Indoor training gear - Triathlon Week

kimberlee · 10-10-2004, 06:35 PM

I'm looking to get myself set up to train indoors when it snows. I need a good cycling computer with cadence function, and an indoor trainer that can be adjusted from the handlebars. I have two questions:

What is a good brand of cycling computer that gives cadence (I was looking at a Vetta V100 on e-bay), and do the cheaper ones that also give heartrate ($150 CDN range) work well?

Can anyone recommend a decent indoor trainer, and is it really as hard to stay motivated as everyone says?

Robert G. · 01-10-2005, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimberlee

What is a good brand of cycling computer that gives cadence (I was looking at a Vetta V100 on e-bay), and do the cheaper ones that also give heartrate ($150 CDN range) work well?

The Polar 510 is gives heart rate, cadence and speed and comes with a mount for your bike handlebar. It's a little on the bulky side, but it works well and you can upload your workouts to your PC if you are so inclined.

Polar 510

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimberlee

Can anyone recommend a decent indoor trainer, and is it really as hard to stay motivated as everyone says?

The cycleops fluid trainers are great, but are not cheap. Blackburn also makes some good ones.

Cycleops

One thing to know is that being on the trainer will never feel like being on the road - it feels like riding through mud. You get used to it.

The best thing for motivation is to set your bike in front of the TV and have goals like "Sprint through the commercials" or "Climb during the car chase". I like to watch DVDs of the Tour and play music on the stereo.

A great product is Spinervals, indoor workouts that you watch on your dvd:

Spinervals

pyschosyd · 01-26-2005, 06:43 AM

Kimberlee
Yeah, training indoors can drag you down a bit, especially when you are longing for the open road.
As far as trainers go, Cyclops is the best ( a bit expensive) Most brands now have an adjust lever for the handlebars on all but their cheapest models.

If you have the cash go for the fluid trainers (quieter than magnetic)
There are options for the comp geeks among us that allow you too hook the whole system up to your computer. They give you constant feedback on every possible piece of info you could use. Every thing from cadence, speed calories burned etc...
They are really cool but expensive. I had the opportunity to try them out at a bike show. Impressive but 2-5 thousand dollars.
I find if I just put a tape in of a race, that keeps me inspired to keep going.
Have you ever tried a spin class?
Most health clubs offer them, and there are specialty spin gyms poping up everywhere now days. I usually attend 2 of these a week along with the trainer at home. Breaks up the routine. The other benefit of this is that it is easy to jump on the treadmill for some miles without having too cool down and bundle up for winter. I usually put myself through a simulated tri 1-2 times a month in the winter (pool, spinner, treadmill) Especially fun if you have a training partner. Keeps you inspired.
My advice in the end is go to a shop that has a bunch of different models set up(try different brands), or shop around a bit. In the winter most shops have a number of trainers set up for you too try. Take advantage of this. It will give you a better idea of what too expect.
Good Luck!