Amanda brings you the details of her finely tuned indoor training set up. What’s she using and why?
I do not enjoy indoor training, but I’m not convinced that anyone does. My reasons for doing it are varied – persistent poor weather, a lack of motivation to get outside but a need to burn off some steam, and sometimes just curiosity over what training systems are available. I won’t deny that it is very good for fitness and consistency, and it certainly helps me understand my body better in terms of fuelling big rides, knowing when I need to drink more and simply knowing how long and how hard I can pedal.
In order to keep myself ticking over and always in condition for taking on a challenge, I have made sure my indoor training system is as comfortable, streamlined and inviting as possible. Fewer excuses to avoid it that way. Take a look at my home gym:
Identiti AKA 2019
- Price: £499.99 Frame only
- From: ison-distribution.com
The key item in my setup for adding motivation is the hardtail mountain bike frame. I’m comfortable, it feels familiar, and it looks so good I’ve got this in my living room!
Garmin Tacx NEO 2T Smart Trainer
- Price: £1,199.99
- From: garmin.com
This turbo trainer generates its own power, it is super responsive, quiet and smooth on resistance transitions. I have never experienced connectivity issues and the accuracy of power and cadence data is pretty damn good. It also lights up the ground with colours that vary depending on intensity.
Garmin HRM Pro
- Price: £119.99
- From: garmin.com
A really non-invasive heart rate monitor strap that doesn’t mess about. Connection is instant, accuracy seems great.
Vacmaster Cardio54
- Price: £99.99
- From: amazon.co.uk
The STW Forum is to thank for this beast! Remote control fan that creates a bitingly cold breeze with very little noise.
LifeLine Turbo Trainer Table with Sockets
- Price: £149.99
- From: chainreactioncycles.com
I’m not convinced the sockets on this are worth it, since you still need to be near a power source to plug the table itself in. But I do like the drinks holder and the phone/tablet holder than angles a Kindle perfectly for reading and riding.
TrainerRoad
- Price: $189.00/year
- From: trainerroad.com
No nonsense information, so I can read without worrying about needing to look at the workout. I don’t find animated virtual worlds motivating, I prefer distractions.
Now you’ve had a glimpse behind the scenes, my multi-day adventures and sporadic endurance XC races might make a bit more sense. I do find fitness addictive, and this is a great way to hold onto that year round.
