After resisting for so long the lure of training on a stationary indoor bicycle, the sludge and snow finally convinced me to dust off the old turbo and train indoors.
Like many things, it was not quite as boring as I remembered. In fact, it was quite an enjoyable experience in some ways. The best way to pass the time is to have a nearby ipod to play music. It gave me chance to listen music and train.
I have done three one hour sessions in the past three days. I’m not too tempted by 2-3 hour sessions, but, just doing one hour a day is good for maintaining a base level of fitness
Even when it is cold, you want a fan to get some air into the face.
I’ve ordered a special turbo trainer tyre (though they appear sold out – a sign of the times that everyone is training indoors this winter). Even after three hours on the turbo, I seemed to have burned off a lot of rubber on my Continental Gatorskin tyre. I will have to change it before going back on the roads.
I’ve heard that the turbo tyre is very good, but quite difficult to get on and off a wheel. Fortunately, I have a cheap spare rear wheel, which I will keep just for using on a turbo trainer.
Self Portrait. Many layers came off, you soon warm up, but, I still did the session in gloves and leg warmers.
I only wish I had a cycle computer with cadence – i.e. fitted on rear wheel to see how far I have gone.
You can fit a wireless one to the back tire with a sensor as you would the front. Easily done if you know how and where to get them.