From: rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca (Rory Jacobs)
Subject: Re: Advice on Trainers
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 1992 19:45:51 GMT

In article <29058@oasys.dt.navy.mil> elliott@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Brian Elliott) writes:
>
>	I am in need of some advice on indoor trainers, having never
>	used one before I have alot of questions. Here are some that 
>	come to mind: 
>
>	What are the pros/cons of the mag units compared to the fan.
>

Mag unit has much less noise; you choose a resitance level and it doesn't
change.

Fan has significantly more noise; Resitance increases as you pedal faster.

>	What adverse affect, if any, do these units have on the bike,
>	I own a aluminum road bike.
>	

I don't think either the Mag or Fan unit will damage the bike.

Rollers:  Since this is most like road riding, no damage should be
done to your bike.  (There are no pot holes on Rollers).  However
should you fall off your rollers at say 25 mph and crash into whatever
is in front of you that's a differnt story.

Wind Trainer:  
   a) With the front wheel removed:
         You could possibly (?) twist the front fork if you try
         to turn the handlbars.  I don't think this is too likely
         on a quality trainer, since a certain amount of turning
         would have been planned for.

   b) With the front wheel left on the bike:
         Should be fine.

>	I would also appreciate any comments on specific models and
>	prices.
>

Try the Nashbar, Performance, Excel catlogues, or Colorado Cyclist catalogs.
If you don't get any of these buy a current issue of Bicycling magazine,
and call up there 800 numbers and ask them to send you a catlog.  There
free.

>	I am also curious about rollers, to me they look like they
>	would simulate actual outdoor conditions more than the track-
>	stand type.
>

Personally I prefer Rollers, and a mag unit.  It's sort of like riding
on "ice".  But it will improve you ability to hold a line.

Advantages of Rollers:
   1) Can use a computer with front or rear wheel pickup
   2) No risk of twisting the front fork.
   3) Easy to start riding: Put bike on Rollers; Get on bike; Ride.

Disadvantages of Rollers
   1) Hard to read a book while riding.  You might fall off.  (You
      can however watch TV).  Of course this will affect how hard
      you ride.
   2) You might fall off and hurt yourself.  Or worst yet, your bike.

Advantages of Wind Trainer:
   1) Can watch tv, read a book, etc while doing.  (Of course this will
      affect how hard you ride.)

Disadvantages of Wind Trainer:
   1) Must use a computer with rear wheel pickup. 

>	Any opinions on the above questions are much appreciated. Post
>	or e-mail to elliott@oasys.dt.navy.mil


Disadvantages of Both:
   You sweat heavily and drip all over your components and frame.  Nashbar
   sells something called a sweat stopper, so you can sweat into it instead
   of onto your frame.  
   
   It's easy to overheat

Advantage of Both
   I find my Rollers one of the best places to do my interval training.
   Keeps you in moderate shape over the winter months.   Both can provide
   the same benefits.

Tip:
   Use a fan when you ride to help keep yourself cool
   When you first try Rollers you might want to do it in a doorframe
   When Mounting Rollers it's easiest to step off a small stool onto
      the Rollers.  Cycling shoes are a bit slippery to use on the
      frame of the Rollers.
   
-Rory
-- 
Rory Jacobs                       rajacobs@plg.uwaterloo.ca 
Department of Computer Science    University of Waterloo, Waterloo Ont.
   >Hi, I'm a .sig virus.  Copy me into your .sig and join the fun!<   
A guy grumbled at his friend,  and then said "Sorry,  I'm in a bad mood
today". The friend asks why, and the guy replies quite matter-of-factly
"Well, I'm in grad school"

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