Adding resistance? Does this exist?

maggybd18 said:

Hi,

I just moved to downtown Houston - very flat and no places where you can ride fast. I was wondering if there is any sort of device that adds resistance to the bike. Kind of like the stationary bikes where you can change the resistance but for riding outdoors. Something that simulates riding up hills?

Thanks a lot

Maggy

Elastic band holding the brake levers on?
Perhaps a dynamo light?

When riding with the family I want to slow down and still get a workout so I ride the MTB with 2.125 tires at only 25 psi. I've thought of adding a resistance unit but tire wear and control might be an issue so it would have to free wheel while coasting. Some one is probably working on it as we speak.🙂 If speed isn't a problem wouldn't the 52/11 gear combo be enough?

maggybd18 said:

Hi,

I just moved to downtown Houston - very flat and no places where you can ride fast. I was wondering if there is any sort of device that adds resistance to the bike. Kind of like the stationary bikes where you can change the resistance but for riding outdoors. Something that simulates riding up hills?

Thanks a lot

Maggy

A trailer full of phone books.😄

That would be good for hills but for flats you should attach a sheet of plywood for wind resistance.🙂

benkoostra said:

A trailer full of phone books.😄

wiredued said:

That would be good for hills but for flats you should attach a sheet of plywood for wind resistance.🙂

You guys are really creative:0) Thanks for the suggestions.

Maggy

Why not just push a higher gear?

Actually I was only half kidding about the trailer. Just pedal harder. Seriously. Or go running. That seems to get your climbing legs going.

The problem with going faster is that the area where I ride is not very safe. I need to be able to stop fast. As to running, I do also run, I just want a real bike workout.

In the winter I also want less speed and more work commuting(the faster I go the more I freeze) I use full fenders, studded 26x2.1 at 25psi and I have front and rear panniers plus a handlebar bag that all adds up to decent rolling and wind resistance. You can't even tell when I'm sprinting.🙂

maggybd18 said:

The problem with going faster is that the area where I ride is not very safe. I need to be able to stop fast. As to running, I do also run, I just want a real bike workout.

maggybd18 said:

The problem with going faster is that the area where I ride is not very safe. I need to be able to stop fast. As to running, I do also run, I just want a real bike workout.

Then put the bike in it's lowest gear and spin at 120 RPM.

maggybd18 said:

The problem with going faster is that the area where I ride is not very safe. I need to be able to stop fast. As to running, I do also run, I just want a real bike workout.

Here's another idea. Go down the street and pick up a $10 rusty old road bike. Now check the BB bearing and running gears. If it's rusted, then leave it alone. If it's not rusted, then degrease it and put it back. Now go ride and enjoy the extra resistance. 😉

Pushing a big gear slowly or spinning a high gear won't increase your power output. Pulling a trailer will but perhaps more practical would be to put a touring rack on you bike, the put some panniers on and stuff them full so you have extra weight and extra wind resistance.

Simple - just let most of the air out of your tyres and eat more doughnuts.🙄 Tyson

Maybe ride with a parachute? I know the track team at my high school runs with parachutes for extra resistance during practice.

ToffoIsMe said:

Maybe ride with a parachute? I know the track team at my high school runs with parachutes for extra resistance during practice.

I just saw parachutes at [censored] sporting goods store yesrterday. I thought-man if you could deal with everyone laughing at you-that would make for a killer on bike strength training workout. 53/12 as hard as you can go!! OUCH!!

As for the trailer-why not a trailer with dual flags-thats not only more weight , but a big aero load. If braking is a concern-then buy some really good pads and make sure you adjust everything perfectly and always keep your braking surfaces clean.

I used to have a generator headlight that got its power off the tire sidewall. It provided a pretty significant amount of drag.