What's the trick to using a Cruzbike on a stationary trainer?

[KiwiGuy]

I use a stationary trainer a lot. And I'm trying to figure out how I would train on a stationary trainer with a Vendetta.

I typically train four days a week - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. During daylight saving months, both my weekday rides are on a stationary trainer. During the rest of the year at least three rides a week are on it, sometime four.

Given that MBB requires a different technique from riding a RWD high-racer, it seems to me that technique has to be trained for when using the stationary trainer. Since the front wheel is locked into the trainer, that suggests that the back wheel has to be free to move from side to side - so the rider can work on the technique of counter-balancing the power put through the crank.

So far I can think of two ways to do that:

#1. Mount the rear wheel on a skate board so it can move from side to side.

#2. Use some sort of sling system to lift the rear wheel off the ground so it floats free.

Whats the system that works for you?

Is there an accepted workable system for this in the Cruzbike community?

I'd appreciate hearing about your experience.

Kind regards.... Blair

 

[John Tolhurst]

Blair, 
I've done both of

Blair,
I've done both of your options, but neither are really needed. You know what happens to walking when you pin your arms to your sides. Well its similar on the trainer. You need to grab the bars to hold the upper body in position. The body is not moving, yet the core muscles are contracting and releasing.

 

[KiwiGuy]

Having trouble visualising that

Hi John

Thanks for your response. Interesting that you've tried both ways I've suggested.

I'm having trouble understanding why neither are really needed. On the trainer now I just rest my hands on the bars. For a different position I put my hands behind my head and rest my neck. I often do this while doing 'sweet-spot' intervals - which you know are reasonably intense. During this time I don't really notice my core muscles contracting and releasing - although my lower back muscles do get a workout.

It's not really holding the bars that hold me in position but pushing back against the seat.

Just to summarise so I understand - are you saying that I could set up a Vendetta on a trainer in a regular way, do intervals a couple of days a week and tempo another day all on the stationary trainer, and I'd be good to cope with riding the Vendetta on my weekly long road ride (60 to 100kms) without doing any other work on MBB technique??

Kind regards.... Blair

 

[John Tolhurst]

Blair, 
there is not true

Blair,
there is not true substitute for riding on the road. What we can on a trainer is develop strength and endurance in broadly the right areas. Riding skills and road conditioning require the road. As I find it.

 

[KiwiGuy]

Fair comment John. Your

Fair comment John. Your observations have got me thinking about how I might re-arrange aspects of my training once I have a Vendetta.

Thanks for taking the time to respond... Blair

 

[BentBierz]

I have a Kurt Kinetic Rock

I have a Kurt Kinetic Rock and Roll that I bought as a trainer for my other bikes. Due to back surgery, it is still in its box waiting to be assembled.

With my plans of buying a Silvio 2.0 soon, I plan to use it in the trainer to start rehab'ing once I get the go ahead from my surgeon. The Rock and Roll feature will be of little use for a MBB but the trainer should help me get the bike-fit adjusted and to regain some leg strength and cardio. Once I am able to take the Silvio out on the road, I can concentrate more on learning how to ride the bike and should only need to make minor, if any, fit adjustments.

 

[MrSteve]

You Didn't Ask

-so take this for what it's worth.

There is no substitute for riding on the road.

On your Cruzbike, your body and bike work together, interacting with the road.

Now, I use my bike on the trainer a lot.
Since it's been stormy a lot more than usual lately, I've been on my trainer
a lot more than usual.

Here's my two cents:

check your trainer at least once a week.
Check all the bolts, joints, bearings and connections.
Pay special attention to the wheel skewer.

Why?

Because your Cruzbike uses your whole body, you put a lot
of side-loads into your trainer, especially when you 'sprint'.

Remember to check your bike as well.

Have fun!

 

[John Dorlon]

I have a Kurt Kinetic Road

I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine trainer that I've used several times with my Silvio. I just let my back wheel sit on the ground. I don't think there is much to gain by allowing the back wheel to move laterally.

 

[BentBierz]

Wondering if anyone that has

Wondering if anyone that has a Kurt Kinetic is also using Kinetic inRide. If so, thoughts. I am close to pulling the trigger on buying it but am a little worried about some of the reports I have read regarding buggy software.

 

[John Dorlon]

Not me, Larry.  I just have

Not me, Larry. I just have the trainer.

 

[RyanTim]

Training

Buddy I tried both the option and yes it's working properly didn't find any problem while doing so. You might open online training. web chart