Turbo trainer quest...
 

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[Closed] Turbo trainer questions

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Never had one before, but think it might be a good idea to get one.

My mate has offered me [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/elite-volare-mag-force-elastogel-turbo-trainer/rp-prod89087 ]this elite volare mag force elastogel turbo trainer[/url] for not much money.

I also have either a TomTom spark watch or Lezyne Super GPS that will take Bluetooth cadence/speed sensor.

If I get the appropriate sensor can I just bolt it to the bike, pair it and get pedalling?

Not too fussed about zwift or anything, just want to do some interval training etc.

Looking at sensors there's the choice of the proprietary [url= https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Lezyne-Cadence-Speed-Flow-Sensor_108445.htm?sku=402731&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAj53SBRBcEiwAT-3A2NQknBeH2boNnxSZ6dnfHMAr97_P9GbrtBPei4X8cHOPcx7V1TMNUxoCvUYQAvD_BwE ]Lezyne[/url] or [url= https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/sports/accessories/sensors/cadence-and-speed-sensor/ ]TomTom[/url] one and also [url= http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/topeak-panobike-speed-cadence-sensor/rp-prod147684 ]this topeak panobike speed cadence sensor[/url]. Anyone have any experience of these sensors?


 
Posted : 31/12/2017 12:19 am
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Yes, just fit a sensor and go. Don’t know about the others but I’ve had the Topeak one and it worked flawlessly. Beware of the unbranded one that you sometimes see on eBay. I had one, it worked fine but didn’t go into sleep mode so needed a new battery every few days.


 
Posted : 31/12/2017 6:27 am
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Yep, as above. Get yourself a wheel block for the front and even a cheap turbo trainer tyre from halfords.

On thing with the elastogel trainers is that if the tension is wrong and the tyre slips you can prematurely wear the roller through overheating


 
Posted : 31/12/2017 8:15 am
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Thanks chaps.
Where's the best place to get 26" tyres from?


 
Posted : 31/12/2017 3:50 pm
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I think I’ve got one I’m not using. Email in profile.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 2:39 pm
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Turbo tyres aren't necessary, certainly aren't quieter and don't grip better. They do stop the crap from your road tyres from flying at the wall at speed though so aren't a complete waste of money.

DCRainmaker did a review a while ago of trainer tyres, the conclusion was that manufacturers offer them just to squeeze a bit more cash from you.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 2:42 pm
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They are cheap though, a tenner from halfords and they save your expensive road tyre from premature wear, squaring off, overheating etc


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 4:10 pm
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Turbo trainers don't wear or heat tyres though, that's kind of the point. No harm has ever come to a road tyre of any price on a turbo. You could also use last season's road tyre and give it a good clean, that's a tenner cheaper than the trainer tyre 😉


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 4:19 pm
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I beg to differ....I have a normal kenda road tyre that wore through after only a few months, and then when I put another one on, after a few sessions, the tyre carcass distorted permanently due to the heat.

In contrast I've had a dedicated turbo tyre on for probably 3 years of use 4+ times a week and it's still going.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 6:37 pm
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I've also knackered tyres on a turbo trainer. Had to tighten it quite firmly to stop slipping and the tyre got quite hot and tread started to come off. Small radius of the turbo roller means the tyre carcass is quite significantly distorted in the contact area.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 6:54 pm
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drofluf
I think I’ve got one I’m not using. Email in profile.

Cheers drofluf - email on the way.


 
Posted : 01/01/2018 11:45 pm
 JAG
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No harm has ever come to a road tyre of any price on a turbo

I beg to disagree.

My Continental road tyre slowly dissolved when I used it on my turbo trainer. Mrs JAG was quick to point out the line of black rubber bits that adorned the kitchen appliances directly behind my turbo/ bike after just a few sessions. I bought a Continental turbo tyre (Orange!) and it’s been fine since 😆


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 8:13 am
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I bought a cheap road tyre for my turbo and the wall behind the turbo is covered in rubber bits from the tyre so can only conclude that turbos do wear tyres


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 8:30 am

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