[Sportsandrec] Sportsandrec Digest, Vol 41, Issue 7

[Keith Christian]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the information.  I'll look into  the fluid trainers.  You
mentioned making purchases on CL.  What is CL?  I am not familiar with
it.

I'd like to purchase one on the inexpensive side for now.  A $100 would
be about right for my first one.  

OK, I just went and looked on line at some fluid trainers.  Wow, they
look really cool.  There are so many choices.  I think I'll look for a
used one to get an idea of what I want before spending 2 or 3 hundred on
one. Glad I did not spend much time thinking of building one.

Thanks Ron.

Keith
.




Message: 5
Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:31:09 -0500 (CDT)
From: "Ron & the bears" <rockthebike at usfamily.net>
Subject: Re: [Sportsandrec] Turning a bike into a stationary bike
To: "Sports and Recreation for the Blind Discussion List"
	<sportsandrec at nfbnet.org>
Message-ID: <D434D6552CFD40B0A6ABE3EF018BFD66 at usera318af0b85>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Hello Keith,

Trainers are stands that hold up the rear of the bike and also provide 
resistance to simulate an outdoor ride. While the thought of you making
one 
is admirable, I'd leave it to those who have been building them for
decades.

They come in three basic designs, each using a different type of
resistance. 
The three types are wind, magnetic, and fluid. The fluid is the quietest
and 
feels the most realistic, in my opinion. I have been riding them since
about 
1992. I have killed at least two of them, perhaps from over use.

My favorite fluid trainers are the Kurt Kinetic and the Cycle-Ops (by
Trek) 
Fluid 2. I prefer the Kurt and believe it is  the best. It is also the
only 
one rated to handle the power generated from a tandem. I have ridden
mine 
five hours in a day before without it complaining. My first one is now
over 
six years old and still feels like new. It is very overbuilt and will
not 
leak. I bought my first one as a demo for about $250, msrp maybe about
349. 
I just bought another on CL for $100. It is four years newer. I did not 
really need it, but wanted to have an extra in case someone wants to
join 
me.

You may also see new fluid trainers at mail-order stores like Bike
Nashbar 
and Performance for less than $100. Their house brands seem to be good 
enough for moderate use. Or, you may buy one on CL. If you do buy a used

one, do not be afraid to ride it for at least twenty minutes. You want
to 
listen to it as you and the trainer both get up to operating
temperature. 
They can make noises that will discourage you from using it.

You will also get in a better workout if you place a floor standing fan
in 
front of you. You will generate a tremendous amount of heat while
riding. A 
ceiling fan will not do much to help unless the room is large enough for

dissipation or cold from AC. With a good sound system and healthy 
imagination, you will come to enjoy indoor riding. After twenty minutes
on 
the thing, I am usually feeling more motivated. You and your pilot will
also 
notice the improvements in your fitness when you actually get on the
tandem 
for an outdoor ride.

Good luck! If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Best,

Ron & the Dad gets to ride his trainer today bears
Austin, TX

Keith Christian wrote, "Hi,
:
: I am new to the list.  Your discussions have gotten me interested in
: getting out my bikes and cleaning them up.  My kids are all excited
: about it.
:
: I have a tandem and a few other bikes that I would like to put on a
: stand and ride them, when I don't have anyone to ride in the front.  I
: was thinking of making a stand out of wood but thought there might be
an
: inexpensive device already readily available.  In a few posts, I saw
: references to a trainer or a trekk.  Are these stands you put your
bikes
: on when you want to ride solo?
:
: Thanks.
:
: Keith" 



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End of Sportsandrec Digest, Vol 41, Issue 7
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