Bicycle Track Stands anyone use 'em?

[K. Roman]

I'm interested in getting one for the house and was wondering the pros/cons, and also which ones are best. Or are they completely useless for cardio?

Any help would be appreciated.

picture for reference only.

[Racerbvd]

I prefer rollers, takes more skill and work.

[nostatic]

I don't like them because it doesn't allow the bike to move and it feels funny to me. Then again I've never been a smooth spinner.

Rollers scare me - I have visions of going into the wall. I take my chances on the road

[JavaBrewer]

Tens of thousands of road miles and I never liked rollers. If I'm on a stationary trainer I like it to be stable so I can hammer the heart and legs. Does the blackburn stand allow you to adjust tension from the handlebars or does it just get harder as you pedal faster?

[K. Roman]

I put the Blackburn there for a reference (trainers) in case people didn't know what I was talking about.

[speeder]

Just buy a cheap, used one on craigslist and try it. If you don't like it, put it back on CL. People are always getting rid of them, if that tells you anything. FWIW, I've thought of getting one too.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by speeder

Just buy a cheap, used one on craigslist and try it. If you don't like it, put it back on CL. People are always getting rid of them, if that tells you anything. FWIW, I've thought of getting one too.

I did that, and mine came broken. So beware...

[tcar]

Does a regular stationary bike work as well?

Schwinn Airdyne?

Others?

[gtc]

+1 for Rollers. I've always been a decent spinner, but they really make it easier to improve my form [/end roadie geekery].
I need to get a fan for mine, though, both for increased resistance and the nice breeze.

[John Rogers]

Back in the day, 1984 to be exact, I took a Turbo Trainer (first stationary trainer I think?) with me on a 7 month Navy cruise around the world. I rode it at least 3 hours every day and some days more. It helped me win a race in Brisbane Australia!

[VincentVega]

I picked up the ~$150 version from Performance this year. It works ok, but it's dead boring and really loud (it's the fan model). I do like that's it's my bike, but I really dont use it that often. After 10-15 minutes I get bored and dont get back on for a days.

[look 171]

I have rollers and a trainer. I think I use them no more then 40 hours total in the 20 years I own them. Many of the hours were on the rollers. Is like sitting in the beach in Hawaii reading a book. I can only finish 2 and half sentences, then in the water I go or expore elsewere. What are your plans, racing or just want to get in shape?

Jeff

[Dave L]

I had a magnetic one which was apparently the quiet one back in the day. It was louder than hell and I rarely used it.

I was going to suggest studded tires and ride through the winter but I see you are in SanFran, Why on earth would you not bike outside???

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by tcar

Does a regular stationary bike work as well?

Schwinn Airdyne?

Others?

I also use an Airdyne, great unit, but I like rollers more for the fact that you have to pay attention so not to fall. Of course, I use to use my BMX bike on them & am looking to get another set of rollers to get back in shape.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by look 171

I have rollers and a trainer. I think I use them no more then 40 hours total in the 20 years I own them. Many of the hours were on the rollers. Is like sitting in the beach in Hawaii reading a book. I can only finish 2 and half sentences, then in the water I go or expore elsewere. What are your plans, racing or just want to get in shape?

Jeff

Jeff - PM'd you.

[David]

I like the Kinetic Road trainer so much I have two

[Laneco]

I have a Magoura mag trainer. It's my second trainer, works quite well. You can set a pretty stout load on them. You do need to put a book or stand (they make plastic ones just for this) under the front wheel because the rear is higher than the front when the bike is in the trainer.

My bikes shift horrendously on the trainer, in fact on any of the trainers. My frames are really small, 47 and 49 cm. When pinned down into the trainer they shift poorly. We have a group that meets twice a week all winter for a trainer-spin class. This seems to be a consistent issue with the small framed bikes, it's not unique to me or to my bikes.

The rollers will not have any such issue. There is a learning curve to rollers but many people swear by them. The stand-type trainers have no learning curve and are pretty safe/idiot proof to use. Important factors for me .

Good videos, especially of races and a fan make indoor training much more pleasant. A group of people makes it a blast! Cover your stem-head tube area with a towel to keep them from soaking in sweat. Its actually really hard on the headset.

angela

[cantdrv55]

I have the 2005 model CycleOps Fluid Trainer and have put hundreds of miles on it. I use a cyclocomputer w/cadence and I switch between two training DVDs. I watch Spinervals 1.0 - No Slackers Allowed and Spinervals - Train with Team Clydesdale (appropriate for me since I hover around 200 lb).

This might be TMI but I think riding on a trainer causes or aggravates hemorrhoids. On the road, there is your tire and air in the tire between the asphalt and your saddle/butt. However, on the trainer, your bike is suspended off the skewer so there's no "give".

I like riding on the trainer. It's the only way for me to log the miles sometimes. I'll get on it at almost midnight if I can't sleep or have a lot on my mind. I would prefer riding a spin bike though but those things are very spendy.

Lastly, I'm going to echo what Angela said above. A fan pointing at you is a must.

[billybek]

That is the biggest problem with any of the trainers, they are boring!!!
I have a set of rollers with a mag resistance unit on it. Pretty quiet and mag is adjustable too.
I can't remember the brand name of it, the sweat has long rotted off the stickers, but it came with a front end support that holds the bars and traps the forks.
You still have to be pretty careful when you stand up and crank...
My mom (77 years old) rides a recumbent trainer I bought for her about 4 years ago. She rides it almost everyday. For her it is the best option because you sit down on it rather than climbing up on it.
+2 on the fan!!

[Zef]

I have a Blackburn magnetic one...I'm on every day in winter time...No problems yet (after 8 years) but a bit loud....