I just purchased a Cycleops trainer. There are two type of risers for the front wheel. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Risers for trainers
"I use the large black plastic unit with 3 options
for angles. There really is very little difference between the 3, but it will stailize your effort.
A good idea to increase effort are a few large phone books under the plastic unit. or just purchase another as they are stackable. I would do this after you decide the extra $20 is needed.
Also on a wood or tile floor the unit can slip and slide just a bit, so carpet or rubber under it will help. Thisis not needed, but only a suggestion.
Good Luck
Robert ""Not the Slowest"" Marcus"
You can find yoga mats for $2 at Target. I keep one under my trainer. Keeps it from slipping and catches the sweat. What I really need though is a cheap box fan to sit in front of the trainer. There is no breeze when you ride in one place.
You can find yoga mats for $2 at Target. I keep one under my trainer. Keeps it from slipping and catches the sweat. What I really need though is a cheap box fan to sit in front of the trainer. There is no breeze when you ride in one place.
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Get a remote controled fan. Great to be able to switch while riding indoors.
I just use a phone book.
I have one comment and another question.
Comment: Given that you are not working against gravity on an incline on the trainer, why would a higher angle be harder??
Question: Given that my wooden floor is not perfectly flat, is there a way to adjust the arms (I have a fluid 2) or something to level out the trainer/bike?
"The incline will create an angle and thus increase the effort. Without any angle or leveling between the back and front you will slide off the saddle.
Robert ""Not the Slowest"" Marcus"
a higher angle does not increase the resistance. on a trainer resistance is only a function of wheel speed and the resistance the trainer offers.
however, a higher angle emulates hill climbing by recruiting different muscle groups. that's all
hmmmm, I guess you are correct. So much for my Physics Degree
Studies show that for nominal grades up to 8%, there is no significant difference in muscle recruitment than riding flat; however, there is increased weight on the lower back.
Are these studies online anywhere?
Li, Li, and Graham E. Caldwell. Muscle coordination in cycling: effect of surface incline and posture. J. Appl. Physiol. 85(3): 927–934, 1998.—The purpose of the present study was to examine the neuromuscular modifications of cyclists to changes in grade and posture. Eight subjects were tested on a computerized ergometer under three conditions with the same work rate (250 W): pedaling on the level while seated, 8% uphill while seated, and 8% uphill while standing (ST). High-speed video was taken in conjunction with surface electromyography (EMG) of six lower extremity muscles. Results showed that rectus femoris, gluteus maximus (GM), and tibialis anterior had greater EMG magnitude in the ST condition. GM, rectus femoris, and the vastus lateralis demonstrated activity over a greater portion of the crank cycle in the ST condition. The muscle activities of gastrocnemius and biceps femoris did not exhibit profound differences among conditions.
Overall, the change of cycling grade alone from 0 to 8% did not induce a significant change in neuromuscular coordination. However, the postural change from seated to ST pedaling at 8% uphill grade was accompanied by increased and/or prolonged muscle activity of hip and knee extensors. The observed EMG activity patterns were discussed with respect to lower extremity joint moments. Monoarticular extensor muscles (GM, vastus lateralis) demonstrated greater modifications in activity patterns with the change in posture compared with their biarticular counterparts. Furthermore, muscle coordination among antagonist pairs of mono- and biarticular muscles was altered in the ST condition; this finding provides support for the notion that muscles within these antagonist pairs have different functions. coordination; muscle activity; biarticular muscles.
To compensate for a badly uneven floor you could mount the trainer on a sheet of plywood.
How will plywood make the surface level?
it wont make the floor level, but will give you a level surface to place the trainer on, if the floor is warped that badly
i have a cycleops fluid as well and have no problem getting it flat on different surfaces. remember- the legs are independent- if it's rocking side-to-side, lean it to one side, then push down on the leg that is off the ground. then it'll be stable.
"I am a bit confused by your suggestion. My trainer has two legs that swing out and stop when the leg meets its plate. If I don't swing the leg out all the way and ""lock"" it in place against the plate, it will eventually slide there when I ride the trainer.
Given this, I am not sure how I can achieve different leg adjustments to maintain a stable and level ride."