Bicycle trainer, Kurt Kinetic?

[masraum]

Anyone have any experience with a Kurt Kinetic bicycle trainer. They seem to be the top end of the average guy indoor trainers. I'm thinking that if I can pick one up used and cheap, it seems like a good option.

Anything to look for? Anything that's needed/necessary?

[rwest]

I absolutely hate indoor training, but if you can get a unit that is interactive and controlled by the software, so that if the screen shows a hill, the unit automatically adjusts the load, it will be much more bearable.

Not familiar with that brand, but it appears they sell both types.

[red-beard]

Just get OUT and ride! You are in Houston, not Canada

[masraum]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Just get OUT and ride! You are in Houston, not Canada

That's true. I've got to get the bike first. Still, it is winter. The missus and I are not likely to go riding when it's <50* or raining. I'm just thinking ahead for eventualities.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by masraum

That's true. I've got to get the bike first. Still, it is winter. The missus and I are not likely to go riding when it's <50* or raining. I'm just thinking ahead for eventualities.

I’ve ridden more than I care to have in MN winters including 20 miles at -25F; your eyes freeze up!

50F is very easy to get comfortable at- heavy socks, tights, jacket, cap and gloves/mittens. You warm up fast.

[Bill Verburg]

Never met a trainer that I liked, I'd rather go out even in the cold, down to ~30 as long as it's sunny and not too windy, otherwise go for a run

[masraum]

Originally Posted by rwest

I’ve ridden more than I care to have in MN winters including 20 miles at -25F; your eyes freeze up!

50F is very easy to get comfortable at- heavy socks, tights, jacket, cap and gloves/mittens. You warm up fast.

Very easy for someone that experiences -25F.

In Sep the missus and I ran in mid 50s rain in Seattle. But a frosty cold wind and 45* would kick our rears. We also aren't outfitted with cloths for riding in the cold.

[stevej37]

Rollers are fun.
Just be careful the first few times...it's easy to go off the edge when learning.
A tv in view is a must.

[look 171]

Hold it there, cowboy. Red beard is correct, get out and ride. Those trainers are so boring. I only last 20 min tops and have to bet off to get something to eat, go the bathroom, or something just to make excuses to get off the thing. I just walked into the house form our ride, 50 miles. It was 43 this morning. You get used to it in about 15 min of riding. Sure fingers and toes are frozen. Its not suppose to be comfortable. Just enjoy. Get the trainer later. Now don't you and your wife fight over the thing, you hear?

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by stevej37

Rollers are fun.
Just be careful the first few times...it's easy to go off the edge when learning.
A tv in view is a must.

I 2nd rollers.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by look 171

Hold it there, cowboy. Red beard is correct, get out and ride. Those trainers are so boring. I only last 20 min tops and have to bet off to get something to eat, go the bathroom, or something just to make excuses to get off the thing. I just walked into the house form our ride, 50 miles. It was 43 this morning. You get used to it in about 15 min of riding. Sure fingers and toes are frozen. Its not suppose to be comfortable. Just enjoy. Get the trainer later. Now don't you and your wife fight over the thing, you hear?

What he said. I used a trainer when I was rehabbing from my hip replacement. I lasted two days. Then I couldn't stand it anymore. If you were closer I'd give it to you for free, because that's what I paid for it, and you could see how sick of it you would be. The doctor said I could ride a trainer, so I figured he wouldn't care if I rode a bike.

Get out and ride that new bike. Spend the trainer money on things you need like full finger gloves and a warm hat and tights and knee warmers.
You need to get used to traffic and wind and up and downhill.

(I just got off the bike too, only 20 miles, but I'm practicing climbing out of the saddle. I'm 60yo next month, but I still have dreams of being like Alberto Contador.)

And don't get rollers. They're tricky as hell to learn... (my own opinion, I don't have the world's best balance. YMMV)

[nikita76]

There's no such thing as bad weather.....just bad clothing!

ND

[stevej37]

I use Nashbar rollers in the winter. This guy gives good tips for starting.
A great tool for improving your balance..unlike trainers.
I'm 65...and it was easy to learn.

[rattlsnak]

Get a Peloton You'll never look back..

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by masraum

That's true. I've got to get the bike first. Still, it is winter. The missus and I are not likely to go riding when it's <50* or raining. I'm just thinking ahead for eventualities.

Rule 5

Velominati › The Rules

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by red-beard

Rule 5

5 and 9.

[herr_oberst]

Steve, one of my favorite pastimes when I'm alone on the bike is to stop and take a picture when I see something interesting. I saw this this morning, and it made me smile that someone would create this art and post it on one of the more blighted streets in my city. I've done themes where I take pictures of art or sidewalk signs or things that are big like the Paul Bunyan statue or interesting cars on blocks in driveways or? or?

Can't do that on a trainer.

(Disregard the gear selection - this was at an intersection where I was waiting for a light to change to green!. :-) . )

[masraum]

Thanks all. I trust you. No trainer for now.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

What he said. I used a trainer when I was rehabbing from my hip replacement. I lasted two days. Then I couldn't stand it anymore. If you were closer I'd give it to you for free, because that's what I paid for it, and you could see how sick of it you would be. The doctor said I could ride a trainer, so I figured he wouldn't care if I rode a bike.

Get out and ride that new bike. Spend the trainer money on things you need like full finger gloves and a warm hat and tights and knee warmers.
You need to get used to traffic and wind and up and downhill.

(I just got off the bike too, only 20 miles, but I'm practicing climbing out of the saddle. I'm 60yo next month, but I still have dreams of being like Alberto Contador.)

And don't get rollers. They're tricky as hell to learn... (my own opinion, I don't have the world's best balance. YMMV)

D@mnit, I hate climbing out of the saddle. It takes so much outta ya.

Some lanky teenager that race mtb for his HS ( I used to race with his dad when I was a kid) was out front for about 20 miles with three of his buddies taking turns riding us old men off their wheels. They keep driving the pace on all the up hill sections. Slowly, they rode themselves into the ground. Bastards. I was miserable (will be 53 next), nose running, big old cold spot in my chest from sucking in large amounts of cold air, it started to drizzle, now I am all wet. Can't feel my fingers and toes. If I feel like that, they must all felt the same way, but we were glued to those f@#ker's wheels and didn't let go. The pace never let up for 45 miles but us old folks didn't accelerate on the up hills but kept a steady pace. Thank goodness. Would I rather be doing this again instead of riding rollers / trainer in my shorts and tee shirts inside the warmth of my own home? Hell no.

I think its time for us to donate our almost new (all trainers are almost new because no one uses them for more then a few times) trainers to Steve. You want rollers? Hell, have at it. You want a fluid trainer (I think its fluid?), you got it. This way, you wouldn't be getting a divorce fighting over this wonderful training device. Yes, I rather ride rollers but its no fun. Please, don't watch TV, you wouldn't have time unless you have been doing it for a couple years. It does helps with "Spin", but more then anything else, help build form and makes a rider "Smooth". People think you have to drive those big gears and have your heart and lungs beating outta your chest to get stronger. True, but spinning easy gears and keeping a steady pace and cadence also help tremendously. A rider that spins can ride on forever (Comes in handy on very long boring rides).

As for rollers, learning how to use them is a bit of a PITA. You can't fall off and hurt yourself but a minor scrap, a damage ego and even a little scratch on your bike, but no big. Get out, ride and get use to the bike. It should be an extension of your body. Once you are comfortable, then think about getting on rollers. Rollers = discipline.

[David]

My Kurt kinetic is the best trainer I’ve ridden although I haven’t tried the new $1,000 computer controlled trainers. I hate using it. The longest I’ve ever ridden it is 40 minutes and usually I can’t stand more than 20 minutes.

I road this morning bundled up for 45 degrees but it quickly became 55-60 so I sweated. 40-45 is easily doable with long tights, a long under jersey, long sleeve jersey, winter riding gloves and maybe a vest.

You live in the city so on crappy days and dark evenings you could ride the picnic loop at Memorial Park.