Newbie question re: Trainers

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

Quoted message said:

I am new to cycling, having arrived at the sport after running for years
(now with a herniated disc) and my Doctor suggesting I at least limit my
running miles. I have secured a road bike, as I live in an area with some
great bike paths. But as the daylight grows shorter, I would like to have
the option to get in a workout at night. My local shop has a ~$300 trainer
by Cycle Ops. Can someone explain to me what exactly this trainer (or one
like it) does for that price? Their website is not very helpful--it just
says "resistance level varies automatically based on your cadence and wheel
speed." Does this mean the trainer has pre-programmed rides on it? You can
see it here:

http://www.cycle-ops.com/products/fluidsquared.htm

I'm sure there are many opinions on this, but are there different types that
are better? I can see where getting on a trainer that only has one speed
would be a bore, so any light you all can shed on how they work would be
appreciated.

TIA to anyone having the patience to respond.

No there are no pre programmed rides. It simply means that you can
shift your gears to adjust resisstance AND there is also a resistance
change that relates to how fast your wheel is spinning.

I have an old Cycle Ops trainer that Iused for a while and it now sits
idle.
Basically what you have withthis is an exercycle. The
difference/improvement is that it will be your road bike and its fit.

Here is my personal opinion. If you are not a racer and do not have to
maintain cycle specific fitness it will be hard to stick to a trainer
schedule. It is really boring. So, when I raced I did it. Now I
wouldn't dream of it. At least not as the major component of my
training. I simply find other things to stay fit. For me, hiking and
walking work great when the weather/darkness don't allow cycling.

I would suggest a Cateye Opticube for $40 headlight,
2 LED tailights of different designs for 20-30,
winter gear as needed for local conditions, suggested sites are
http://www.bikewinter.org
http://www.icebike.org
Kind of late to start training for the 2005 race at
http://www.alaskaultrasport.com/ but you can get ready for 2006.

teknofyle said:

I am new to cycling, having arrived at the sport after running for years
(now with a herniated disc) and my Doctor suggesting I at least limit my
running miles. I have secured a road bike, as I live in an area with some
great bike paths. But as the daylight grows shorter, I would like to have
the option to get in a workout at night. My local shop has a ~$300 trainer
by Cycle Ops. Can someone explain to me what exactly this trainer (or one
like it) does for that price? Their website is not very helpful--it just
says "resistance level varies automatically based on your cadence and wheel
speed." Does this mean the trainer has pre-programmed rides on it? You can
see it here:

http://www.cycle-ops.com/products/fluidsquared.htm

I'm sure there are many opinions on this, but are there different types that
are better? I can see where getting on a trainer that only has one speed
would be a bore, so any light you all can shed on how they work would be
appreciated.

TIA to anyone having the patience to respond.

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

Quoted message said:

I am new to cycling, having arrived at the sport after running for years
(now with a herniated disc) and my Doctor suggesting I at least limit my
running miles. I have secured a road bike, as I live in an area with some
great bike paths. But as the daylight grows shorter, I would like to have
the option to get in a workout at night. My local shop has a ~$300 trainer
by Cycle Ops. Can someone explain to me what exactly this trainer (or one
like it) does for that price? Their website is not very helpful--it just
says "resistance level varies automatically based on your cadence and wheel
speed." Does this mean the trainer has pre-programmed rides on it? You can
see it here:

http://www.cycle-ops.com/products/fluidsquared.htm

I'm sure there are many opinions on this, but are there different types that
are better? I can see where getting on a trainer that only has one speed
would be a bore, so any light you all can shed on how they work would be
appreciated.

TIA to anyone having the patience to respond.

Hi,
I too am looking at the Cycle Ops II fluid filled trainer. I have
used the Blackburn Magnetic trainer for 3 years and found it to be a
good trainer, but noisy. The fluid filled trainers are virtually
silent. My brother has used the Cycle Ops II for 2 seasons and loves
it. He did a lot of research before he bought it and he's a very
serious biker and an engineer, so I pretty much am ready to go with
his choice. (I bought my magnetic the season before). Some things to
consider before buying a trainer: Will it accomodate your particular
wheel size? (since you have a road bike, most likely it will) Do you
plan to watch TV or listen to music? Then you need a fluid filled
for sure, in my opinion. I finally started using headphones on my TV
because the magnetic trainer is so loud. My husband can hear the
trainer noise upstairs!

I don't think the cycle ops you're looking at has Programmed rides.
There are video tapes/ DVD's available for that sort of workout. I
watch TV and use the commercials for "intervals" of "Climbing in a
high gear", spinning like a maniac etc.

You can always use your bikes gears to vary the resistance of any
trainer, even the inexpensive magnetic ones.

A bit of advice: buy a front wheel block/ prop thing of some type, as
your rear wheel will be raised a couple of inches. I like the Cycle
ops one because it has 3 different height choices. I used 2X4's the
first year. There is also a handy book rack that attaches to the
handlebars, I think Blackburn makes that. If you tend to sweat
profusely, you may want to buy a fancy cloth bib thing for your bike,
or lay a towel over your bars. I put my bike and trainer on top of a
plastic runner to protect my carpet. If your chain is pretty dirty,
it is possible for stuff to "fling" off and get on your floor or walls
too.

I have a love hate relationship with my trainer. It keeps me "in the
saddle" and good cardio, but it can get pretty boring. I hate that
it's "inside" and not out on the road though,but I live in Iowa
winters, and am lucky to get a few weekend rides a month during the
cold season.

Just a few thoughts. I think I'm ready to by the Cycle Ops II also.
Cheers.
Cheers-

"Julie" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

I too am looking at the Cycle Ops II fluid filled trainer. I have
used the Blackburn Magnetic trainer for 3 years and found it to be a
good trainer, but noisy. The fluid filled trainers are virtually
silent.

Quoted message said:

Do you
plan to watch TV or listen to music? Then you need a fluid filled
for sure, in my opinion. I finally started using headphones on my TV
because the magnetic trainer is so loud. My husband can hear the
trainer noise upstairs!

I'm surprised, I also have the Blackburn magnetic, and it's virtually
silent. Magnetic resistance trainers have no contacting parts (except tire
to drive cylinder, obviously), the only moving part inside the unit is an
aluminum disk attached to the spindle, which is smooth (at least in mine),
with air gaps between it and the permanent magnets (stationary). I'm
wondering if you have a defective unit. Trainers are so deadly boring, I
rarely use ours, but my wife does, always while watching TV, so noise, if
there were any, would be a problem.

My trainer did start making noise shortly after I got it. Upon disassembly,
I found a set screw had loosened, permitting the rotating disk to rub on
the stationary magnets. I tightened it and it has been fine (and quiet)
since.

My concern with fluid trainers is that any rotating seal will eventually
wear and start to leak. I have no idea if that will take 1,000 years with
the Cycle Ops, but leaks have been a problem with this type of unit. Mag
trainers just seem more bomb proof.

Peter Cole said:

I'm surprised, I also have the Blackburn magnetic, and it's virtually
silent. Magnetic resistance trainers have no contacting parts (except tire
to drive cylinder, obviously), the only moving part inside the unit is an
aluminum disk attached to the spindle, which is smooth (at least in mine),
with air gaps between it and the permanent magnets (stationary). I'm
wondering if you have a defective unit. Trainers are so deadly boring, I
rarely use ours, but my wife does, always while watching TV, so noise, if
there were any, would be a problem.

Have to agree. OTOH, after using wind trainers for years, my idea of
silence is warped. If the dog three doors down doesn't start to howl,
its quiet.

Anyone using a Giant spin bike? We are getting one this week to use
inside. The bikes are in the garage and can be ridden most of the
time, but we got the spin bike to have one smaller footprint for both
of us. Wondering what one of those sounds like at 100 plus rpm.

Curtis L. Russell
Odenton, MD (USA)
Just someone on two wheels...

I bought a trainer in 2001 and I use it a LOT over the winter. I am
by no means a racer. It is a great way to get a light-to-moderate
workout with little hassle. I use mine to build endurance in an
environment where I'm not likely to over-exert. If I want a nice,
low-key workout for an hour or two, I'll pop a tape in the VCR
(old-fashioned, I know) and just start pedaling. It's even more fun
if I put in tapes of the TDF or Giro d'Italia.

So far the longest "ride" I've done on my trainer is about 4 hours.
When I do these long workouts, I plan it as if I'm going on a real
ride -- sports drink, bananas, etc.

I'm probably also one of the few people who actually likes using the
CyclOps workout video to do some quick interval training. They do
"pyramid" intervals, which are good to know about.

The trainer also gives you an opportunity to do single-leg drills that
are great if you're going clipless and want to improve your stroke.
Learn to pedal one-legged in the comfort and safety of your own home,
then you can do it on the road without embarrasing yourself!

I used to have an exercise bike, and the trainer is much, much more
enjoyable. The one I bought is a wind trainer, so I usually wear
earplugs and crank the TV up. Not the most efficient arrangement, but
it works for me.

(BTW, I don't work for CyclOps, although perhaps they should pay me
for the free advertising. Other trainers are probably just as good,
but the CyclOps is the only one I've tried.)

JR

Curtis L. Russell wrote:
|| On Wed, 06 Oct 2004 12:30:52 GMT, "Peter Cole"
|| <[email hidden]> wrote:
||
||| I'm surprised, I also have the Blackburn magnetic, and it's
||| virtually silent. Magnetic resistance trainers have no contacting
||| parts (except tire to drive cylinder, obviously), the only moving
||| part inside the unit is an aluminum disk attached to the spindle,
||| which is smooth (at least in mine), with air gaps between it and
||| the permanent magnets (stationary). I'm wondering if you have a
||| defective unit. Trainers are so deadly boring, I rarely use ours,
||| but my wife does, always while watching TV, so noise, if there were
||| any, would be a problem.
||
|| Have to agree. OTOH, after using wind trainers for years, my idea of
|| silence is warped. If the dog three doors down doesn't start to howl,
|| its quiet.
||
|| Anyone using a Giant spin bike? We are getting one this week to use
|| inside. The bikes are in the garage and can be ridden most of the
|| time, but we got the spin bike to have one smaller footprint for both
|| of us. Wondering what one of those sounds like at 100 plus rpm.

What is a Giant spin bike?

Wed, 6 Oct 2004 22:35:01 -0400, <[email hidden]>,

Roger Zoul said:

What is a Giant spin bike?

A stationary pedal operated exercise device branded by Giant, the
bicycling related products company.
--
zk

Zoot Katz wrote:
|| Wed, 6 Oct 2004 22:35:01 -0400, <[email hidden]>,
|| "Roger Zoul" <[email hidden]> wrote:
||
|||
||| What is a Giant spin bike?
||
|| A stationary pedal operated exercise device branded by Giant, the
|| bicycling related products company.

That sounds like a typical stationary bike. Why the use of the word "spin"?

Thu, 7 Oct 2004 13:51:02 -0400, <[email hidden]>,

Roger Zoul said:

That sounds like a typical stationary bike. Why the use of the word "spin"?

Why? tsk tsk tsk Spinning ® is "The ultimate ride for body and mind".
Besides we can't keep selling the SOS every year so we have to spin it
differently. Spinning ® requires special licensed gloves and shorts
and hats and sweat bands and you've got to get the tapes and videos
and check out the awesome eight-week weight loss program and go to the
meetings so maybe you too can qualify to become a certified Spinning ®
instructor.

http://www.spinning.com/
--
zk

Roger Zoul said:

That sounds like a typical stationary bike. Why the use of the word "spin"?

The primary difference is that you can set up a spin bike the same as
a regular road bike. Standard bike seat, SPD pedals, same position.
The advantage if you have more than one using the bike is that they
are designed for spin classes, which means that you can set it up for
each rider and then quickly put it back at that rider's settings.

All other types of stationery bikes had all or some of the following:
non-standard handlebar positions, non-standard (and cheap) pedal
systems, fat and flat bike seats, difficult to change position.

We have the mag trainers in the garage where there is more room. On
some days, though, it is too cold to use for a quick and easy 20-30
minutes. So we spent a bit and got a bike that lets either of us get
on and ride the bike in a standard position late at night.

I notice that the spinning label seems to bother some - can't worry
about people that make the trivial a major issue in their life.

FWIW, I've since found that they aren't that loud, although not as
quiet as the mag trainer. Surprising, since they use a pressure brake
on the fly wheel for resistance - I would have expected more noise.

Curtis L. Russell
Odenton, MD (USA)
Just someone on two wheels...

Thu, 07 Oct 2004 15:58:08 -0400,
<[email hidden]>, Curtis L. Russell

Quoted message said:

I notice that the spinning label seems to bother some - can't worry
about people that make the trivial a major issue in their life.

You mean the Spinning ® label.
It's like Starbucks trademarking "christmas blend".
A trivial issue, indeed, when we have to buy back our language from
multi-national corporations.
--
zk

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

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]>, Curtis L. Russell

Quoted message said:

I notice that the spinning label seems to bother some - can't worry
about people that make the trivial a major issue in their life.

You mean the Spinning ® label.
It's like Starbucks trademarking "christmas blend".
A trivial issue, indeed, when we have to buy back our language from
multi-national corporations.

I'm going to xerox your e-mail and fed-ex it to my congressman to see if he
can come up with some band-aid solution.

(my point: the language goes both ways)

Sat, 9 Oct 2004 11:11:48 -0500,
<1097338456.H6WwuI3GJc9MPbK9RnxIeQ@teranews>, "Mike Kruger"

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I notice that the spinning label seems to bother some - can't worry
about people that make the trivial a major issue in their life.

You mean the Spinning ® label.
It's like Starbucks trademarking "christmas blend".
A trivial issue, indeed, when we have to buy back our language from
multi-national corporations.

I'm going to xerox your e-mail and fed-ex it to my congressman to see if he
can come up with some band-aid solution.

(my point: the language goes both ways)

Photocopies these days are made on machines other than Xerox. That
word didn't exist in our language until Xerox paid people to invent
it. Xerox would be entitled because they invented the word, the same
as Kleenex, Windex or Spam. Those words have entered the vernacular
and have become useful. Their use outside the vernacular remains
tightly constrained by trademark laws.

It's a different situation when somebody appropriates and trademarks
words like "spinning" or "entrepreneur". Words that were already in
our language. "You're fired" and "fair and balanced" are trademarked.
As is "the brilliance of common sense", words and phrases that have
meaning beyond the trademark owners' limited application.

Phrases such as "mickey mouse", "breakfast of champions" or "heartbeat
of america" have been painted into a corner by advertising and
marketing by mass media for a consumer culture and then held ransom by
the trademarks owners' and their fleet of lawyers. - - - hired with
the royalties paid, for using our own language. It's ludicrous.

It's a different situation again when we adopt acronyms such as LASER
and RADAR. No one, AFAIK, is required to pay licensing fees to use
those words for describing their product that performs those
functions. Unlike Unix.

I'm not sure where I'm going with this but it seems to be already be a
given that yours or mine DNA can be copyrighted by someone else.
--
zk