Apologies if this has been covered before, but I couldn't find it when searching.
I've been considering getting a turbo trainer for my bike, as my lungs aren't liking the cold air on the cold days, and I'd still like to get some exercise in.
The only problem is that I'm up on the third floor, so there are downstairs neighbours to consider (although they're fairly fond of, er, pumping tunes, so I'm not that bothered, but would like to not piss them off too much). Someone recommended putting a bit of fairly rigid foam (like a camping mat or similar) on the floor with a bit of plywood on top, and I'd get a really slick tyre for the back wheel (they're semi slick at the moment).
Realistically, how loud are the turbo trainers? I was considering the CycleOps Mag or Mag Plus trainers, or possibly the Fluid2 one if it was much quieter.
FWIW, my advice is to join a gym that does spinning classes. my gym costs £25 per month and i can go to a spinning class 6 days a week. MUCH more sociable. LOADS of eye candy. I also get a really good workout as it is 60 mins of non stop spinning. I have done it over the winter and raced today and know that the spinning has really quickened me up.
I use the CycleOps Mag trainer (from Wiggle) and it's not that loud. If they’ve got the TV on downstairs they’ll hardly notice. A mat underneath reduces the ‘thrum’ as does a slick (Conti do a specific trainer tyre). Obviously the faster you go, the louder it gets, so stick it on the middle ring and spin it. If you don’t get the cable adjust resistance you have to get off to alter it each time. Don’t bother spending £13 on the front wheel prop – use a book. Get a big fan to get some airflow going and have a towel handy to keep the sweat off your bike.
the ones we use give a very winney sound, which gets louder and higher with increased speed, this is probably due to the thing with gives the resistance inside the trainer more than anything else. turobs are ok imo, either do it with mates, or watch TV. certainly help with fitness, and cheaper than a gym.
I'm still not 100% sure it's worth the money or whether I'd stick at it, but I'm definitely looking for something I can jump on quickly for half an hour at home (as opposed to the hour's trip to the gym), and when it gets really cold my asthma ain't having any of it, hence the indoors. Having said that, I'm a bit wary to spend £100 on something that'll just be a gimmick, so I'll have to have a think about it.
Any more experiences of the sound level (particularly above downstairs neighbours) are appreciated. I live in an old tenement flat in Edinburgh, so the floors are pretty hefty, but I was definitely a bit self conscious when I was Wii boxing earlier...
Have to agree with Dylan (my god that has to be a first!). Indoor trainers are really only for people who are really serious about their training regimes. For most people it is the easiest way to kill off any enthusiasm for the sport as it really is quite boring plus you haven't got any distractions (nice view, technical climb ahead etc) to how much it all actually hurts.
if you need to drive 1 hr to the gym then that is out of the question. it works for me as the gym is 5 mins away and if i don't do spinning i train with free weights.
there is also a sauna and steam room there which are really relaxing and did i mention all the eye candy?
seriously though, if you want to buy a turbo trainer, buy second hand. fitness equipment is the only thing you will in the classifieds that when it is described as "barely used" they are actually telling the truth.
My legs have got stronger over the past couple of weeks from using my Turbo (Cycle-ops Fluid 2), I really noticed it on the hills yesterday. I bang some tunes on and go for it, I actually enjoy it, I find it quite meditative although you do have to be motivated or have a goal to aim for. My trainer is very quiet too unlike the music ;-)
i've been using one for a couple of weeks now, i got a cheap one off ebay its not overly quiet but i go for a ride as it were when the wifes watching telly, she has the telly up so looud anyway nobody can hear me.
I have never had any complaints from my neighbours in the Tenements in NewTown. But they can definitely hear it as i was once asked to not ride it during certain times as the folk downstairs were having viewings for selling their flat.
I find the turbo a very convenient way to get some tough intervals in. its much less hassle than going to the Gym, and quicker than riding out to the hills on these dark evenings. Fitness wise its a real help, however you have to be prepared to put yourself through some pain to get the benefit. a Heart rate monitor and computer are essential IMHO. or its just too mind numbing.
ive had one about three years, a mag something, it does make a noise, but get some old carpets , or rugs under it,use a piece of wood or the yellow pages to prop the front wheel,put it in front of the tv with mtv or music videos on, then, race for the first tune, then ease back for the next, etc, etc,try high speed spinning, as well as out of the saddle power.always use spds as they keep your feet anchored to the pedals,
the next time you get on the m/bike youll notice the difference.
put a fan infront to keep you cool, even the coldest days youll sweat,
The in laws bought one as they never used the crapy old bikes in the garage and well, he's always buying ridiculous gadgets.
Makes quite a bit of noise but due to wearing off the rubber on the off road tyre bought a slick. made it quieter but apparently still burns through the tyres.
The Conti Trainer tyre is excellent, really makes it quieter, and doesn't wear out, but it requires a 700c wheel, which you obviously won't have if this is an MTB? Minoura do do a mat which dampens sound, but I think it's fairly expensive.
Fluid trainers are quiter than mag ones, and give a more realistic feel, but tend to cost more, looking second hand is good advice! I had a cheap-ish Elite Fluid one, which I gave to Sinead in the end, it was really boring! I've now got a Tacx I-magic, which is great, but silly money!
If you do get one, don't just sit on it and spin, do something, like intervals. Something like 15 minute warm up spin (I always stick a film, or some Family Guy on for distraction), then 6 lots of 3 minutes high cadence, with 3 minute recovery, 15 minute warm down, that's about 1hr10, but because you break it up, it'll go so much faster. Just sitting and spinning will make you want to cry.
The likelihood it will pi$$ the neighbours off to some degree.............. i have a neighbour who plays the drums so my turbo sessions make me smile..........
Thanks everyone, all of your input is really useful. It sounds as if it will travel downstairs to some extent which, coupled with the boredom factor that seems to be common, makes me wonder if it's such a good idea to get one.
It's been warmer recently and I got out at the weekend, so I'll see how long the 10•C weather lasts and then make a decision if I have to. ;)
