What's a good trainer to get

Pete Derkowski said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Nashbar has them on sale - ie. a Fluid Trainer NB-FT6 that's regularly $209,
now on sale for $99.

Is it any good? Is there some other brand/model that's better for the
price? I can prob go as high as $150 for one.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

Pete

Since you are getting back into cycling, nothing like a stationary
trainer to sour you on riding again..get some rollers. Simple, makes
the time go faster, makes you a better rider.

Qui si parla Campagnolo wrote:
(Pete Derkowski wrote):

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

(QsipC replied):

Quoted message said:

Since you are getting back into cycling, nothing like a stationary
trainer to sour you on riding again..get some rollers. Simple, makes
the time go faster, makes you a better rider.

My membership at the YMCA includes Spin classes. Population: female.
And a lot more like riding in a group on the road, which makes the time
fly, in complete contrast to solo trainer drudgery at home. Plus lots
of other exercise options incl. sauna, steam, pools.

Rollers might be a challenge for some (speaking personally) but IMHO
are wonderfully worth whatever it takes to master them.

Less total physical workout is possible with rollers compared to a
trainer since you can ride a trainer without much regard for balance,
but rollers are a tool that can be used to improve technique-- control,
balance, riding in the proverbial "straight line".

There are many who could benefit. Am I lying?

Cyclops Mag, with a front tire block. --D-y

Quoted message said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Nashbar has them on sale - ie. a Fluid Trainer NB-FT6 that's regularly
$209, now on sale for $99.

Is it any good? Is there some other brand/model that's better for the
price? I can prob go as high as $150 for one.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

A less-exotic Mag trainer will probably last and work quite a bit better
than a cheapie fluid unit. You might check out the Graber units for
something not too expensive and *very* reliable (with great customer service
if anything wears out or breaks). The Blackburns are also known for their
durability and customer service.

As Peter pointed out, rollers might be an option as well. For some of us,
rollers maintain the thrill (actually, they're a lot *more* thrilling... too
much so for some!) of actually riding on the road. For others (like myself),
our motto is "Death before riding indoors." Yes, you end up with some epic,
memorable rides that way. But I'll concede that I live in an area that
rarely gets below 35 degrees on a winter morning. Your mileage may vary.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

Qui si parla Campagnolo said:

Pete Derkowski said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Nashbar has them on sale - ie. a Fluid Trainer NB-FT6 that's regularly $209,
now on sale for $99.

Is it any good? Is there some other brand/model that's better for the
price? I can prob go as high as $150 for one.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

Pete

Since you are getting back into cycling, nothing like a stationary
trainer to sour you on riding again..get some rollers. Simple, makes
the time go faster, makes you a better rider.

Couldn't agree more and rollers feel the most like one is actually
riding a bike.

Greg

--
"All my time I spent in heaven
Revelries of dance and wine
Waking to the sound of laughter
Up I'd rise and kiss the sky" - The Mekons

[email hidden] wrote in news:1163775209.471078.3550
@k70g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

Quoted message said:

Less total physical workout is possible with rollers compared to a
trainer since you can ride a trainer without much regard for balance,
but rollers are a tool that can be used to improve technique-- control,
balance, riding in the proverbial "straight line".

I would think that the need to maintain balance and control leads to a
greater total workout on rollers than on a trainer. Just as free weights
are a more total workout than the various weight machines at the gym.

Of course, I do agree that the spin classes at the local YMCA are a much
more pleasant workout environment than training at home. (I'm also usually
the only guy in the class. <grin>😉

Cheers,
David

Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check around
on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....

I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the rear
wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll fall
off....

And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?

Pete

"Pete Derkowski" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Nashbar has them on sale - ie. a Fluid Trainer NB-FT6 that's regularly
$209, now on sale for $99.

Is it any good? Is there some other brand/model that's better for the
price? I can prob go as high as $150 for one.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

Pete

Pete Derkowski said:

Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check around
on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....

I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the rear
wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll fall
off....

And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?

Pete

Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum plate
spinning between refrigerator magnets.

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Pete Derkowski said:

Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check

around

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....

I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the rear
wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll fall
off....

And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?

Pete

Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum plate
spinning between refrigerator magnets.

Aluminum?

Greg

G.T. said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Pete Derkowski said:

Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check

around

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....

I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the rear
wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll fall
off....

And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?

Pete

Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum plate
spinning between refrigerator magnets.

Aluminum?

Greg

Aluminium, if you like.

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

G.T. said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Pete Derkowski wrote:
> Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check

around

Quoted message said:

> on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....
>
> I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the

rear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll

fall

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> off....
>
> And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?
>
> Pete
>
Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum plate
spinning between refrigerator magnets.

Aluminum?

Greg

Aluminium, if you like.

Spelled either way I didn't think it was used in magnetic applications?

Greg

"G.T." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

G.T. said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> Pete Derkowski wrote:
>> Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check
around
>> on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....
>>
>> I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the

rear

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll

fall

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> off....
>>
>> And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?
>>
>> Pete
>>
> Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum plate
> spinning between refrigerator magnets.

Aluminum?

Greg

Aluminium, if you like.

Spelled either way I didn't think it was used in magnetic applications?

Greg

Eddy currents (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_currents) can be
induced in any electrical conductor. Copper would work fine, too, but is
more expensive. A good demonstrator can be made with a piece of (copper or
aluminum) tubing and a rare-earth magnet that fits inside it. The magnet
will fall quite slowly down the tube.
Kerry

"KERRY MONTGOMERY" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"G.T." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

G.T. wrote:
> "Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
> news:[email hidden]...
>> Pete Derkowski wrote:
>>> Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check
> around
>>> on the web and see what these things are... I don't know

nuthin'....

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>>>
>>> I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the

rear

Quoted message said:

>>> wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll

fall

Quoted message said:

>>> off....
>>>
>>> And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?
>>>
>>> Pete
>>>
>> Well, they'll never leak. Open one up, dead simple, an aluminum

plate

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>> spinning between refrigerator magnets.
>
> Aluminum?
>
> Greg

Aluminium, if you like.

Spelled either way I didn't think it was used in magnetic applications?

Eddy currents (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddy_currents) can be
induced in any electrical conductor. Copper would work fine, too, but is
more expensive. A good demonstrator can be made with a piece of (copper

or

Quoted message said:

aluminum) tubing and a rare-earth magnet that fits inside it. The magnet
will fall quite slowly down the tube.

Ah, that's the kind of information I was looking for in a roundabout way.

Greg

Pete Derkowski said:

Rollers... vs Trainers... what's a roller? Man, I need to check around
on the web and see what these things are... I don't know nuthin'....

I take it a roller is just a rolling pin type of thing on which the rear
wheel sits and you need to keep it all balanced and going or you'll fall
off....

And of Trainers, Mags (magnet?) are better than fluid... yes?

Pete

"Pete Derkowski" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Nashbar has them on sale - ie. a Fluid Trainer NB-FT6 that's regularly
$209, now on sale for $99.

Is it any good? Is there some other brand/model that's better for the
price? I can prob go as high as $150 for one.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

Pete

Rollers are a setup with 2 'rollers' in the back for the rear wheel and
one in front for the front wheel. big rubber band connecting the middle
one and the front one. Rotation of the wheels keep ya upright, need
some balance to ride but no more than a normal bike. Makes ya ride in
straight linesand pedal in 'circles'. Concentration required makes time
go quickly, resistence is there and can be increased far more than you
need with just the bicycle gearing. Is not boring and it doesn't kill
your bike or tires..the WAT to train in winter.

http://www.kreitler.com/

http://www.saris.com/c-7-rollers.aspx?skinid=2

Pete Derkowski said:

Having gotten back into biking this past summer, and getting a new bike,
I'm thinking of getting a trainer for the winter.

Looking for one that works well and doesn't fall apart.

Kinetic Road Fluid Trainer
http://www.kurtkinetic.com/roadmachine.php

google it; gets good reviews, well made, strong, works, adjustable,
it's the one I am considering right now

REI has them for $299
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47971651&parent_category_rn=4500928&vcat=REI_SEARCH
free shipping if you use store pickup, if you have REI nearby...

rollers, I would fall off, no thanks for now

---
Bob Anderson*Bitwisebob
Eugene Oregon

On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:47:58 -0800, bitwisebob <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

REI has them for $299

REI has them at sale price, $229, better yet

---
Bob Anderson*Bitwisebob
Eugene Oregon

"bitwisebob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

rollers, I would fall off, no thanks for now

If you fall off the rollers by riding to the side or over the front roller,
no problem. If you fall off your bike at the same time then possible damage
to bike and body depends on your surroundings. Lately I've been riding next
to a 50 year old untempered sliding glass window. Probably not the safest
place.

Greg

On Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:32:35 -0800, "G.T." <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"bitwisebob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

rollers, I would fall off, no thanks for now

If you fall off the rollers by riding to the side or over the front roller,
no problem. If you fall off your bike at the same time then possible damage
to bike and body depends on your surroundings. Lately I've been riding next
to a 50 year old untempered sliding glass window. Probably not the safest
place.

Greg

Dear Greg,

There you are on your rollers, a cup of boiling coffee in each hand,
no exposed cables to seize on your handlebars because it's a fixie
without any brakes . . .

Suddenly an unhelmeted squirrel uses a goathead as a glass-cutter to
burst through that ancient window to get at you!

Oh, the humanity!

Cheers,

Carl Fogel

G.T. said:

"bitwisebob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

rollers, I would fall off, no thanks for now

If you fall off the rollers by riding to the side or over the front roller,
no problem. If you fall off your bike at the same time then possible damage
to bike and body depends on your surroundings. Lately I've been riding next
to a 50 year old untempered sliding glass window. Probably not the safest
place.

Greg

Don't get into any heated political discussions while riding rollers.
A couple of years ago I gained some nasty bruises and lost a coffee
table. I rode off the side and fell over while watching a political
debate on the TV and carrying on a conversation with someone of
diametrically opposing views.

Luckily it wasn't a glass coffee table.

We had a good laugh, turned off the TV and switched to darts and beer.

Marcus

"Marcus Coles" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

G.T. said:

"bitwisebob" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

rollers, I would fall off, no thanks for now

If you fall off the rollers by riding to the side or over the front

roller,

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

no problem. If you fall off your bike at the same time then possible

damage

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to bike and body depends on your surroundings. Lately I've been riding

next

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to a 50 year old untempered sliding glass window. Probably not the

safest

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

place.

Don't get into any heated political discussions while riding rollers.
A couple of years ago I gained some nasty bruises and lost a coffee
table. I rode off the side and fell over while watching a political
debate on the TV and carrying on a conversation with someone of
diametrically opposing views.

I tried watching TV once, never again. I guess I'm what you call an active
TV watcher, as in I move around alot while I watch. Basically now I just
listen to music and read every once in awhile.

Greg