Turbo Training for Racing

If you are a racer and want to use the turbo trainer to get fit for the season, then you need a turbo with a realistic road feel that will put you in the correct position that you are used to. You’ll want higher capacity, the ability to record the session perhaps and have the right feel like you do on the road.

Many of the modern turbo trainers have “real feel” – where the manufacturer has designed the trainer to mimic the sensation of riding on the road. Kurt Kinetics Rock and Roll trainer is one of these. It uses a fluid damped resistance and a large flywheel which produces a smooth and road like motion. You can stand up and get a good out of the saddle motion, which you will want, as sitting down can be uncomfortable for long periods of time. Fluid dampening allows for higher power outputs with inertia resistance – ie the harder you pedal the harder the resistance, just like on the road, leading to less spin outs which you (on the road) wouldn’t be able to do. The outcome of this technology is a more varied array of workouts you can do, meaning all the switching about leads to greater training benefit and less boredom.

• Focus on race style workouts
• Pick a turbo trainer that gives a road like feel
• Look out for the new inertia style fans which increase resistance with speed
• Pick a turbo which puts you in a comfortable positon

Rollers are another useful tool. Elite's E-Motion rollers have fore and aft rollers to allow you to get out of the saddle during use.  As good as they sound rollers do require concentration, and you might find the simple task of reaching for your water bottle will lead to an accident – so they are not for everyone.