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So, with stricter quarantine rules coming in for travellers coming into the UK, it looks like I'lll be stuck at home more when I return from the ship.
I have an old, but still functional, mag resistance Minoura Turbo, which I have set up with an old 26" MTB, a slick tyre, and attached a speedo to the back wheel for some sort of measurement. It has a remote to vary the resistance, but I leave this in one position and just change the gears to get more or less force.
It seems to slip a fair bit, and doesn't really feel very smooth, I've experimented with different tyre pressures and how hard I wind in the roller, and it does feel quite different day to day. Will a blue tyre help?
In the long run I'd like to get a smart turbo trainer, but the prices and current availability is making a choice difficult. As it's something I might not use that much in the long run, I'm reluctant to buy a super fancy expensive one. Noise isn't a problem as it's out in the garage.
Anyone seen something in the 150-300 range that is actually possible to buy at the moment?
This?..Tacx Blue Matic at Cycle Republic
Be careful buying from cycle republic (use paypal/credit card) as the business is being closed. Shops are already shut, never to reopen.
I know nothing about smart turbo trainers but bought an elite qubo just before lockdown because a it was availed b the cheapest smart trainer c ebay prices were ridiculous d thought we might be stuck at home. I still know nothing about turbo trainers but the qubo connects easy enough (with a separate dongle) to ANT, seems well made, doesn’t slip even with a normal tyre, gets hard to pedal up hills on zwift. If you can still get one I would suggest a good starter for ten
Yes, just read about Cycle Republic, so despite looking a good buy, it may never arrive.
Ill see what I can find for the Elite Qubo, mentioned.
Blue tyres? Again, do they make a difference, if so why?
Turbo tyres use more durable rubber so you don't get bits of tyre spread around the room - they are a bit lethal outdoors though so I find it best to have a separate wheel/tyre for the turbo.
I use a Minoura wheel-on turbo and it's fine, like you say you just have to change gears to match the required power - a bit like real life really.
Just riding a turbo is boring, you'll need to subscribe to one of the various programs. They currently have free/taster months so you can try before you buy. There's another recent thread about turbos where steviousxc does a good summary of the three main programs - Sufferfest/Trainerroad/Zwift - we all respond to things differently and what one person likes another will dislike, neither is "wrong" just that what is offered might not match you or your goals.