Any cyclists out there?

[JohnnyD 0]

I have moved from a very warm place to a seasonal place. I am considering buying trainer for my bike, but I have no knowledge of or experience with them. Any recommendations would be very much appreciated.

[flyhi 24]

Check Bike Nashbar for a good trainer at a good price. Wind trainers are nice, but to me, they have an artificial feel, put unusual stresses on your frame, and tilt you down like you are always going down hill. Rollers are more natural and have the added benefit of providing the opportunity of falling over when you are just standing there. Either way, it's not like the real thing, but it is training.

Had a friend who spent five hours once a week on a wind trainer to train for the New Zealand Ironman. New Zealand had the most slots for Hawaii and he thought he could sneak in there, but their race is in March. Had to train in Maryland through the winter. The wind trainer was the only way. It worked. But he hated Sundays. That was his long day on the bike.

Oh yeah, and it helps if you set a fan in front of it. You are going to sweat and with no headwind (there's always a headwind in cycling, right?) the sweat will drip down onto your frame. Nothing corrodes a bike faster. Might want to consider pulling your handlebar stem every so often to ensure no problems develop. Good luck.

Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics.

[BoostedXT 0]

Yeah I bike a lot....its definatly a great way to stay/ get in shape.

I have been riding a specialized Enduro Pro for a XC rig...and for my down hill use I have an Intense M1 set up with the Marzoc. Super T and the 5th element titanium rear shock. They are fun bikes to ride....I use my DH rig for mainly jumping off stuff. I have somepics around here somewhere....I will post them up.

Biking is like jumping, not cheap but fun.

Specialized= $2800
Intense M1 DH rig = $5800

Joe
PS-Pic is a friend on the same rig I have....we race.

For long as you live and high you fly and smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry and all that you touch and all that you see is all your life will ever be.
Pedro Offers you his Protection.

[EricaH 0]

Wind trainers are nice & most of them will come w/ a plastic block that props your front tire up so you don't get that 'downhill' feel all the time.
I bought one w/o, but wish I had paid more for one w/ a remote control for resistance settings.

Nashbar is a great place for reviews, Ebay is the best for buying (IMHO). Also, check to see if your town or the nearest city has a cycling or triathlon club web-site w/ a message board. www.chicagotriclub.com is Chicago's, they have lots of reviews & feedback (VERY seasonal biking here too).

**edited to add:
feel free to post your question on that web-site too... very friendly people - you don't have to be from chicago.

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[riggerrob 643]

Yup!
I ride my bike to the DZ 6 days per week.
If the weather is pleasant I "take the long way home" in the evenings.

[Galen 0]

I have a magnetic trainer I got on sale from Performance for $100. Not as nice as a fluid trainer and no frills (power output readings etc) but it works well for me.

Respect the Dolphin