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The 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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This is my commute through the area so, yes, you can cut through Columbia Island to Boundary Channel Drive.

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The sign is looking a bit “rough”.

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Some folks may infrequently (or never) post here but may still attend the happy hours and team events. Ya never know….

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Tim, you seem to have lost the most hair in this contest. :p

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Just 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.

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I 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….

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Welcome 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!

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@lordofthemark 150600 wrote:

2. The bike FX did in fact have one less cog. So they said it was that, plus “not good for regular commuting” Not sure about the weight.

Could be that the FX you are talking about doesn’t have the requisite “holes” for attaching a rack easily. There are solutions but most people don’t want to deal with the hassle.

I’ve generally found bike mechanics to be honest and very knowledgeable; salespeople tend to be far less knowledgeable (though I don’t think I’ve encountered any that were downright dishonest) and not particularly well trained. I expect it is due to high turnover in the sales departments. You have to do your own research and ask lots of questions.

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I received my first smart trainer over the weekend. A CycleOps PowerBeam Pro Ant+. I had been using a dumb trainer previously (CycleOps Fluid2). So far so good!

The cheapest price I found was at BackCountry.com which was offering it last week for $499 plus free two day shipping. I see today that they are out of stock but offering the bluetooth version for the same price.

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@Steve O 150588 wrote:

Quit worrying about the price. If you end up spending $800 or even $1000 for a quality bike that will serve you well and be durable, then just do it. It’s like your 2nd (or 3rd) car, and people talk about how “cheap” a $17k car is. The difference between a cheaper bike and a better bike is one month’s car payment. Sure, if this was going to be like twowheels said and end up gathering dust, then go cheap. Or if it were your 3rd N+1. But you have already proven to yourself, your family and your friends that you are a committed bike rider and you will be for years to come. It’s one of your modes of transportation. You’ll pay for the bike entirely in a year just with Metro savings. The couple hundred bucks difference is irrelevant in terms of cost but could be huge in terms of happiness.

Ummm, not everyone has that kind of expendable cash lying around and there are spousal issues to consider. It’s also hard to stomach paying a lot when the reason for the expense is theft of the previous bike. Ouch! Also, if one is a fed worker then metro is largely free for commuting purposes.

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@TwoWheelsDC 150583 wrote:

So they (both Trek and Spokes) market and sell a bike that essentially cannot stand up to a normal amount of riding (you’re commuting a few miles each way a couple times a week, not doing RAAM)…clearly they intend for people to buy such a bike on a whim, ride it a couple of times, then let it collect dust in a basement. That’s some Wal-mart level shit right there.

*alternatively, the cheaper bike is fine but they want to sell you something more expensive and are willing to lie to do it.

Or perhaps they know that it is heavy and made with cheaper Shimano components and that an every day user will eventually trade it in for a better bike in a year or so. I started out with a cheap heavy hybrid from Trek (built like a tank but weighed as much too) and traded up a little after a year since I wanted something faster and lighter. I don’t regret the bike because it got me into biking and lasted 4,500 miles without major mechanical problems. If I had room, I’d still have it as a beater bike.

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FYI: the facebook link is no longer working.

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@awalis 150361 wrote:

I was one of the two who fell that day. Riding up towards the TR bridge when a jogger (after being alerted I was passing) turned out in front of me. Brakes and down I went on the slippery boardwalk. Bike was fine, me not so much, broken clavicle. As I was waiting for a pickup to the hospital, another rider went down in the same location and went to the same hospital. Don’t know extent of his injuries but shoulder too.

Maybe *every* time someone splats on the Trollheim (or any of the boardwalks on the MVT) he or she should send an email to NPS along with the details, esp if he or she went to the hospital. If they see reports every freakin’ week, maybe it will get someone’s attention and be given priority. Two people going to the hospital for the same injury on the same day is alarming!

I know when I told the Navy Yard of my splat on their property along the Anacostia Trail the Commander was notified along with a bunch of their lawyers (even though the base is indemnified). They followed up a few times to record all of the details and an announcement was made at the base’s all hand’s meeting that this had occurred, to be careful, and that the base was looking into ways to improve their section of the trail.

If their inbox fills up with splat reports….

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Maybe something like this:

http://www.midlandhardware.com/157608.html?gclid=CJ6Smca09NACFY1XDQod-NgN3A

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