fan to keep you cool. I bought this one and am very happy with it. Check to see if the trainer you purchase comes with an ANT+ dongle (if you go with the ANT+ platform) otherwise you will have to purchase separately. Depending on the location of your laptop, you may have to purchase a cheap long USB cable so the ANT+ receiver sits close to the trainer and cadence sensor. They cost about $6-7 on Amazon.
Ideally you will want your laptop (or phone) within easy typing distance while sitting on the bike. Right now my laptop sits on top of a ton of books on my coffee table. Other folks use stands.
For the front wheel, you will have to raise it off the floor a bit so the wheels are level. I just use a rolled up towel.
Oh, and smart trainers need to be plugged in so you will need an outlet nearby for that as well.
If you really like a VT platform, check that it will work with your trainer. My trainer fully works with Zwift, Bkool and CycleOps but will only show watts on VeloReality’s because CycleOps refuses to give the company their API code.
Most VT platforms will automatically sync with Strava, MapMyRide, etc. if you give them permission.
Has this all been a pain to set up? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Yes. I now really look forward to my rides and plan on using the trainer to keep my legs in shape through the winter (I really don’t much like outdoor winter riding) and for rainy days during the warm weather. I expect I’ll be quite happy to get out doors when spring comes but at least I should be in better shape than last winter. I also find that it is easier to get a hard workout completed in an hour than going outdoors because I live in the city so can’t go that fast (with the exception of Hain’s Pt).
Unfortunately smart trainers aren’t cheap and I did scour Craigslist at first but all I saw were dumb trainers.
Lastly, mine sounds like a fan running; I’d say no louder than the Amazon fan I linked up above. I don’t think noise should be a major concern but most large bike stores in the area should have a few set up so you can have a listen to get an idea of the noise levels.
And if you want a trainer that provides software controlled resistance, make sure you check that the trainer offers that; not all smart trainers do. If you don’t want to spend the money, you can simply change gears to simulate hills.
Best of luck!
December 20, 2016 at 9:26 am #1061920ursus
ParticipantJust curious. I bought a trainer at least 20 years and also found it boring. I also found it caused my tires to wear out rapidly. (I saw little pieces of rubber around it. Was I doing something wrong? I have gotten rid of it since it also took up a lot of room.
December 20, 2016 at 11:10 am #1061921Judd
Participant@ursus 150622 wrote:
Just curious. I bought a trainer at least 20 years and also found it boring. I also found it caused my tires to wear out rapidly. (I saw little pieces of rubber around it. Was I doing something wrong? I have gotten rid of it since it also took up a lot of room.
Trainers are pretty tough on tires. You can buy a trainer specific tire that will wear better, but then you have to change out tires. Easier to go outside.
December 20, 2016 at 1:25 pm #1061926huskerdont
Participant@ursus 150622 wrote:
Just curious. I bought a trainer at least 20 years and also found it boring. I also found it caused my tires to wear out rapidly. (I saw little pieces of rubber around it. Was I doing something wrong? I have gotten rid of it since it also took up a lot of room.
I think a trainer is a great thing for the n+1 that you don’t use very much, with some tires that you don’t want to use on the road or trail anymore. I have an heavy old 1965 Schwinn for mine, with crappy Performance tires that are flaking rubber.
I guess some of the newer trainers don’t connect the tire to a roller, but I don’t plan to spend that kind of money since I really only use it for about 100 miles a winter, and that’s mostly just to get some level cardio in instead of the interval-type riding that hills and stoplights produce.
December 20, 2016 at 4:40 pm #1061946Brett L.
ParticipantThanks everyone for the replies. KLizotte, especially, that’s pretty detailed.
I definitely understand the perks of using a VT, which is the main thing that I’m after. $500 is a lot of money though, and I’m hoping to find a setup that comes in cheaper than that.
1) How well do trainers stand up to wear and tear? Is a trainer something that I can safely buy used, or is it likely to be broken down?
2) If my smart phone does not have an ANT+ receiver, will I still be able to rig up a solution for a “dumb” trainer + speed sensor to work with the VT trainers? KLizotte mentioned something about a ANT+ dongle that can be connected to computers…?
3) If I do go towards a “dumb” trainer, should I look at magnetic trainers or fluid trainers? What are the pros/cons of each?
4) Some of the replies are making me rethink this whole thread. Seems like some folks are highly against trainers, would rather get out and ride. I completely agree with that concept, I love getting out and riding. I find it hard to motivate myself to push though in uncontrolled environments (random hills, traffic control, random cars/people/animals, winds, etc.). I probably should push harder, but it’s so easy to fall back into my comfort zone in those random environments. I feel like having a controlled trainer environment, I can really push and have no excuses for things being out of my control. I know it’s not true to real life situations, but I also don’t intend for trainers to be my only cycling experience. Am I being realistic with my expectations of trainers, or should I just keep riding outdoors and invoke rule 5 – harden $%&* up?
December 20, 2016 at 7:28 pm #1061957KLizotte
ParticipantI can’t answer the last question (4). I suppose the relevant question to ask yourself is whether you feel constrained by weather and day/time in meeting your weekly cycling goals. Also, how much structure do you need? Does your real world neighborhood lend itself to improvement? Are you more interested in fitness or proving you are badass riding in all kinds of weather? (Lots of the latter here.) I’m more interested in fitness, comfort and safety in the winter months but to each their own. Do you like competition or are you more of a solo rider? (People can get really competitive online). And lastly, you can do both; ride outside when you can, trainer when you can’t! Best of both worlds.
You can use a dumb trainer with an ANT+ dongle (just a USB plug-in that talks back and forth to your sensors/trainer; cost is about $30). You will need a speed/cadence sensor too which you attach to your bike with zip ties (you leave them on even when riding in the real world). With info about your bike, your weight and height, the software will estimate your speed, cadence and HR (if you have an HR monitor) and watts based on the profile of the route. Because you will be using a dumb trainer though you will have to change the resistance yourself (if you choose to) when going up and down hills by changing gears (you can also raise the front wheel to give a more “hill” like experience). Your “charge” up the hill will be reflected in your watts and speed calculations. This setup isn’t quite as accurate as a smart trainer but should be sufficient for the non-pro. I don’t know how the bluetooth system works; only ANT+.
You can search YouTube videos for “how to setup” demonstrations. It’s really not hard at all; just the terminology is weird. Who came up with the term dongle? And what does ANT+ mean?!!!!
According to the CycleOps website, the magnetic trainers provide less of a road feel. The fluid ones are more roadlike in terms of the resistance curve (the harder you pedal, the higher the resistance – just like in the real world since wind resistance is exponential).
If you buy one used, you should ask to try it out with your bike. It’s takes all of 30 seconds to attach the bike so that shouldn’t be an issue. Check for how smooth the flywheel feels and if there are any weird sounds. Trainers are pretty simple devices and should last a long time.
Lastly, I am looking to sell my CycleOps fluid 2 trainer; comes with manual and skewer. Excellent condition. $95 If interested send me a PM.
P.S. More info on the differences between dumb trainers can be found here: http://www.slowtwitch.com/Products/Dumb_Trainers_4822.html The article also mentions being able to connect with a phone. Hmm, maybe I should look into the phone route. May be easier to use than the laptop….
December 20, 2016 at 8:40 pm #1061963Brett L.
ParticipantI believe that Cycleops makes an app that connects to your phone’s ANT+ receiver. I just happen to know that my cheapy phone does not have one installed, although most decent smartphones do. Total aside – the reason I have some a cheapy phone is because I have a cheapy cellphone plan – I only pay $12-14/month for unlimited call and text and enough data to meet my needs. The carrier is Republic Wireless and although I’m in a grandfathered plan, they’re worth looking into to save some $$. Same with Google Fi.
And thanks, I’ll go through that link and do some more research. In terms of bad-weather riding, I’m now a 365-day commuter but I won’t necessarily go for extended training/leisure rides (ie, non-commute) during unfortunate weather conditions.
December 20, 2016 at 9:11 pm #1061970KLizotte
ParticipantJust checked. For iphones you still have to buy a phone ANT+ dongle to plug into the phone. Then you run into the problem of keeping the phone charged and not having a way to run the software to the big screen TV.
I know my laptop runs out of battery after an hour when running VT software (normally I can get close to 3.5-4 hours in normal use) and it runs hot (so the fan is constantly running). I only run VT and shut off all of the other applications when using it. Not so sure my phone would be able to handle that kind of load too well and I’d be very worried about hitting my data plans limits.
December 21, 2016 at 2:22 am #1061988Judd
Participant@Brett L. 150649 wrote:
4) Some of the replies are making me rethink this whole thread. Seems like some folks are highly against trainers, would rather get out and ride. I completely agree with that concept, I love getting out and riding. I find it hard to motivate myself to push though in uncontrolled environments (random hills, traffic control, random cars/people/animals, winds, etc.). I probably should push harder, but it’s so easy to fall back into my comfort zone in those random environments. I feel like having a controlled trainer environment, I can really push and have no excuses for things being out of my control. I know it’s not true to real life situations, but I also don’t intend for trainers to be my only cycling experience. Am I being realistic with my expectations of trainers, or should I just keep riding outdoors and invoke rule 5 – harden $%&* up?
Welcome to the forum. Don’t be scared off. Generally, the folks that are active in this forum are commuter oriented and not training for performance oriented, although there are people that are super fast and also some that race. I wouldn’t say that we’re highly against trainers… it’s just more that most of us are highly pro going outside. When you commute daily, a trainer just makes less sense.
I have a CycleOps magnetic trainer that I used back in the days before I started commuting. I used it some in the winter in lieu of going to the gym and riding the stationary bike there. A few things to consider:
1. Trainers are noisy. Mine sounds like a loud vacuum cleaner. I felt uneasy using it with neighbors below me.
2. Consider buying used on Craigslist, because new ones are expensive AND people either tend to use them regularly or use them a handful of times before selling them online. I’ve used mine maybe 10 times and probably won’t use it again unless I move somewhere where I’m not worried about disturbing the neighbors.
3. Being on a trainer can be boring. Some people have sweet tv/computer set ups to keep themselves entertained. I found myself doing a lot of clock watching on the trainer. Being on the bike outside only sometimes feels like work.I ride a lot and ride everyday in all types of weather. I didn’t do this a year ago. My motivation to do so has mainly been through becoming a member of the bike community surrounding the forums and Freezing Saddles. It’s way easier to get out there when you have lots of friends doing it too.
December 21, 2016 at 4:15 am #1061993KLizotte
ParticipantThe new software out there makes cycling indoors way more fun and intensive (if you want it to be) than it used to be. If I commute in winter I have to bike home in the pitch dark so there is no way I’m pushing myself in those conditions. Mornings I just need to get to work as little sweaty as possible since my building doesn’t have showers. So my winter commutes are utilitarian and rather flat and I hate wearing so much clothing on the bike. The trainer makes sense for me during the cold months. I can push myself using a structured workout or take a leisurely ride through Europe. Don’t let others dictate what works for you. You can set yourself up with a used dumb trainer and the software components for less than $200.
Don’t know why Judd’s trainer is so noisy but I’ve never used a magnetic one. Mine just sounds like a small fan. Neighbors can’t hear it at all and I’m sure my TV bothers them more.
Oh, and sometimes you come across really buff athletes in VT land. Spotted this guy tonight – whoohooo!
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December 21, 2016 at 3:20 pm #1062001huskerdont
ParticipantI’m glad you used the arrow so we’d know which one was beefcake. :rolleyes:
My fluid trainer is noisy (Travel Trac Millennium). Scares the dog off and he tootles off downstairs. Was $90 on Craigslist about 8 years ago. Got about 1000 miles on it before the wired readout died, but the rest still works fine. /thread hijack
December 21, 2016 at 6:11 pm #1062032Lt. Dan
ParticipantI bought a Kinetic Road Machine used off of Craigslist for $200 last week. It’s quiet, and much more stable than the Travel-Trac it replaced! I just recently started using it with Zwift, and have to say the workouts go by much quicker than when I’m watching TV…
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