Not quite on a trainer, but a article about the path to LeMan going for the hour.

Found in Bicycle Guide, May 1991 that was found in a pile of women’s mags at mum’s house.

Thanx for posting this LeMan article

@roadslave

Did you really just post a bunch of jibberish that I had to delete for you before posting a screenshot of bankrupt power data, all while talking about Looking Fantastic?

If anyone is struggling to define irony, I think that’s a great place to start.

Guilty.  Although to be fair, I’m always talking about Looking Fantastic – just wish I could look it occasionally.  At least I’m not the one publishing articles on the inter webs about turbo trainers #nerd #yesiknow

I’d be interested in getting that for sure! You can find my email on the Keepers page.

Found in Bicycle Guide, May 1991 that was found in a pile of women’s mags at mum’s house.

@unversio

@Chris

Whatever, it’s still too baggy…

“He’s say’n thatitz t’baggeh!”

Is that Rik van Looy in the middle? The kit has a certain “Flandria” vibe to it and Merckx knows the guns are big enough. Those pants are just there not to scare everyone else.

Rider with the shirt tucked in — he could be nicknamed “The Knife” (not really sure why). Incredible typography on the support car.

More recently I joined Trainer Road and was delighted to find that my speed / power curve pretty closely matches their virtual power algorithm.

If any of you have a Revolution without a Power Pilot and aren’t using TR, but would like a copy of the speed / power curve just drop me a line. The only real draw back to my approach is that it doesn’t compensate for changes in air density due to temperature, as of course this affects the work needed to spin that fan.

Found a 2 roller 4 fan Vetta on ebay a few years ago, far quieter owing to the reduced rpm. Interestingly, given the lack of a flywheel, this rig best simulates climbing, as the wind resistance kills the momentum swiftly and you get a surgy feel. Super cool. Now if I could only rock the bike….

FWIW: Just a thought for the winter trainer crowd: Find a cheap rear wheel and make it your permanent trainer wheel. I do it with an old Alex wheel that came on my Giant years ago. I use up old or odd tires on the trainer too.

I do the same, mine even has a lump when ridden on the road, but because the QR is locked in, to don’t even feel it on the trainer. A great use for damaged rims, wobbly rims, lumpy rims. Wouldn’t ride it on the rollers though!

@Chris

Whatever, it’s still too baggy…

“He’s say’n thatitz t’baggeh!”

Is that Rik van Looy in the middle? The kit has a certain “Flandria” vibe to it and Merckx knows the guns are big enough. Those pants are just there not to scare everyone else.

I really like the idea of these trainers that don’t require a rear wheel/tire…much easier than my Green Machine and having to have a rear wheel and training tire built up specifically for when I need to ride indoors.

That being said, I have to give kudos to the Kinetic by Kurt…it just works. Doesn’t make a lot of noise. Folds up and slides into an inconspicuous location to keep the wife reasonably content. And, it’s reasonably priced at half the price of the LeMan.

     I bought my buddy’s Kinetic from him back in November (he only used it twice) and have been very pleased. I thought the rear wheel/skewer thing for the Kinetic was going to be a much big deal, but it wasn’t. And I figure I’ll just buy a new back tire before the spring season starts. Like you said, “it just works.” I bought it for me and the gf, but she doesn’t find it comfortable, so I have it all to myself. The fact that it folds up is a bonus – we live in a two bedroom apartment (one is ours…well, and our two cats…and the other is devoted to bikes), so we have to move everything out of there when we have company. We’ve already decided our next place needs to have three bedrooms.

@andrew

I’ve driven from Bainbridge Island to Port Townsend, and just the thought of riding some of those narrow roads with those drivers in the wet is enough to bring on vicarious testicle retraction. Respect.

Yep, that’s roughly my neighborhood. I live just south of Bainbridge Island.
http://www.strava.com/activities/107871441

The riding is wonderful, but as you suspect… conflating too many of those dangerous ingredients is a recipe for a crap day. I went out for a night ride last night, but I’m lucky to have a 3.2 km residential loop near my house. Little traffic and perfect for throwing down V laps or so. But the major roads can be deadly, and there aren’t many cyclists around, so people don’t tend to look for them.

There is some wonderful riding south of Port Townsend. We have some faves over there. There are some dicey bits on Hwy 20 (links PT to 101), but the valleys and ridges in the Chimacum area and the Toandos peninsula (south of 104 on Hood Canal) are fabulous. Thorndyke Rd. on the Toandos is a good climb–or series of climbs, however you want to count it–and it just happens to be part of an exact metric century from our house.

That being said, I have to give kudos to the Kinetic by Kurt…it just works.  Doesn’t make a lot of noise.  Folds up and slides into an inconspicuous location to keep the wife reasonably content.  And, it’s reasonably priced at half the price of the LeMan.

Whatever, it’s still too baggy…

“He’s say’n thatitz t’baggeh!”

@Chris Alienating recumbent riders is one thing…they choose to ride them. But if the community is going to tolerate homophobic slurs, that’s me out.

If I’d have recognized the word in question as a homophobic slur, certainly it would have registered.

@Chris

However, if Frank is offended or feels that he’s been the victim of a homophobic slur, I’m truly sorry. Without the intent, though, it isn’t really any different to calling him a cunt.

I’m not offended personally but do feel those things are on the short list of words not to use around here; I’d much prefer you call me something more clever or melodious, like “you dutch fooking useless fooking koont” like Pavé William does.

And to close down our argument, I am truly sorry that you slip into a rage when you see someone wearing clothing that isn’t stretched like a condom over a watermelon. I appreciate that you’re not afforded that opportunity, and am here to help you with that any time you’re ready to talk.

I’ve driven from Bainbridge Island to Port Townsend, and just the thought of riding some of those narrow roads with those drivers in the wet is enough to bring on vicarious testicle retraction. Respect.

Yep, that’s roughly my neighborhood. I live just south of Bainbridge Island.
http://www.strava.com/activities/107871441

The riding is wonderful, but as you suspect… conflating too many of those dangerous ingredients is a recipe for a crap day. I went out for a night ride last night, but I’m lucky to have a 3.2 km residential loop near my house. Little traffic and perfect for throwing down V laps or so. But the major roads can be deadly, and there aren’t many cyclists around, so people don’t tend to look for them.

And while we’re on the subject of LS jerseys; given that it’s been established that there no place for bib tights as regular bibs and knee warmers do the job perfectly well, should LS jerseys not also be redundant?

[ Mugatu voice ] “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!”

The point I was making is that you used a term derogatory to an entire community, and to a subset of this community. Your logic suggests anything is fair game, as long as your intentions are pure. Does this go for the N-word as well? Would members be too uptight if they objected to me sprinkling that around, all-in-good-fun?

Members have been chastised for using language that conflates triathletes with a pejorative term for persons with developmental disabilities. Rightly so. There have been measures to tone down sexist language and make the site more inclusive to women. Chapeau! If the community cannot see the value in doing the same on this front (members, goodwill, looking fantastic), what does that say about the other part of Rule #43? “Always remember, we’re all brothers and sisters on the road.”

I hear you. I live in Quebec.

The Castelli Nanoflex stuff is very warm. Same fabric as their warmest tights. water resistant to boot.

Yes, I like it, too. Where I live, near Seattle, it’s only cool and not cold, and their Gabba rain jersey and Nanoflex warmers are good for me for much of the year.

I hear you. I live in Quebec.

The Castelli Nanoflex stuff is very warm. Same fabric as their warmest tights. water resistant to boot.

Good on ya! The main thing is we’re getting the legs going around in circles. Outside is always best, but better inside than not at all – no matter what you have to wear to do it!

The Castelli Nanoflex stuff is very warm. Same fabric as their warmest tights. water resistant to boot.

@frank

@Chris

You have much to learn, Pedalwan. LS Jerseys are a crucial piece of kit, and are not intended for racing outside the early season. They are normally cut to fit over other clothing, and in such a way that pockets of air form between the skin and the fabric, which is what keeps you warm.

The fit of this particular jersey, which you seem to be judging based on one arm and half a shoulder, is perfect.

If you like a tight fitting LS jersey, the Castelli Transparente is my jersey of choice from april til june, and september to december. It has a windproof front and shoulders, with the back and lower arms a stretchy cotton.

@wiscot

L/S jerseys are essential kit. So are full bib tights. A true Velominatus must be outfitted with enough gear to handle any weather situation. Admittedly, in WI this can lead to a shit load of gear as I ride in temps ranging from the mid 20s to the low 100s.

Hell, I’m riding the trainer in my (unheated) garage wearing full tights and a L/S jersey. it’s 23 degrees in there!

If i’m not mistaken, it is an unwritten rule that shorts+warmers are the way to go.

I was doing the knee warmers, then the leg warmers, but when it was in the low 20s/teens in the garage I went full tights. A bit more warmth around the delicate parts than just regular lycra. I’m working hard during my sessions, but not exactly sweating buckets. When you can see your breath as clearly as if it were cigarette smoke, you know it’s cold!

I would like to get a few more Sufferfest vids. I did ride for over an hour yesterday on the trainer to a 1999 TdF video featuring the Pirate – put the bike on the highest riser setting and just rode. I forgot to put the fan on and didn’t feel like stopping to turn it on, so it felt a little like I was pedaling in the summer around here. But I want to get back to the SF vids.

@Chris

You have much to learn, Pedalwan. LS Jerseys are a crucial piece of kit, and are not intended for racing outside the early season. They are normally cut to fit over other clothing, and in such a way that pockets of air form between the skin and the fabric, which is what keeps you warm.

The fit of this particular jersey, which you seem to be judging based on one arm and half a shoulder, is perfect.

If you like a tight fitting LS jersey, the Castelli Transparente is my jersey of choice from april til june, and september to december. It has a windproof front and shoulders, with the back and lower arms a stretchy cotton.

@wiscot

L/S jerseys are essential kit. So are full bib tights. A true Velominatus must be outfitted with enough gear to handle any weather situation. Admittedly, in WI this can lead to a shit load of gear as I ride in temps ranging from the mid 20s to the low 100s.

Hell, I’m riding the trainer in my (unheated) garage wearing full tights and a L/S jersey. it’s 23 degrees in there!

If i’m not mistaken, it is an unwritten rule that shorts+warmers are the way to go.

This is an interesting and complex area but in short, I firmly believe that if there is no intended homophobia (or racism, sexism etc.) and there is also a belief  that the recipient won’t take it as such then it’s not a homophobic slur.

Having been on the receiving end of racial slurs at boarding school, I know what real abuse is like but I’m also of the belief that we’re generally getting too uptight about perceived slurs.

However, if Frank is offended or feels that he’s been the victim of a homophobic slur, I’m truly sorry.  Without the intent, though, it isn’t really any different to calling him a cunt.

I agree. This winter in the Midwest has been terribly cold and snowy. Far more time inside than I’d like. I managed to do 40K with the temp -14C and snow falling from the sky, but I was pretty frozen when I made it home.

I am with the rollers crowd here. You can spin them up plenty fast, stand up, etc. once you’re used to them. I never made it more than an hour on a trainer, but managed five hours on rollers on Sunday. Rollers are simply more like riding a bike than a trainer. The “I have to pay attention or I fall over” thing is endless valuable.

Hell, I’m riding the trainer in my (unheated) garage wearing full tights and a L/S jersey. it’s 23 degrees in there!

You have much to learn, Pedalwan.  LS Jerseys are a crucial piece of kit, and are not intended for racing outside the early season. They are normally cut to fit over other clothing, and in such a way that pockets of air form between the skin and the fabric, which is what keeps you warm.

The fit of this particular jersey, which you seem to be judging based on one arm and half a shoulder, is perfect.

@Jay

Where does “It is dark and unsafe to ride outside when I do have free time at this time of year” fit in to your lists?

Lights. Also, the lists are stated to be examples, and as such are not categorically complete.

I think a cursory glance will get you a solid idea of what types of situations are deemed appropriate and which are not.

So what you’re saying is that your lists are categorically incomplete?  Is that even possible?

@cyclebrarian

@ChrissyOne

I was under the impression that Seattle was a bike friendly city and drivers were aware of cyclists. I live in a small town in Maryland and we’re just starting to get bike lanes – the group that’s doing it is also attempting to educate drivers about looking out for people on bikes. I don’t know how well it’s working because I see drivers within town limits acting like idiots. Oddly enough, the motorists on the back roads seem to be a lot more aware of cyclists, so I prefer to ride out there.

The problem is that I live in a small town across Puget Sound from Seattle, but I work downtown. The country road where I live are exquisite for riding, and I can go out my front door and put in 100km of gorgeous riding. But the roads have inadequate shoulders, are rough and poorly maintained in places, and the drivers are a mixed bag of courteous sympathizers and homicidal maniacs.
[…]

I’ve driven from Bainbridge Island to Port Townsend, and just the thought of riding some of those narrow roads with those drivers in the wet is enough to bring on vicarious testicle retraction.  Respect.

I live in the officially least-bicycle-friendly city in Germany, by the by, but I’m out into the surrounding countryside quickly and the roads are primo.

@Chris

@frank There have been discussions in the past on this site about The Things That Are So Obvious That They Don’t Need To Be Set Out In The Rules; surely kit that fits would be one of them? Those sleeves/arm warmers are as baggy as @ChrisO’s granny tights.

Its a long sleeve jersey, you fucking git.

Whatever, it’s still too baggy, you lanky great poof.

And while we’re on the subject of LS jerseys; given that it’s been established that there no place for bib tights as regular bibs and knee warmers do the job perfectly well, should LS jerseys not also be redundant?

@frank There have been discussions in the past on this site about The Things That Are So Obvious That They Don’t Need To Be Set Out In The Rules; surely kit that fits would be one of them? Those sleeves/arm warmers are as baggy as @ChrisO’s granny tights.

Its a long sleeve jersey, you fucking git.

@cyclebrarian

Its my resurrected R3.

The music is a bit rubbish but this is explained by the fact that they are made by Australians.

@cyclebrarian

@ChrissyOne

I was under the impression that Seattle was a bike friendly city and drivers were aware of cyclists. I live in a small town in Maryland and we’re just starting to get bike lanes – the group that’s doing it is also attempting to educate drivers about looking out for people on bikes. I don’t know how well it’s working because I see drivers within town limits acting like idiots. Oddly enough, the motorists on the back roads seem to be a lot more aware of cyclists, so I prefer to ride out there.

I feel very safe with my lights and – wait for it – reflective tape on my rain bike here in Seattle. But the other side of being bike-friendly is that we are also an IT hub which means drivers here often feel they have more important things to do while driving than watch the road.

Do you have a picture of said rain bike, Frank?

@Mike_P

I’m sure the Revolution is a good bit of kit, but by the looks of it, I’d need to build a new wing on the side of my house just to accomodate the thing. And could I really be arsed with the whole back wheel on/off thing. Nah. Oh but I’m forgetting that Frank has a squillion bikes so has no worries on that front.

Seriously? Seriously?

Taking the wheel out and mounting it on the trainer is a fuckton easier than messing about with clumsy trainer mounts and trying to get the tension on the turbo set consistently. Not to mention swapping tires and skewers.

If you lack the skills to be able to easily remove your back wheel, however, I think you might be due for an entirely different discussion before you start worrying about riding the turbo.

In my defence, being space poor, I have to assemble and disassemble and store my whole fucking training rig each time I train on it, which right now is 3 times per week and a right royal pain in the arse but a routine I’ve got down to a couple of minutes [pauses for breath]. I’m saying my personal preference is not to swap the wheel out, not that I’m incapable.  What the fuck do you think I am? I’m wounded.

Rollers good for mechanically inept – no need to remove any wheels!

If wheel removal really is a problem for anyone on here, can I suggest that you close your browser now, proceed straight to your garage, basement or wherever it is that you keep your bike and practice taking your wheels on and putting them back on until it is no longer a problem, until it becomes second nature.

I’m going to hazard a guess that if you’re afraid of removing wheels, you are probably in massive contravention of Rule 65. It’s basic and absolutely fundamental skill, ffs.

Rollers good for mechanically inept – no need to remove any wheels!

@frank There have been discussions in the past on this site about The Things That Are So Obvious That They Don’t Need To Be Set Out In The Rules; surely kit that fits would be one of them? Those sleeves/arm warmers are as baggy as @ChrisO’s granny tights.

Mate, can we help it if manufacturers seem to think there are a bunch of fat bastards out there buying cycling kit.

Oh, wait…

@unversio

What’s up with this Wahoo Kickr?

Mentioned in my post above. Electronically variable resistance. Can allow you to ride virtual routes, or aid your intervals by forcing you to produce set watts for a set duration. Easily progammable or controlled on the fly. I believe DCRainmaker has an excellent review (despite being a Triathelete).

You’d hope it’s amazing at twice the price of the Lemond trainer.

Nice post, monsieur Franque. I’ve often thought that it would be great to rig that contraption up in such a way (air ducts? chain transfer?) that the big fan ends up wafting a firm breeze into the face of the rider. Wouldn’t that – literally – be cool?

Nice post, monsieur Franque. I’ve often thought that it would be great to rig that contraption up in such a way (air ducts? chain transfer?) that the big fan ends up wafting a firm breeze into the face of the rider. Wouldn’t that – literally – be cool?

I’ve thought the same. At least having the fan mounted toward my butt instead of the side would really help me cool down.

Man, even the wind from the wheel helps a bit.

@Chris

Besides, whilst I’m not a pro, there’s no reason why I can’t approach my training in as pro like manner as possible, it’s more likely to get results than fannying around. I all for the Graham Obree method of reducing the variables down to the rider – that way if I don’t go as well or better than last time or as planned, I’ve only got myself to blame. Can’t see how that is in any way Anti V. They’re not meant to be a substitute for getting out on the bike but they are complimentary.

Beautiful.

@Ruud

@Chris points taken! (certainly about not leaving kids alone in the house); it’s personal, which is why I took care to phrase in personal terms-from the (admittedly little) experience I have with these things, I hate them!

The point is that the trainer is an excellent training tool in addition to riding on the road. It is not meant to replace it under any circumstances.

Reading all the way through to the end of the article would be a lot to expect; I’ll start condensing everything down to one paragraph to make sure you lot don’t nod off before you get round to hoping onto your Jump To Conclusions Mat.

Who are these heathen’s who dont read the full article ?   We need names , and now !

Where does “It is dark and unsafe to ride outside when I do have free time at this time of year” fit in to your lists?

Lights. Also, the lists are stated to be examples, and as such are not categorically complete.

I think a cursory glance will get you a solid idea of what types of situations are deemed appropriate and which are not.

You can put a Campy/Campag cassette on one, I presume?

I wouldn’t ride one if it meant I had to ride Shimano, and Greg wouldn’t make one if it meant the same.

(All new LeMond bikes are built Campa-only, BTW.)

@Barracuda

@Harminator

Also if you live somewhere with shit roads, hostile drivers and poor air quality, indoors starts to look like a better option. I’m clocking plenty of roller time these days and its mind numbingly glorious. I don’t wear my old shit either. I kit up like a V hero in my spare room. My socks are perfect.

And when I drain a bidon I give it the hookers and blow…

Nothing quite says “get the fuck out of my way !” like that picture – awesome.

and his socks are perfect. Good on ya, Harminator.

Harmy, you make a fucking excellent point, one for another article altogether. Maybe even a Rule. We all know we kit up immaculately for our one pleasure, not to please others. To look good, in the immortal words of my literary idol Paul Fournel, is already to go fast.

The trainer is no exception and I kit up in full V-Kit, cycling cap, white ladies, and white socks for every session. Have some fucking self respect people; you’re not watching the Super Bowl for fucks sake so there’s not excuse to wear sweat pants and a dirty t-shirt.

(If you live in Seattle or Denver and are watching the super bowl in a few weeks while riding the trainer, you are granted an exception to wearing sweat pants and a dirty t-shirt provided you get puking drunk and spill guacamole all over your already-dirt t-shirt.)

What’s up with this Wahoo Kickr?

Mentioned in my post above. Electronically variable resistance. Can allow you to ride virtual routes, or aid your intervals by forcing you to produce set watts for a set duration. Easily progammable or controlled on the fly. I believe DCRainmaker has an excellent review (despite being a Triathelete).

@scotjonscot

I’m sorry, but when the high is -26C, I’m on the trainer. No, on second thought I’m not sorry.

Gord Gallant has put you to shame.

Oh I’ve taken the ice bike out for kicks in temps as low as that, but I don’t count that as a real ride. My cap is off to Gord for having the frozen balls to commute in it.

Did you really just post a bunch of jibberish that I had to delete for you before posting a screenshot of bankrupt power data, all while talking about Looking Fantastic?

If anyone is struggling to define irony, I think that’s a great place to start.

In the saddle at 5? Damn, I thought I was tough getting up at 5:51 and taking the dog for a walk…

0500? Pft! Weak! Out of bed a 0400, in the saddle at 0430, breakfast at 0700-0730, back in the saddle for the commute (easy) 0800, in the office at 0830.

Check this out for track school!
Keirin racer school in Japan

Now THATs what I call cadence training! It was so fast the bloody film had trouble keeping up with it!

You can put a Campy/Campag cassette on one, I presume?

Campa incorporated.

… “but one thing I love about the LeMond is” it’s endorsed by Greg LeMond

I concede. “Crank it up” duhzuhnt inspire one either. The LeMond is a beautiful machine.

I thought about the LeMan machine before I bought the green machine but it was too much money for how little time I wanted to spend riding on it.

@Harminator

Also if you live somewhere with shit roads, hostile drivers and poor air quality, indoors starts to look like a better option. I’m clocking plenty of roller time these days and its mind numbingly glorious. I don’t wear my old shit either. I kit up like a V hero in my spare room. My socks are perfect.

And when I drain a bidon I give it the hookers and blow…

Nothing quite says “get the fuck out of my way !” like that picture – awesome.

and his socks are perfect. Good on ya, Harminator.

Also if you live somewhere with shit roads, hostile drivers and poor air quality, indoors starts to look like a better option. I’m clocking plenty of roller time these days and its mind numbingly glorious. I don’t wear my old shit either. I kit up like a V hero in my spare room. My socks are perfect.

And when I drain a bidon I give it the hookers and blow…

Nothing quite says “get the fuck out of my way !” like that picture – awesome.

@Ruud

Other than that, the only reason I would ever get on one of these is during recovery from injury.

That’s a bit over simplistic.

I don’t travel much as part of my job but my wife does so I’m often limited to the roller/trainer option – leaving the kids alone in the house is not an option that I’d wish to take up.

I don’t mind riding around in the dark but darkness, interval training induced hypoxia (or even just Peaking in Two Months Belly Breathing induced wobbles), pot holes and traffic aren’t high on my list of things to mix.

Besides, whilst I’m not a pro, there’s no reason why I can’t approach my training in as pro like manner as possible, it’s more likely to get results than fannying around. I all for the Graham Obree method of reducing the variables down to the rider – that way if I don’t go as well or better than last time or as planned, I’ve only got myself to blame. Can’t see how that is in any way Anti V. They’re not meant to be a substitute for getting out on the bike but they are complimentary.

Agree, two young children and a busy wife makes a good trainer invaluable !

A laptop with some paris roubaix or Giro downloads also helps, dont get me started on “The Sufferfest ” …..   ouch

I feel very safe with my lights and – wait for it – reflective tape on my rain bike here in Seattle. But the other side of being bike-friendly is that we are also an IT hub which means drivers here often feel they have more important things to do while driving than watch the road.

Like I said, the city isn’t so bad. But I have to ride through mostly the *not* city to get to it. And in addition to those texting idiots, we have raccoons, deer, coyotes and meth fiends crossing the road at alarming angles.

But really, reflective tape? Yeah, maybe when I have a second bike I don’t mind uglying up. ;P

Taking the wheel out and mounting it on the trainer is a fuckton easier than messing about with clumsy trainer mounts and trying to get the tension on the turbo set consistently. Not to mention swapping tires and skewers.

Perhaps, if you actually do that. I leave the trainer skewer on (I know, I know, it’s hideous and sits at the wrong angle. it’s only there in the winter) and just use my road tire. The tension on the CycleOps fluid is a quick-release lever, so once you set it, you just open and close it and the setting stays the same. It takes a few seconds for me to put in on and off the trainer. Even if I do change the skewer, that only takes a few more seconds.

What’s up with this Wahoo Kickr?

Looks like a cool product as well; one design advantage of this one over the LeMond is the collapsing legs, but one thing I love about the LeMond is how bloody stable the thing is. I wonder if the swivel legs compromise that somewhat?

5. Its cold and wet and windy out and you don’t want to get blown around while getting cold and wet.

I was sure I was going to get a pass until I scrolled down and read that.

Proof that someone read through to the end! Amazing!

@The Oracle

@Deakus that video is absolutely absurd. Everyone knows you caramelize the onions before adding the eggs. Jeez.

+1 badge to you matey!

@ChrissyOne

I was under the impression that Seattle was a bike friendly city and drivers were aware of cyclists. I live in a small town in Maryland and we’re just starting to get bike lanes – the group that’s doing it is also attempting to educate drivers about looking out for people on bikes. I don’t know how well it’s working because I see drivers within town limits acting like idiots. Oddly enough, the motorists on the back roads seem to be a lot more aware of cyclists, so I prefer to ride out there.

I feel very safe with my lights and – wait for it – reflective tape on my rain bike here in Seattle. But the other side of being bike-friendly is that we are also an IT hub which means drivers here often feel they have more important things to do while driving than watch the road.

Besides, whilst I’m not a pro, there’s no reason why I can’t approach my training in as pro like manner as possible, it’s more likely to get results than fannying around. I all for the Graham Obree method of reducing the variables down to the rider – that way if I don’t go as well or better than last time or as planned, I’ve only got myself to blame. Can’t see how that is in any way Anti V. They’re not meant to be a substitute for getting out on the bike but they are complimentary.

Beautiful.

@Ruud

@Chris points taken! (certainly about not leaving kids alone in the house); it’s personal, which is why I took care to phrase in personal terms-from the (admittedly little) experience I have with these things, I hate them!

The point is that the trainer is an excellent training tool in addition to riding on the road. It is not meant to replace it under any circumstances.

Reading all the way through to the end of the article would be a lot to expect; I’ll start condensing everything down to one paragraph to make sure you lot don’t nod off before you get round to hoping onto your Jump To Conclusions Mat.

I’m sure the Revolution is a good bit of kit, but by the looks of it, I’d need to build a new wing on the side of my house just to accomodate the thing. And could I really be arsed with the whole back wheel on/off thing. Nah. Oh but I’m forgetting that Frank has a squillion bikes so has no worries on that front.

Seriously? Seriously?

Taking the wheel out and mounting it on the trainer is a fuckton easier than messing about with clumsy trainer mounts and trying to get the tension on the turbo set consistently. Not to mention swapping tires and skewers.

If you lack the skills to be able to easily remove your back wheel, however, I think you might be due for an entirely different discussion before you start worrying about riding the turbo.

Sportcrafters rollers with the resistance drum at the back. Awesome. Add the fork stand for the Sufferfest videos where you know you are going to black out just a little and lose balance. Double awesome.

That’s quite a few mentions for Sufferfest. I’m going to have to check that out.

@ChrissyOne

Wow, I looked away for a second… Awesome, awesome description of turning a sportbike. I never made it to the track, but your narrative resonated enough to get my blood up. And, of course, you’re on an R1. Of course.

I guess the reason I posted that question, aside from hoping for the vicarious sportbike thrill that I got, was that I changed my cornering style on the road bike last year-started turning it more like I turn my mountain bike, staying more over the leaned bike and actually consciously doing a bit of counter-steering on the inside of the bar the way one does on a sportbike. I’m just back on the road bike after a long time off it, but I don’t remember doing it this way in the deeps of time, and I immediately started feeling a little better and cornering a little faster.

Wanted to get the perspective of someone who was heavily invested in a variety of tw0-wheeled turns.

It’s funny, because I’ve started to turn my road bike more like I turn my sportbike – pushing my knee out more and pulling my chin toward my inside hand. It feels better, but I don’t have it zero’d yet.
I know Frank said he didn’t mind, but feel free to hit me up on my blog or Facebook if you want to talk more sport bike talk. They’re listed in my profile.

Wow, I looked away for a second…  Awesome, awesome description of turning a sportbike. I never made it to the track, but your narrative resonated enough to get my blood up. And, of course, you’re on an R1. Of course.

I guess the reason I posted that question, aside from hoping for the vicarious sportbike thrill that I got, was that I changed my cornering style on the road bike last year–started turning it more like I turn my mountain bike, staying more over the leaned bike and actually consciously doing a bit of counter-steering on the inside of the bar the way one does on a sportbike. I’m just back on the road bike after a long time off it, but I don’t remember doing it this way in the deeps of time, and I immediately started feeling a little better and cornering a little faster.

Wanted to get the perspective of someone who was heavily invested in a variety of tw0-wheeled turns.

      Got ya. I live close to my job (about 18km round trip) and want to start commuting soon – just a little hesitant about the idiot drivers in town. However, there’s a park on the way home with gravel trails (going to put CX tires on my commuter bike and take advantage of them) (and then more back roads from there to our apartment), so that might minimize some of the risk from drivers.

@Chris points taken! (certainly about not leaving kids alone in the house); it’s personal, which is why I took care to phrase in personal terms-from the (admittedly little) experience I have with these things, I hate them!

Indoor trainers or kids?

I just decided yesterday that no matter what the weather or temperatures, I’m heading out in the morning. I always plan on riding in the early afternoon, then it arrives and I don’t think I’ve gotten enough work done, can’t justify a ride, and then miss it. Screw it, I’m waking up and heading out the door. Great way to start the day by turning the cranks.

ChrissyOne – argh! Isn’t that the worst? You either have great, courteous drivers or total lunatics when you are on the nice, open country roads. Same here in NC. They either move to the opposite lane, slow, and wave. Or, they pass within centimeters in a shitty pickup with Cujo in the back. I dream of a middle ground!

In the saddle at 5? Damn, I thought I was tough getting up at 5:51 and taking the dog for a walk…

@frank Does this mean you’re putting in turbo sessions before your commute? What time are you getting up in the morning or has the book been such a success that you’ve retired (or been released by your employers to spend more time on activities closer to your heart)?

Turbo from 5am-6am; then breakfast, off to work, rides on the road in the afternoon before it gets too dark. Or on the CX bike in the park.

@Deakus

Your narrow vision continues to limit your progress along the Path. Also note bullet 4 in the article.

@ChrissyOne

(sorry for shitting all over your thread, Frank!)

Not at all; the sidetracks are the best part!

@ChrissyOne

I was under the impression that Seattle was a bike friendly city and drivers were aware of cyclists. I live in a small town in Maryland and we’re just starting to get bike lanes – the group that’s doing it is also attempting to educate drivers about looking out for people on bikes. I don’t know how well it’s working because I see drivers within town limits acting like idiots. Oddly enough, the motorists on the back roads seem to be a lot more aware of cyclists, so I prefer to ride out there.

The problem is that I live in a small town across Puget Sound from Seattle, but I work downtown. The country road where I live are exquisite for riding, and I can go out my front door and put in 100km  of gorgeous riding. But the roads have inadequate shoulders, are rough and poorly maintained in places, and the drivers are a mixed bag of courteous sympathizers and homicidal maniacs.
Seattle itself has *slightly* better drivers, but far worse roads. In my younger days (in the mid 90’s) I did in fact do the bicycle commute to downtown – nearly 50km per day. But after countless close calls and even being hit by a van once, it lost its appeal. Now to make it work, I’d have to leave an hour earlier, and get home an hour later, all for the privilege of riding through the crappy streets of West Seattle. I’d rather get home earlier and ride on my quiet country roads. It’s just the dark winter months that become a problem, so the trainer has supplemented that time nicely.

I’m sorry, but when the high is -26C, I’m on the trainer. No, on second thought I’m not sorry.

Gord Gallant has put you to shame.

And yes, I have hit the floor more than once, esp when I first started using them.  I now have chairs on either side so that I can grab one quickly if I start to lose my balance!

A few years ago I used to use a Cyclops Fluid trainer until I used it so much the fluid ran all over my floor (guess I gutted the bastard-I think being in Iraq and riding it so much didn’t help) and so I switched to a Kurt Kinetic Pro fluid trainer and that was great but I bought a used set of Kreitler Dyno-Myte Rollers, 2.25 inch drums, on ebay and I have never looked back.

If I have to ride indoors, the rollers it is for me. I still watch the cycling videos and can do the sufferfest vids as well. I can spin it up to 120 cadence or down to 60 and stand on a huge gear and get the massive leg burn for 5 minutes at a time.

The LeMan trainer does sound great but rollers are quiet, require a shit load of skill (which comes surprisingly fast and help road skills in my opinion) and you can adequately KILL yourself on them as good as any indoor trainer.

Just my two cents.

Shit load of skill indeed.  I love my rollers but I’m screwed if I can watch a cycling movie while I’m on them.  That’s a sure-fire ticket to an embarrassing floor, bike, rider combo.

If I have to ride indoors, the rollers it is for me.  I still watch the cycling videos and can do the sufferfest vids as well.  I can spin it up to 120 cadence or down to 60 and stand on a huge gear and get the massive leg burn for 5 minutes at a time.

The Leman trainer does sound great but rollers are quiet, require a shit load of skill (which comes surprisingly fast and help road skills in my opinion) and you can adequately KILL yourself on them as good as any indoor trainer.

Just my two cents.

Mrs Boltzmann and I continue to put the trainer time in on our >10 yr old LeMond RevMaster – indestructible beast that it is! Quiet, stout, and will likely outlast us.

At what noise level does the Revolution operate?

That’s one thing I should add about the Revolution; it is not quiet. I have the newer model which I’m given to understand is quieter than the original, but it is still very loud.

I’m with @Chris re the need for my trainer and rollers.  Time poor, kid rich.  I couldn’t do without my home training devices. But every minute I spend on them is a minute I’d rather be on the road.

5. Its cold and wet and windy out and you don’t want to get blown around while getting cold and wet.

I was sure I was going to get a pass until I scrolled down and read that.

I have faced the harsh and sad fact of indoor riding is that if I want to get really fast I will at some point have to succumb to the reality that doing intervals in a controlled measurable environment is superior to riding on the road.  I suppose a track serves the same purpose, but the turbo is just better than the road for this purpose.

@Deakus

Removing eggshells from a broken egg requires my entire focus, I’m certain trying to do so much as carry on a conversation while doing such would cause me to fall on my face, forget riding rollers.

And when I drain a bidon I give it the hookers and blow…

I was under the impression that Seattle was a bike friendly city and drivers were aware of cyclists. I live in a small town in Maryland and we’re just starting to get bike lanes – the group that’s doing it is also attempting to educate drivers about looking out for people on bikes. I don’t know how well it’s working because I see drivers within town limits acting like idiots. Oddly enough, the motorists on the back roads seem to be a lot more aware of cyclists, so I prefer to ride out there.