As stated in the heading, I have a dumb indoor trainer question maybe Mike can answer. I presume most trainers are somewhat similar in design with a cradle in which the rear wheel is held in contact with a resistance roller that is adjusted to contact the tire. My question is how much is the right amount of tension against the tire? I adjusted mine just enough that it contacts the tire and doesn't slip when pedaling. Is this correct or should it be tighter?
Like I said, probably a dumb question but an inquiring mind wants to know.
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I don't think that is a dumb question at all. It's more than a little confusing. I think my trainer's instruction manual said something vauge like "once the tire makes contact, turn the tension nob one more turn, or 1/8 of an inch of pressure." It was something a little odd like that. I know I actually researched it and looked it up as best as possible, but could not find a definitive answer.
I'd say you have it about right though. I have mine about like you're describing. The tire doesn't slip which I think is key. I'm sure turning it down tighter would create more drag and give your legs a better workout, but I also feel this is going to wear on the tire. I prefer to cause the drag from the tension on the magnetic gears, not on the tire, so an 1/8 of an inch or maybe a hair more is probably plenty. My Mag trainer has 8 settings for magnetic tension, and trust me, when you are on the highest setting (8) and in your big ring X 13 cog you'll have so much tension you'll hardly be able to break 60 on the cadence, and you probably won't be able to turn it for more than a minute even standing up. So again, the real tension will be caused by the trainer, not the pressure on the tire.
Mike
Thanks, Mike!
Maybe I'll give it another quarter turn or so. My plan this winter is to use what training dvds I have so I can get some interval training and to enjoy as many Blues games as I can while spinning just to burn calories and keep my legs going.
Apparently I may be going shopping tonight or to our daughters to help decorate since she's out of action fighting another big kidney stone.
Thanks, Mike!
Maybe I'll give it another quarter turn or so. My plan this winter is to use what training dvds I have so I can get some interval training and to enjoy as many Blues games as I can while spinning just to burn calories and keep my legs going.
Apparently I may be going shopping tonight or to our daughters to help decorate since she's out of action fighting another big kidney stone.
Ouch for your daughter! I can relate!
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