Heaterists - mancav...
 

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Heaterists - mancave frost protection

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Is it worth it? I have an oil filled rad which I'd put on about 2hrs pre workout to get the mancave - 6m x 3m - to about 5 degrees in this weather to workout on the turbo.

It's leaky and made of unprotected breeze block, my instinct says leaving the rad on frost protection is basically pissing away money.... right or wrong will the mancave stay as a base level?


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 6:56 pm
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to about 5 degrees in this weather to workout on the turbo.

My unheated all year round workshop in Scotland has yet to drop as low as 5 degrees inside despite it not having been between zero and -5 day and night for the last few day. If its taking 2hrs just to get to 5 deg the building fundimenally does not want to be warm 🙂

Unless theres anything in there that would be damaged by low temperatures (uninsulated plumbing, delicate antiques, kittens) why heat it when you're not in there.

An oil filled rad seem like the wrong tool for the job - its for steadily heating a space for longer term occupancy. Use a fan heater for 5 minutes rather than a rad for 2 hours. Or put a jumper on.


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:07 pm
fruitbat and fruitbat reacted
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Well to be a fair I haven't measure the temps.   It won't come on on the Frost setting so I guess you are right.

I have a fan heater, maybe I'll use that....


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:11 pm
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Infrared heater ?

heats you and not the void


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:12 pm
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All pretty much spot on above. If you want to warm the air for when you’re in there get a fan heater. 


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:14 pm
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Infrared heater ?

heat you and not the void

I find the problem with infra red heaters is they only heat one side of you, and the wall behind you, but not your shadow 🙂


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:14 pm
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Mind boggles at anyone wanting a heater to do a turbo workout. Ok, if you're training for an event in Dubai or Australia. Otherwise, wear a bit of clothing to start with and remove as you warm up. Be grateful you don't need aircon.

You don't take a heater when you ride outside, it's hard to see how it can be colder indoors with no wind chill.


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:47 pm
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I sometimes wonder about this for my detached garage... mainly to reduce condensation on stuff (that then goes mouldy).

I've new insulated side and main doors being fitted in a few weeks, that should reduce drafts and mice ingress too. I'll see if that improves things.

On the turbo, I'm an extra jumper man !

Bar bells are a bit unpleasant on the hands  at minus 3C though. 


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 7:55 pm
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Garage wise, I ren a dehumidifier over winter. Protects the 'older' bikes too, and stops tools going rusty. After a cold spell last year, as soon as it warmed up, everything in the garage was 'sweating' - wet on everything. The dehumidifier does warm the air a little.


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 8:01 pm
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My fan is a ceramic fan heater, I'm just conscious of the cost & energy use at 2kw / 56p per hour.    It has a thermostat so I can tweak it to a point at which I'm comfortable.

I prefer warm & dry due to asthma.


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 8:19 pm
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Tubular heater for a small space ,check them out not overly heating areas but takes the edge off the cold 


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 8:28 pm
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"Bar bells are a bit unpleasant on the hands at minus 3C though"

Wrap the handle parts of your bar with old inner tube. Add a pair of fleece gloves and a puffa and you're good to train. This has been my not heated garage gym option for years. After a few sets, the puffa can come off. I've got old '90s Buffalo mitts for when it's really cold.


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 10:55 pm
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You don’t take a heater when you ride outside, it’s hard to see how it can be colder indoors with no wind chill.

I've decided to give it a go and have all my winter kit ready for the morning.    Shorts or longs though?


 
Posted : 01/12/2023 10:59 pm
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Shorts, you'll soon be dripping.


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 12:29 am
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My shed turboing when I was able was still just bib shorts only and the door open in the depths of winter. Maybe a little cool starting off but it soon got a sweat fest.

Summer was door open , cut a vent in the opposite side and have fans on 🤣

Be bold, start cold 😜


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 8:39 am
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thecapitan makes a very good point.  which fan heater to take out on a ride?


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 10:17 am
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Tubular heater in my man hut. Got few nice bikes in mine. Good quality shed etc. Has mains power so I have a timer plugged in and the heater kicks in for few hours through the day and night. Keeps the frost/damp etc at bay. 


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 10:53 am
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Well that went better than expected, 2:30 in Z2.
As above, started in winter kit incl. cap with shorts, ended up in shorts, LS mid layer fully open and string (the cyclists not Nesbit type) vest.
I was never cold, and have helped the planet in a tiny way.  Thanks for the tips.

I am interested in the tubular heaters though may just to keep the worst of the winter damp out, will look into it.  40w or 80 for 24m2?


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 11:50 am
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Tubular are dirt cheap to run , i would go at least 2 feet one if u have installation space


 
Posted : 02/12/2023 5:40 pm

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