Training @ Home?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by vladimir102
I work sometimes and do not have time to ride and when i get home because it's dark. I would like any info on riding at my house. Should i get something my bike hooks up to or is a stationary bike a good way to train. Also i know there are trainers and rollers. Are these the best way to go and what is better. Also would they be useful in improving my strength and stamina and could i ride on one for a couple hours. any help is appreciated.

If you're looking to spend some meaningful time in the saddle at home...go with rollers. It feels the most natural when riding for any length of time.

Best Wishes,
Vector7

Trainers give you resistance so that you can do a variety of workouts. Intervals are particularly good for turbo trainers.

Don't buy an exercise bike! You want to get used to your own bike and it's saddle/position etc.

Don't get rollers! Buy a turbo trainer. You can spend longer on a turbo - you can read without falling off (!) or better still get a Tacx i-magic and ride in virtual reality (for an extra $300). You can also vary the resistance on a turbo.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Shibumi
Don't buy an exercise bike! You want to get used to your own bike and it's saddle/position etc.

Don't get rollers! Buy a turbo trainer. You can spend longer on a turbo - you can read without falling off (!) or better still get a Tacx i-magic and ride in virtual reality (for an extra $300). You can also vary the resistance on a turbo.

I disagree about not buying rollers. Rollers help any true technician learn balance, control, and concentrated pedal stroke. Many Pros are required to do some roller training throughout the season to work on the little things that makes them better peddlers. It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Plus, you can still use your on-bike computer to monitor normal things you would on the road.

Best Wishes,
Vector7

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Vector7
I disagree about not buying rollers. Rollers help any true technician learn balance, control, and concentrated pedal stroke. Many Pros are required to do some roller training throughout the season to work on the little things that makes them better peddlers. It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Plus, you can still use your on-bike computer to monitor normal things you would on the road.

Best Wishes,
Vector7

Vector, rollers do have their place. Warming up at the side of the track, and as you say, if you are a pro, 'true technician' and want to work on technique. I'm not sure if Vladimir falls into these categories.

Vladimir, if you want to concentrate on getting fit, and want to "...ride on one for a couple hours..." then it has to be a turbo trainer.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Shibumi
Vector, rollers do have their place. Warming up at the side of the track, and as you say, if you are a pro, 'true technician' and want to work on technique. I'm not sure if Vladimir falls into these categories.

Vladimir, if you want to concentrate on getting fit, and want to "...ride on one for a couple hours..." then it has to be a turbo trainer.

Thanks, do you know of any good ones to get online some where? Or maybe a good brand for a reasonable price? Thanks again for your help!

Personally, I'd go for anything by Tacx, as they seem to be market leader, but it depends what you want, and how much you can spend. I think that there are other threads that discuss the merits of each type, but basically I'd try and get a magnetic one (less noise than a wind one), one where you can vary the resistance, and if you can afford it the Tacx i-magic. I bought my i-magic through the web, and I'll be racing on the web tonight. It's been the biggest factor in improving my fitness since I bought my bike.

i dont know about the rollers or bike, but one things for sure:
at the beginning and at the end, do 50 squates, it really helds with endurance.

Computrainer
http://www.computrainer.com/index.asp

a bit more expensive than the Tacx but proven reliable and rock solid.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by rollers
Computrainer
http://www.computrainer.com/index.asp

a bit more expensive than the Tacx but proven reliable and rock solid.

And, with a Computrainer, you can use www.performancecentral.net for free.....forever!!

Check it out!

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by rollers
Computrainer
http://www.computrainer.com/index.asp

a bit more expensive than the Tacx but proven reliable and rock solid.

I use cyclops magnetic trainer b/c it was on sale at the LBS. I use the magnetic trainer because it's all I need, as I live in an area that is condusive to year round riding, will the right fabrics. My trainer becomes beneficial in rain or darkness.

I agree with squats at the beginning and end. In fact I throw in some squats and lunges during my workout-sprint/squat, hill climb/lunge etc. It keeps things interesting.

Doing squats won't have any benefit on (cycle) endurance.

Ric

Thats true, endurance is an aerobic quality and about the eficiency of the cardiovascular system, which not acheiveable through squats.

P.S i enjoy your reading answers on the cyclingnews.com Q&A section ric.

I also recommend using some of the training videos that are available. I like the Spinerval tapes. They take the boredom out of riding to nowhere in the basement.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Shibumi
Vector, rollers do have their place. Warming up at the side of the track, and as you say, if you are a pro, 'true technician' and want to work on technique. I'm not sure if Vladimir falls into these categories.

Vladimir, if you want to concentrate on getting fit, and want to "...ride on one for a couple hours..." then it has to be a turbo trainer.

get rollers, a fork stand, and a resistance unit. use the rollers for technique. other intervals and strength stuff pop on the fork stand and resistence.

best of both.

If you buy rollers, you should be able to get a fork attachment for when you want to take off the front wheel and do the trainer ride. So you may not have to choose one or the other. I have both, and, you work harder faster on rollers, but, you can't read or watch tv easily while doing them. On a trainer, you can adjust your speed more easily.

Retribe