Turbo Training Advice - Triathlon

Speedie

05/02/2004 at 10:14

Hi all.

Just wondering how long people out there actually spend time on there turbo trainers in a session or what distance would you cover?

What would you say is too long on a turbo trainer, I mean surly you couldnt and wouldnt want to do your long weekly cycle on there because of boredom and the fact it cant be good for the tyres!

I know it all depends on what you are doing within the session but just would like to know what time limit people normally do?

Thanks for any advice

cougie

pirate

05/02/2004 at 10:25

You need to get Pete Reads Blue Book. I think you can google for it.

You don't replicate your Sunday run on the turbo as you say - would drive you mad !

If I couldn't get out - I'd do something like warm up, then about 40mins at 80% of MHR, and then some intervals on top of that.

But I'd rather go out. The 40 min session is always a good one and helps build your base, and when you are fit, the intervals are brilliant.

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 10:25

I use my Turbo for 'intervals' only i.e 45mins. Trainners give you a very good workout as you cant realy hide when it gets hard.

They are also good for an hour spin session to give your legs a good stretch.

As far as what it does to your bike, it wrecks tyres and wheels. It puts a lot of pressure on the bearings so it would be an idea to have a wheel just for the Turbo.
Its also worth avoiding using a Race bike on there especialy if its Aluminium.

candy ollier

05/02/2004 at 13:05

i have an aluminium race bike on mine, and i go on it for hours if I can't get out(pedalling along to my mega-memory MP3)

what's the problem, given that i use some crappy old wheels?

Speedie

05/02/2004 at 13:17

Thank s folks!

Jeffery, why avoid a race bike and whats wrong with using an Aluminium bike?

I only have the one bike ( Bianchi ) and have to use it for both training and racing in triathlons, but have actually been thinking about using a spare wheel for training!

Also while im thinking, anyone know of good tyres that can be used for both road and turbo trainers?

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 13:29

Aluminium as a metal does'nt have a memory, meaning over a time of being flexed it becomes sloppy and looses its rigidity.

Race frames being even lighter will suffer from this more.

When i say 'memory' for an example Titanium frames always return to their former shape, so over time it will still be as rigid as it was when you bought it.

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 13:31

Specialized Armadillos are the tyres to have if you want them to last!!

candy ollier

05/02/2004 at 13:38

Jeffrey - so you mean that leaving it clamped in the trainer, and therefore under stress, will kn*cker the bike?

(fortunately i have a new carbon fibre baby on the way so i'm not that bothered about having potentially ruined my current one!)

i take it the new arrival should never be fastened in the turbo then?

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 14:05

Over time it will weaken the frame causing it to flap a bit when putting the power down!

Carbon's the dog's. I have a carbon Giant with Hed Stingers for when the road is flat!!!

cougie

pirate

05/02/2004 at 14:06

I use my steel winter hack on the turbo.

Pete Read recommends getting an old frame and old wheel and using that on the turbo, but I think that's more of a corrosion thing with sweat. And the bike gets a hell of a lot of sweat !

cougie

pirate

05/02/2004 at 14:07

How much is a carbon giant frame. I'm getting very tempted.....

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 14:12

Peter Reid is the man!

If only i could swim 50mins then i join him for the bike!

And the run! Maybe???!

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 14:14

Giant Carbon frames are £1100 and they come with forks and headset!

cougie

pirate

05/02/2004 at 14:39

Hmmmmm. Ta for that !

Daz

05/02/2004 at 15:14

noticed there's an ad in 220, p15. bonthrone bikes(fulham, london) are offloading the frame and fork for £800

erm....www.bonthronebikes.com

Daz

05/02/2004 at 15:15

i think they have discounted frames in climb on bikes hereford too. maybe there is a backlog of these frames in stock out there.....might be worth checking out TCR next week??

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 15:16

Yeah they are last years ones which is ok if you require a small?

Though if you are a small i know someone who can do them cheaper than that!!

cougie

pirate

05/02/2004 at 15:20

OOh. Darn - not a small. Can't remember what frame my TT TCR is. Prob a Medium.

Daz

05/02/2004 at 15:21

you da man/woman jeffery!

jeffery lady killer

05/02/2004 at 15:52

Man!

And that was just a coment Daaaaaaaaaaaazzz
not a boast!!