Trainers

[Longhorn]

I got a Nashbar catalog along with a recent purchase and they were featuring trainers on the cover for prices up to $400 or so. I should have known these would change in technology from the old ones that I knew about that just lift your back tire off the floor!

What are the pros and cons of trainers in general? Thanks! :hi:

[dean_dem]

1. They're great for times of the year...

...when you don't have a lot of daylight, the weather is really bad, etc. But as close as some of them get, they aren't the real thing. They are a good substitute however for times when you just can't (or don't want to) get out and ride.

[Longhorn]

2. Would there be any advantage to a trainer

if I already have an elliptical trainer? Thanks!

[dean_dem]

3. I guess it depends...

If you just want a workout, the elliptical should be enough. If you want to get better at cycling exclusively, a trainer would probably help a lot more by targeting particular muscles.

These days, with the weather getting warmer, you might just be better off waiting until later in the year before getting a trainer. There should be plenty of time to ride outside in the next few months.

Hope that helps.

[Longhorn]

4. Yes, it does. Thanks! n/t

[BiggJawn]

5. The biggest "con"....BO-RING!!!!

I don't call mine "The Hamster Wheel" for nothing...

I'll go out in 50-degree weather and ride till my toes sting, but I can't force myself to spend more than 30 minutes spinning and staring at the wall.

[loveable liberal]

6. I wiped out on my trainer a couple times.....

Have to pay attention or not wear your clip ins. Hurt my elbow pretty bad once on a shelf. :(

[BiggJawn]

7. Was that on a mag trainer or Rollers?

I still haven't gotten the hang of rollers. I ran off mine, and "racked my nutz" trying to keep from keting pitched over the kitchen table.

My wind-trainer keeps a good grip on my bike, but one night I was sprinting and I heard something go "CLUNK!" and looked down to see that the BB clamp had loosened and fallen off. Only thing keeping me from a lot of pain was the fork clamp...GENTLY unclipped and climbed off.....

[loveable liberal]

8. it was on rollers.... looked to one side....

brought my handlebars with me and that was all she wrote.

[BiggJawn]

9. Ouch! n/t