I've heard turbo trainers can eat through tyres. Any recommendation for the best tyres to fit to my racing bike in winter for turbo training?

Dear Turbo Trainer, I've heard turbo trainers can eat through tyres. Any recommendation for the best tyres to fit to my racing bike in winter for turbo training? David T

Hi David - well this advice goes for both mountain bikes and road bikes - but probably more especially mountain bikes with heavy treads. Basically, the force of the turbo trainer puts extreme pressure on both the tread and the side walls of the rear tyre as it rotates - and it will lead to excessive wear which will eventually ruin the tyre.

If you run the bike you use on the road on your turbo then it's also a safety issue if you damage the rear tyre, which could result in a blow out and a nasty accident. Both road and mountain bike tyres could experience this.

The answer therefore is to use a turbo trainer specific tyre like the Continental Ultra Sport Home Trainer Folding Tyre which is available from Wiggle for around £25.

These turbo trainer specific tyres don't get so hot so the rubber doesnt come under as much stress as normal more flexible and lightweight tyres.

Good luck!