So you want to get fit? But it’s raining, or you are short of time? Simply the best way of staying fit throughout the wet winter months (or due to ill health) is to set up a cycling trainer.
.gif){kind=small}
- How much should I spend on a turbo trainer?
- Can i use a turbo trainer with a mountain bike?
- I've heard turbo trainers can eat through tyres... any recommendations
- Can I use a non QR bike on a turbo trainer?
- What is the best rear cycle computer for use with a Turbo Trainer?
Do you have a question? Ask us...
Turbo Trainers
The practice of using a turbo trainer is simple. You buy a turbo which is usually a metal frame that once your bike is clamped into created a resistance via a roller, you pedal and the rollers on the rear wheel allow you to pedal away – going nowhere, literally.
They are great because no matter what the weather is doing you have a dry and dependable way of getting exercise.
The main downfall to the wannabe Lance Armstrong is the boredom factor. That’s why we have our Turbo Training isn’t boring guide – full of handy tips to help beat the boredom – plus other turbo training tips. If you are considering buying one, check our Buyer’s Guide.
Cheap Turbo Trainers - View all...
Trainers start at around £90 onto a leg aching £1,700. However, it is really important that you like turbo training – therefore our first recommendation would be to get a cheap turbo first before blowing the budget on the mega versions. It can be boring, you need to be mentally up for it – so try cheap!
Tour de France climbs in your garage
The most expensive systems such as the Tacx Fortius systems allow you to ride virtually, so you too can climb the Col du Tourmalet from your garage! These systems really help you take your mind off the pain of turbo training.
We hope our mini-guide to the Turbo Trainer has been useful and not put you off. You need to understand that turbo training is not an easy discipline and needs commitment, however the rewards are huge and you can literally come out of winter flying. Read the Guide to avoiding boredom and get training! Visit: Tacx
More: Road Bike
Types of Resistance:
Turbo trainers provide resistance to allow you to train just like you would on the road. There are three types of resistance, here are the pros and cons:
1. AIR RESISTANCE:
Featured on cheaper models. 
Noisy and not the most natural.
2. MAGNETIC RESISTANCE:
Adjustable, quiet. Expensive.
3. FLUID RESISTANCE:
Quiet and progressive. 
Not adjustable.
Turbo Trainers Explained....
FLYWHEEL: The flywheel is a weighted disc that is attached to the roller which provides weight to allow the roller to spin at a consistant speed - giving you the feeling of riding on the road.
RESISTANCE: This is the force that acts against the roller to provide resistance against your cycling effort. Many turbo trainers come with adjustable resistance meaning you can tune your effort on the go.
SKEWER: Most turbo trainers use a custom skewer to provide a secure fit in the turbo frame. Many are quick release systems allowing you quick and easy set ups if you use your bike elsewhere between workouts.
CLAMP: This is the mechanism that holds your bike in the turbo. You need to adjust these to make sure the rear tyre is in the centre of the roller to avoid damage to your tyre.
FRAME: The frame is the part which holds your weight when your bike is attached to the trainer.
Turbo Trainer Guide
Everyone goes on and on about how boring turbo training is. If you think it’s boring, then you aren’t doing it right! You have to immerse yourself in your training to get the best benefit from using a turbo trainer – and this is hard work. Pop the turbo on easy and you’ll get bored pretty quickly.
You’ll never be able to completely replace the feeling of riding in the open air on roads, but turbo training is what you make of it and that’s why we have written this guide. With a structured training program and a varied session you’ll see time fly by and you’ll be reaping the rewards come spring time. There are many superb trainers on the market, and you need to know which features you need and how to use them.
The Benefits
There are many great benefits to turbo training. Training in grotty weather of course is no fun and rather than spend hours and hours in the cold weather, you can condense that ride into a short period in the comfort of your home. There are also fewer excuses: you can’t use the weather as one for a start!
- Turbo Training for Racing
- Personal Training in Ilkley
- Turbo Training for Beginners
- Turbo Training for Sportives
