To Train or Not to Train, That’s the Question!
After much debate I decided to purchase a Turbo Trainer, well to be honest the weather forced me into it. I opted for the Tacx Satori Pro, which I’ve been very impressed with.
Ten of us decided to enter our very first Sportive, The Scottish Bike Show Sportive in April 2012, and opted for the 65 mile route, while raising money for The Friends of the Beatson.
As expected the minute we signed up for Sportive the weather took a turn for the worse, storms followed by snow, then by ice…….. not ideal conditions for heading out on a Carbon Road bike! After a couple of weeks off the saddle getting frustrated I gave into the temptation to buy a Turbo Trainer. To be honest I’ve never seen the attraction of them before, I hated the gym and sitting on a static bike in a sweaty room going no-where, so why would I buy a turbo trainer!
My wife was sure that my new purchase was going to be yet another “Dust Collector”, boy am I determined to prove her wrong! She didn’t buy the assurance that it wouldn’t be because I’ve a 65 mile Sportive to train for.
The first stage was to build the turbo trainer, which you wouldn’t imagine would be too hard, but after building, dismantling, building, dismantling and building I finally got it right. Although what was more worrying was the amount of screws, bolts, washer and o-rings that were left over! Apparently there should be spares depending on what wheel size you are using etc.
I’ve now had 2 sessions on the turbo trainer, a 30min and a 45min session and really enjoyed it. What makes it different from a bike in the gym? Well it’s MY bike I’m on, it’s MY living room, I can watch what I want on MY tele and I can listen to MY music……… Oh and it doesn’t cost me £35+ a month!
The unit folds up fairly flat for storage but I think I may invest in the carry bag to protect it from little inqusative fingers that roam around my house. The unit comes with the resistance lever so you can adjust resistance. Also included is a QR skewer which I advise you use as it is specifically designed to fit snuggly into the trainer.
Prepare to mop out your living room after your training session as it’s a sweat generator. Lol
Overall I am very pleased with my purchase as it allows me to carry on training regardless of what the weather decides to do.
Why don’t you check out our selection of Turbo Trainers.
Tacx Satori Pro
Stuart
IT Manager
FreeFlow Bikes
Can I ask how you have been getting on with the trainer. I have just bought one, and frankly am a little nervous about using it with my Focus Cayo.
I’ve heard al kind of stories about damage to the bike as a result
Hi James
I use my 2010 Cube Agree GTC Pro (Carbon) on my turbo trainer and have no problems. I would recommend using a turbo tyre or an old tyre. I have a spare wheel with an old tyre on that I use when on the turbo.
Stuart