Winter training with Kanetic

gsnake

frenchyge

The bike shouldn't have any problems, but I'd suggest you write to the manufacturer to make sure those low temps won't harm the fluid unit. It won't be a problem during the rides, but if you're planning to store the unit out there between rides then it would be a good idea to ask.

It's a good trainer and their customer service is very good. I'm sure they'll respond to an e-mail pretty quickly.

gsnake

Thanks for the response, frenchyge! Sure, I will ask Kurt about using the trainer at winter time in the garage and post the response here for everyone who would be interested.

cheers,
gsnake

gsnake

This is what I have received from Kurt (very quick reply!)

The cold does not hurt the trainer. It might take alittle bit to warm the fluid up, you will hear the gurgle sound. We are in Minnesota and have customers that use the trainer in the garage.

Ihave another question - do I really need to put a training tire on the bike for use with the trainer?

thanks
gsnake

iliveonnitro

You do not need to, but you may want to. Trainers usually wear down tires faster than the road. The trainer-specific tires are like hard plastic and last a very long time.

Just don't use the trainer tire on the road!

__________________
My club: University of Illinois-Chicago Cycling

gsnake

I see, thanks! I will start with my current tire and then see if it wears out quickly... The point was to start using the trainer now (and use the bike outside at the same time of the year) so I was just lazy to put the trainer tire on and off. I guess I might put the trainer tire on when winter starts...

cheers,
gsnake

ChelseaHH

Do the 'trainer tyres' make the terrible squeal road tyres seem to on each pedal stroke?

Having used a Cyclops trainer I never had the squeal I constantly get using Kinetic trainer- it sound like tyre slip every stroke even through I have adjusted the tension correctly - 2 & half turns after contact with tyre.

It is rather annoying - my only gripe about the kinetic trainer

Sillyoldtwit

If you can afford it, you might want to consider the following recently posted in the "It's killing me" thread.

Quote:
This is the only one (CompuTrainer) I can comment on directly. It's a lot more than just a toy. It's big plus is running in ergometer mode where you dial in a fixed wattage and let the handlebar computer modulate the resistance to hold you in a narrow power range. I find it makes it a lot easier to complete longer workouts if you don't have to constantly monitor your output and cadence. You can also program more complex workouts with your computer like 5x5s or microintervals, but just the ergometer mode alone is worth the price of this unit. Frankly I never use the computer generated graphics or virtual racing modes just the ergometer and preprogrammed workouts. I wish the CT had a much bigger flywheel but even with it's low inertia it's still better than running a standard trainer and having to watch the power like a hawk.

__________________

AdamW

When I originally set my KK, I also used the 2.5 turns as instructed. When I started churning out power numbers that would put my in the TdF! I called Kurt. He recommended 4.5 turns on the Road Machine; that when you hand-turn the tire and then reverse directions there should be no slippage (of course that is very subjective depending on how fast you turn the tire). You could also check your coastdown time from 20mph -- other posts have indicated that should be about 13.4 seconds (can't remember the link). I bet you're getting slippage and thus the squeal.

lanierb

Two pieces of advice: 1) pump up your rear tire well, to at least 120, 2) then tighten the tension unit until there is no tire slippage when you take the rear wheel in your hand and manually move it back and forth (quickly) -- for me this is about 3.5 turns I think. You will then have a very quiet trainer with no annoying slip. Ignore the manual's advice saying not to tighten more than 2.5 turns (or 3 or whatever it says).

frenchyge

Agree. A 3rd piece of advice is to clean the tire and resistance roller with degreaser and then let everything dry thoroughly. That will improve the grip dramatically and reduce the need for extreme knob tightening.

rwinthenorth

+1 on the cleaning. It'll take the squek right out. Clean it again when the squeak comes back!

ChelseaHH

Thanks for the feedback and KK tension setting - strange the verbal instruction was 4.5 turns when documentation says 2.5 turns.

I will give some extra turns for next session to alleviate that tyre squeaking

Typre pressure is always 100 or above so think i'm OK there.

The tyre squeak hasn't been so noticable of late as with Aus summer really getting going I need 2 x pedastal fans going full blast to stop melting ( I train in iron shed/garage) Feels like I'm in a wind tunnel!

CindyMay

I am new to the forum. I have a trainer that is new. It is a Kinetic. I want to know if it will be okay to get a new wheel for my outdoor riding and use my old wheel with a trainer tire for indoor? Is there any problem with doing that?

Also, I have a Specialized Ruby Expert. Any suggestions for wheel upgrades?

Thanks.