Indoor cycling trainers

OGroteKoning

OGroteKoning

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I am changing my lifestyle and again took up cycling (in this case mountain biking). I know I won't always be able to get out for training so I am thinking about investing in an indoor trainer. There are a few brands to choose from like RavX, Tracx, etc. I don't want to spend much more than R2k on the trainer alone, but if I have to I will consider it. For this purpose, lets first discuss quality and then value for money.
 
I want to do the same. I've heard that they chew up tyres and also that you can't use a mtb on them, no idea why not though. Most cyclists seem to say that they have them but never use them and it's better to just go out for a ride instead.
 
Where u cycling? We have a few guys in joburg.

Look for joburg mountain bike riders on facebook
 
rorz0r said:
I want to do the same. I've heard that they chew up tyres and also that you can't use a mtb on them, no idea why not though. Most cyclists seem to say that they have them but never use them and it's better to just go out for a ride instead.
Click to expand...

They do chew tyres but you get a training tyre for about R350 which is designed to keep the heat down and last a lot longer on the trainer. You can definitely use a mtb on them - the guys at the Specialized shop in Pta uses it to test all the bikes. I just need to get the right one for me (as I'm sure you do too)
 
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So far I found out about three makes in order of quality:
Tacx: They practically invented the indoor trainer. Their products are pricey and this is possibly due to the name. Starts at R2k Bottom of the range unit doesn't have remote cable resistance adjuster, but can be adjusted manually
Giant: Very strongly built. R1.5k and up. The bottom of the range comes with a 7 setting remote cable resistance adjuster.
RavX: Not that highly recommended like the previous two, except where they are kept (no surprises there). R1.5k and up. The bottom of the range comes with a remote cable resistance adjuster.

The tyres are between R300 and R450. You can opt to have a new wheel built for you, but that will set you back another R1500+ (tyre, wheel, gears)

Disclaimer: This is what I found out by making a couple of calls.

I think I will get me a Giant ....
 
I have found that the wind trainers tend to bend the frame of the bike.
At least mine did on two different bicycles.
 
OGroteKoning said:
So far I found out about three makes in order of quality:
Tacx: They practically invented the indoor trainer. Their products are pricey and this is possibly due to the name. Starts at R2k Bottom of the range unit doesn't have remote cable resistance adjuster, but can be adjusted manually
Giant: Very strongly built. R1.5k and up. The bottom of the range comes with a 7 setting remote cable resistance adjuster.
RavX: Not that highly recommended like the previous two, except where they are kept (no surprises there). R1.5k and up. The bottom of the range comes with a remote cable resistance adjuster.

The tyres are between R300 and R450. You can opt to have a new wheel built for you, but that will set you back another R1500+ (tyre, wheel, gears)

Disclaimer: This is what I found out by making a couple of calls.

I think I will get me a Giant ....
Click to expand...

That helps a lot, but there's no way I'm going to be swapping a back tyre/wheel on a regular basis, eg. train during the week indoors and go for a ride on weekends. Any idea how far like in km you can get with a normal tyre though? (I'm probably not going to be doing 100km daily)
 
rorz0r said:
That helps a lot, but there's no way I'm going to be swapping a back tyre/wheel on a regular basis, eg. train during the week indoors and go for a ride on weekends. Any idea how far like in km you can get with a normal tyre though? (I'm probably not going to be doing 100km daily)
Click to expand...

Not far at all. The nobby tyres doesn't work well in the trainer. You need a slick. We have 2 mtb's - so it might be worth it to get one new complete wheel
 
I got the Giant Cyclotron Mag II, Continental training tyre and a new wheel with cassette. No swopping tyres for me. It takes 10mins to swop wheels and set up the bike in the trainer. No more excuses for me to get fit and stay fit...
 
I also toyed around with that idea for a while, then I decided to save money instead of spending it - so I cycle to work and MTB back home :cool:
What bike to you have ?
 
best would be to get 2 sets of wheels. But a cheapo 2nd hand wheel if you like.

They do chew your tyres up. I def wouldnt recommend using your road tyres on it.

I've had a Tacx trainer for years - its build to last.
 
I custom build the SHOVA TRIPLE ROLLER RIDE ON TRAINER, check it out on www.thehubsa.co.za under indoor trainers. It sells for
R2400.00. DRop Cally a line [email protected] , she is a personal trainer who recently finished well up in the Berg and Bush event. She has taken 2 from me and raves about the workout that she gets. Of all those that I have sold, I have not had any complaints about tyre wear. Buy SOUTH AFRICAN. You can mail me at [email protected]
 
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