[mandown]

Looks like we’re on lockdown for another month, and I don’t expect business as usual to just resume, so...

I’ve got a Kona Unit that’s from a few years back, and I’m thinking I might want to pick up a trainer for it. It’s got the sliding dropouts and QR rear hub laced to a 29er rim. Current specs suggest a 148 x 12 mm rear hub.

1. Is this worth doing or a fools errand? I can’t get cardio otherwise, and I’m a little worried about riding my bike on public streets given some recent accidents over the last 6 moths. I’ll list some concerns below.

2. What trainer and tire would be worth my while? I’m a little concerned about my ability to do the tire swap given my crippling injury from a decade ago, and resulting left hand weakness. I’ve had trouble changing tires before and I don’t want to buy a bunch of stuff and find out I physically can’t rig it up.

3. Since the bike is a single speed, I’m assuming I’ll need a new gear on the rear. This will also mean a new chain. I have concerns about being able to do this swap without help.

4. Looking around, it seems like I’d be out about $3-400 to rig this all up and get a decent trainer. Any specific suggestions for shops to consider?

Typing this all out has me thinking it’ll be more trouble than it’s worth. But I’ve typed this, so...

 

[ALEXIS_DH]

I thought this was going to be about apples pies or fleshlights.

1/10, thread dissapoints

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I thought this was going to be about apples pies or fleshlights.

1/10, thread dissapoints

Trainer for his unit, ha, took a minute...

 

[6thElement]

Single speed on a trainer would be different. Are you sure your bike is 148x12 as I don't think you'd get sliding dropouts with that.

As you don't want to deal with swapping tires you could look to get a direct drive trainer or another option is a set of rollers.

I think with your SS rollers might be the "better" option, but does the bike have a derailleur hanger at all to add gears?

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I've been thinking about setting up my bike on a trainer as well.

Fluid trainers feel a whole lot smoother than magnetic ones, but usually cost more. You will probably need an old school quick release skewer to make it work though.

With all the POV footage of riding singletrack on YouTube, you could watch that while spinning away. Not nearly as fun as riding outside, but it's better than getting coughed on.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I don't think rollers and partial paralysis are a good combo for him.

 

[mandown]

I don't think rollers and partial paralysis are a good combo for him.

I need the all the stability I can get. Smaller devices in my apartment, please. It’s a large Unit and a small space.

 

[mandown]

Single speed on a trainer would be different. Are you sure your bike is 148x12 as I don't think you'd get sliding dropouts with that.

As you don't want to deal with swapping tires you could look to get a direct drive trainer or another option is a set of rollers.

I think with your SS rollers might be the "better" option, but does the bike have a derailleur hanger at all to add gears?

No hanger.

The design looks the same as the current model at that hub spec. I’d have to research to verify.

 

[kazlx]

I need the all the stability I can get. Smaller devices in my apartment, please. It’s a large Unit and a small space.

That's what she said?

What about just buying a stationary bike? They can be found cheap and might be a better option even if you just keep it for a bit and get rid of it after. Solves all the problems and might actually be good for you longer term...

 

[eric strt6]

A fluid trainer like this will work on axle nuts. It will work with knobbie tires but it will vibrate your ass somewhat and it will be louder

 

[mandown]

I tried the fluid trainer on my old 26” with slicks and knobs. It wasn’t a solution. I’m sharing walls. Through I could set up out in my yard. I’ve got a bit of space outside that’s technically “mine.”

 

[mandown]

That's what she said?

What about just buying a stationary bike? They can be found cheap and might be a better option even if you just keep it for a bit and get rid of it after. Solves all the problems and might actually be good for you longer term...

Thought of it. Was hoping to avoid a thing I’d have to store, or meet a person to buy from.

 

[mandown]

Wondering if any of the Sharper Image things like the “Square Bike” or the mini elliptical/pedal-only machines are decent.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I tried the fluid trainer on my old 26” with slicks and knobs. It wasn’t a solution. I’m sharing walls. Through I could set up out in my yard. I’ve got a bit of space outside that’s technically “mine.”

Might be time to make soap.

 

[Pesqueeb]

What about just buying a stationary bike? They can be found cheap and might be a better option even if you just keep it for a bit and get rid of it after. Solves all the problems and might actually be good for you longer term...

Bike shop hooked me up with a stationary after I got out of hospital 13 years ago. I went looking for/bike shop recommended a stationary purely because of balance issues post accident. Got a ton of use first year, sat for about a decade, have been putting a ton of miles on it in the last year. Has been great strength training for legs/skiing, been hitting it pretty hard to burn off cornobolaids angst and build miles. Combines well with any number of youtube spin classes. That said, does take up a fair bit of room in the upstairs bathroom while not in use. Friction pad maintenance is kind of a pain in the balls. You're LBS may be less sympathetic than mine. I do not recall what they sold it to me for, but it was at cost. 3 or 5 hundred bucks at the time? I know it's less than ideal, but a stationary would be my recommendation.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Do those Peloton contraptions offer a trial period ?

 

[mandown]

Do those Peloton contraptions offer a trial period ?

That’s out of my league

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

That’s out of my league

Not if you "don't like it" and send it back.

 

[mandown]

Not if you "don't like it" and send it back.

Not how I roll. I don’t want to deal with any of that. I’m looking for something relatively cheap and easy. I don’t want to have to call anyone in the following weeks.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Not how I roll. I don’t want to deal with any of that. I’m looking for something relatively cheap and easy. I don’t want to have to call anyone in the following weeks.

Cheap and easy during a Pandemic...

Amazon, maybe ?

 

[mandown]

Cheap and easy during a Pandemic...

Amazon, maybe ?

Yeah. My thinking is that if I order it, then all this will blow over by the delivery date that’s likely to be given. But if I don’t, I’ll wish I had done it sooner.

#operationdadbod

 

[WestCoastHucker]

 

[jonKranked]

I tried the fluid trainer on my old 26” with slicks and knobs. It wasn’t a solution. I’m sharing walls. Through I could set up out in my yard. I’ve got a bit of space outside that’s technically “mine.”

which fluid trainer have you tried? for the price range you're looking at there aren't a ton of options. fwiw, modern fluid trainers are much quieter.

 

[mandown]

which fluid trainer have you tried? for the price range you're looking at there aren't a ton of options. fwiw, modern fluid trainers are much quieter.

It’s been a while and I don’t recall.

The update here is that I actually got on my bike yesterday. I couldn’t wait any longer, and it was worth it. I was a little shaky and nervous, but the COVID scare has reduced the traffic in my hood. Hoping that I can keep this up.

 

[StiHacka]

Have you trained your Unit, yet?

 

[wiscodh]

here is a tool for your unit

RipRow™ : Get Faster while you Get Stronger

RipRow™ is the ultimate training tool for all mountain bike, BMX and motocross riders. It's also a great total-body endurance, core and strength workout.

riprow.com

 

[mandown]

here is a tool for your unit

RipRow™ : Get Faster while you Get Stronger

RipRow™ is the ultimate training tool for all mountain bike, BMX and motocross riders. It's also a great total-body endurance, core and strength workout.

riprow.com

I reside near a city which would allow me to make several intensive and inappropriate remarks about this, if I were so inclined.

 

[mandown]

Have you trained your Unit, yet?

Alas. I have made my meatloaf, instead.

 

[mandown]

Thoughts on this design?

Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Bike Trainer | REI Co-op

This simple fork-mount trainer design is great for pre-race warmups, travel and those cold winter days when icy roads mean staying in, but sticking to your training plan.

www.rei.com

Omnium Over-Drive Lightweight, Portable Bike Trainer - Feedback Sports

Meet the Omnium Over-Drive Portable Bike Trainer. The adaptable fork-mount design keeps the rear wheel on the bike and offers realistic, dynamic ride quality. Plus the precision rollers and internal progressive resistance design is whisper-quiet. It's the lightest, most compact and portable...

www.feedbacksports.com

 

[Sandwich]

I think your basic generic fluid trainer is going to be pretty good with your current rig. I will say that I enjoyed having gears on mine so I could easily increase or decrease resistance without getting off and cranking the knob. you'll be at a fixed resistance for the entire time on a single speed. I have a generic blackburn/nashbar fluid trainer that occupies low space and is pretty decent for low impact/constant grind activities. I also have a set of rollers- the trainer is so much better for getting a workout in. I should sell my rollers, they are pretty stupid all things considered

Also, I have a sunny health spin bike off of amazon. It was $250 shipped to my door and honestly it's been great. I don't love the seatpost setup but it's liveable once you get it right. https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Resistance-Adjustable/dp/B07T6NNWK4 it does not come with a sweaty blonde girl, but it has been great for doing ghettoton peloton app spin classes. I threw some spuds on there and ride with my MTB shoes. I can't recommend it highly enough- even craigslist spin bikes were the same price. It was easy to set up and so far has only needed some lube on the wheel to keep it quiet.

 

[Westy]

I loaned a cyclops fluid trainer to HAB the first time he broke his leg. I was dealing with the fifth circle of he'll when he tried to return it and never got back to him and forgot about it. I have no need for it. Perhaps if you paid shipping he would send it to you, hopefully he won't break his legs again.

 

[mandown]

Should I break down and get a training tube and tire? Could I get away with a lower profile like a Maxxis Hookworm, which I could actually street ride?
I’ve currently got a Maxxis 29 x 2.2 Ikon on WTB i23 speed disc rims rated for 622x23c recommenced 37-62mm tire section width.

 

[StiHacka]

I'd get the smoothest tire there is. Anything knobby will be loud.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

Should I break down and get a training tube and tire? Could I get away with a lower profile like a Maxxis Hookworm, which I could actually street ride?
I’ve currently got a Maxxis 29 x 2.2 Ikon on WTB i23 speed disc rims rated for 622x23c recommenced 37-62mm tire section width.

If you already have a Hookworm, then start off with that. If that still proves to have excessive rolling resistance then get a dedicated trainer tire. A cheap one. Or, better yet, a complete, trainer ready, rear wheel if feasible.

 

[mandown]

If you already have a Hookworm, then start off with that. If that still proves to have excessive rolling resistance then get a dedicated trainer tire. A cheap one. Or, better yet, a complete, trainer ready, rear wheel if feasible.

I don’t have a hookworm, but have been looking at them as an option.

A full wheel seems to make sense, but...
I just hate dealing with the single speed chain length issue. I don’t want to break a chain and size up a new one. That’s at the limits of what I can do with my hands.

 

[AngryMetalsmith]

I don’t have a hookworm, but have been looking at them as an option.

A full wheel seems to make sense, but...
I just hate dealing with the single speed chain length issue. I don’t want to break a chain and size up a new one. That’s at the limits of what I can do with my hands.

Ah, SS. Hmmm...

 

[mandown]

Fack. Finding many of the mag trainers available have limited rear tire tolerance, like 2.0. The slicks I’m finding are generally at that or bigger.

Still shopping.

 

[Sandwich]

why do you need 2" wide slicks?

 

[mandown]

why do you need 2" wide slicks?

Was hoping to find a tire I could use on and off the trainer. Don't want a trainer specific tire (and tubes), if I can avoid it.

 

[jonKranked]

Was hoping to find a tire I could use on and off the trainer. Don't want a trainer specific tire (and tubes), if I can avoid it.

just do what i did and have a bike just for the trainer. N+1 and all