Dec
22
2010

Why do a Wind Trainer Session on a Sunny Chch Day? Am I Crazy?

An article by Debi Hazelden

It was another gorgeous day in Christchurch with a high of about 30 degrees. What am I doing on a wind trainer? I had a swim this morning, about 1.5 hours at Jellie Park then off to the hairyLemon office for the day. After working behind a computer all day I can’t say I get excited about a long bike ride. But if it’s outside around the beautiful scenery of the Port Hills it’s 100% better than my garage on the wind trainer.

Today it was so windy I set up the trainer in my garden and listened to podcasts on my new (pink!) 16GB ipod nano. Not just because I don’t like the wind! It was so gusty it was dangerous. Winds of 61kph with gusts of 87kph. I listened to a good IM Talk podcast about Brett Sutton – A famous triathlon coach if you hadn’t heard of him. He trained the likes of the amazing Chrissie Wellington and more recently a friend I went to school with, Keegan Williams. It’s a great weekly podcast if you are into triathlon I highly recommend it. It’s done by a couple of Christchurch locals John Newsom (triathlon coach who used to be second tier pro) and Bevan James Eyles (Les Mills aerobics instructor who used to compete in ironman) Check out their website. You’ll be able to find a link to their podcast on itunes on there.

The trainer I’m using at the moment is a CycleOps bike trainer. It’s a goodie! I’ve had 3 different types and this is probably the best.

My bike setup outside in the CycleOps wind trainer

The Three Bike Trainers I’ve Had

CycleOps trainer: I’ve only used this trainer about 3 times. At first it took me a while to set up but now I know what I’m doing it’s pretty good. Once you’ve got it set in the right place it’s easy peasy to put your bike in and get training. Nice and quiet. The only thing is you have to get it on level ground. I seem to notice that more with this one. But I’m sure the floor in your garage is level. The concrete patio in the photo below isn’t so level so I had to keep moving it around to find a good spot. I’d rate this the best.

Minoura Mag trainer: I have a red Minoura Mag wind trainer and that I’d also rate quite good. I’ve had it for about 4 years now and it’s still going strong. Although it didn’t get used much for a few years there when I was a bit slack. It’s pretty quiet and not wobbly. I’d recommend it.

Tranx Trainer: Really noisy and scratched some of my paint off. I found it quite fiddly to set up and just so noisy and annoying. maybe it’s just the one we got – but we have got rid of this and bought the new CycleOps as we need two trainers since over winter my boyfriend and I ride on the wind trainers in the evenings for hours together in the garage with the music playing – ah how romantic