Stationary Bike Trainers

[timswim78]

I want to use my bike to start getting back into shape, and I really do not have room for an exercise bike. So, I was thinking that I could purchase one of those stationary trainers that mounts to the rear wheel of a regular bike. However, I have no idea which one to buy or what features to look for. Here are the ones that are currently on sale at Performance Bike:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/item_list.cfm?category_id=24&estore_ID=559

 

[antyler]

Id say that any one of those should work for what you are doing, doesnt sound like you are too high performance. Probably go with one of the cheaper ones. I dont think that there is that many differences between the few on there. Make sure it works for the kind of bike that you have though ie; road/mountain.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: antyler
Id say that any one of those should work for what you are doing, doesnt sound like you are too high performance. Probably go with one of the cheaper ones. I dont think that there is that many differences between the few on there. Make sure it works for the kind of bike that you have though ie; road/mountain.

Yea, I'm definitely not training for races. Just training for fitness, because I gave up swimming. I have a road bike and a mountain bike. Is it preferrable to use one over the other for exercising. I'm guessing that the mountain bike would give me more of an upright position, making it easier to read or watch TV.

 

[antyler]

Could be so. Im thinking that most people use road bikes with those though. I work at a bike shop part time, and if i remember correctly, most of the trainers are used with road bikes.

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: antyler
Could be so. Im thinking that most people use road bikes with those though. I work at a bike shop part time, and if i remember correctly, most of the trainers are used with road bikes.

OK, thanks. I'll go by performance tomorrow and see what those guys have to say.

 

[mjh]

I would recommend you go to a local bike shop (I got my trainer from Performance) and think about getting one of the trainers that are on sale (between $100-150). It doesn't sound like you need one of the higher-end fluid trainers that will easily cost $250+.

Just about everyone I know that uses a trainer uses it with a road bike, not a mountain bike. Be aware that the tire on your back wheel is going to be abused a little bit by the trainer.

 

[Captante]

A mountain bike should work ok if it has smooth tires, but most people I know who use these do it with a road bike.

 

[tommywishbone]

Minora Advance Rollers. Rollers take some practice and can be very tricky at first but are by far the best for simulating an actual ride. Plus they are Old School cool; Eddy Merckx loved riding rollers. For extra fun, when your friends come over they will want to try and use them and they will crash for sure. Rollers get my vote 100%.

 

[vegetation]

Fluid ones are going to be quieter so if you live somewhere that could disturb others, only get a fluid. If you're going fluid make certain it has an adjustable resistance selector. The single resistance cheapos are pitiful in resistance settings. Edit: For performance, this would be their Century fluid that is nonadjustable. Get the "PLUS" model for a little extra. The difference in resistance feel is huge.

You'll also want to pick up a very cheap generic rear tire (fancy tires most certainly not needed) if you're going to mount your bike on for long as trainers will chew up rear tires very quickly.