Need advice: Bike trainers

[mightyh]

I like the idea of a bike trainer and am thinking of getting one for my husband for Christmas. I'd like to get advice on features to look for, brands you trust from those of you who have them. Do you get the feel that you're really riding a bike? Also, how much should I pay for one?

Any leads appreciated!

[cookgirl]

Are you completely against getting him a real bike?

[LIsaP]

Hi!

I have a "bike trainer"-it is a stand that you attach a "real" bike to so that you can ride it in place-is that what you mean by bike trainer?
If so-I LOVE it. It is a great work out and a great way to use your bike in the off season. During riding season, it is small enough that it can be stored away.

I don't know off hand what brand it is, but I think it cost around $200.

It definitely improved my riding over the winter.

[mightyh]

My husband already has a real bike... Just can't ride it too much during the frosty winters... That's why I'm interested in a bike trainer--yes the stand that you fit the real bike onto so it, I think, basically turns into an exercise bike.

Glad to hear the good review of one--and that it improved your riding. My husband's schedule is tough so he often misses the gym hours or would rather work out at home just before bed time/right when he wakes up.

Anyone else with opinions?

[cookgirl]

Wow. I have never heard of that. I love to bike ride, but I guess there's not a huge demand to take it indoors here. Our winters are very mild. Still, I too might be interested in this....although I'm used to taking hills. How does the bike trainer provide resistance?

[food girl]

How coordinated is your husband? How much do you want to spend?

I am looking at my performance catalog right now.(performance.com) There are several types. There are types with rollers, where you are not actually attached to anything, and one where just your back tire moves. I think the roller types require some degree of coordination to balance etc. The prices range from $139 to $300+. The higher end models have a more realistic resistance, but you can churn it out in high gears with the cheaper models.

We have frosy winters too. I invested in warm tights,gloves and booties. Oh, and a light for evening rides.
The thrill of riding to me is to get outside and see some scenery. I love to ride, I have loged 2900 miles since Feb!

I would never make it with a trainer, but you are a WONDERFUL wife to buy such a great gift for your husband!!!

[mightyh]

Thanks for the feedback--had never really considered the "balance" factor. I guess I should start doing some hands on research and try these things out for myself...

[LIsaP]

Hi,
The trainer that I have attaches to the back wheel and has a rest for the front wheel to stabalize it. There is no problem balancing. To increase resistance, you just change gears. It is very easy to use and as I said before, provides an excellent workout. Even better than outside biking because you cannot coast.
We got ours at Performance.

[food girl]

What did you decide? Do you want to hear something funny? I have now decided that I must have a bike trainer.

Last year I did spinning classes on days when I couldn't ride. After doing 2 classes last week I decided that I just couldn't stand it this year.

Soooo. I started looking at trainers. The consensus is the magnetic trainer over wind trainers. Apparently the wind trainers are too noisy to hear the stereo or tv over!

You might want to check e-bay (if you want to go the used route). I think that is what I will do first.
Lisa

[mightyh]

I'm still searching... I think I had narrowed it down to the magnetic ones, too, as TV watching is a popular pastime in our house.

Let me know if you hear anything more about which brands are best, etc. Or, more importantly, which to stay away from. I've tried to find reviews (Consumer Report-like) on the web, but with little luck. I wish all websites were like amazon with customer comments after each product.

I've looked on ebay and sometimes they have a wide selection. I actually just sold my first item on ebay this weekend, so I'm in an ebay kind of mood.

[mightyh]

Here's what I think I've gathered so far...

Two websites were helpful: www.branfordbike.com (http://www.branfordbike.com) and www.minoura.co.jp (http://www.minoura.co.jp)

I think I'm leaning toward a Minoura Ergo 10 InterRim, as my husband's bike is a mountain bike.

Any thoughts?

Branford bike had a q and a page that details differences in trainers and was good to read. Also, they offer pretty decent discounts on the trainers. I just called them to check if they were "for real" and they seem to be. I may try and order from there. With a 60 day return policy, I don't think I can go wrong....

Thanks for jump starting the search process for me again!

[This message has been edited by mightyh (edited 11-02-2000).]

[food girl]

I had never even heard of Minoura, but I always trust the Japanese when it comes to mechanical equipment.

I think what you picked is excellent. I hadn't even thought of where the resistance would be applied, and you don't want it to be on your sidewall...especially on a nubby tire!

If I understant correctly, only the remote styles allow you to adjust resistance while you are on the bike. For $25 -30 more this would be a nice feature instead of having to dismount your bike to crank up the resistance.

It looks like mine might be a Christmas gift, so I will be interested in how he likes this one!
Lisa