Riding a Trainer in Paradise?
When you live on the tropical Caribbean island of Grenada, why would you ever want to ride inside on a trainer? Well, if you’re me….you don’t.
I’ve written many times before how I just can’t get into riding my bike indoors on a trainer. I guess that’s a major reason why I’ve done what I can to put myself in situations where it’s not necessary. Don’t get me wrong…..they are a great training tool and without a trainer or rollers, many people around the world would never be able to ride a bike during certain months of the year.
When we lived in Austin, I had a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and over the couple years we were there I think I used it about 10 times. If it wasn’t icicle cold or dumping with rain, then I was outside. It had to be pretty extreme before I would bite the bullet and jump on the trainer.
Before we moved to Grenada, I sold the trainer along with most of the things we owned. It definitely wasn’t something I wanted to use over here. But a few weeks ago, I was contacted by the guys at CycleTEK to see if I’d be cool with them sending me their newly released Momentum Indoor Cycling Trainer. Even with what I just said about my thoughts on trainers, I agreed to their offer….and I’ll explain why.
There’s actually a couple reasons. First of all, there might be a few days where I’m not able to get out riding in the daylight. I don’t expect this to happen too often, but if it does…I’ll have a backup plan. There are plenty of people here in Grenada who want to ride a bike for exercise, but just aren’t ready to tackle the conditions found on our roads. This is going to be so perfect for that.
Okay, so the idea of riding the CycleTEK (or any trainer) on a regular basis is not for me….but let me tell you what I think about the Momentum Indoor Trainer in case you’re in the market for one. I only really have the Road Machine to compare it to, so here’s my thoughts.
I imagine most good quality trainers to be easy to set up, and the CycleTEK was about the same as what it was like to set up the Road Machine. I didn’t see anything major that stood out to make the Momentum unique, but they tell me they have the largest and heaviest flywheel on the market with it weighing in at 7 pounds and measuring 60mm.
The first thing I noticed when jumping on for a spin was how quiet it was. When I bought the Road Machine I was expecting it to be super quiet, but it turned out to be a lot louder than I imagined. The CycleTEK is very quiet….and smooth. Okay, so I’m sitting here thinking about what else I can say….and not coming up with anything. Like I said, I’m not at all passionate about riding a trainer so all I can really say is that this one from CycleTEK seems to be a good choice.
The Momentum Trainer from CycleTEK retails for around US$379.00 (although I did find it available on sale at Amazon for $246.99) and you can find out more about it on their product page. If the price fits your budget, and you can find a good deal….I say go for it. The CycleTEK looks to be a quality product for anyone looking to do some indoor training in the pain cave.
I absolutely dread the trainer as well but at times find myself jumping on as I consider myself a fair weather rider. If it’s raining or cold forget it…I’m on the trainer. Of the past two I’ve owned they’ve always been super loud. What I end up doing is throwing my trainer in front of a TV, hit the Netflix then zone out on a movie. Whatever keeps the legs spinning! Great Post Darryl!
That’s right, Anthony. I always thought if you paid enough for a trainer that it would be quiet, but that’s not alway the case. I never tried this CycleTEK in front of a TV so I’m not sure how loud you’d need to crank it to hear….but it does seem pretty quiet.
Pamela is right, ARG, its better than not working out at all though, and for so many people it is reality of city life and jobs with long hours. I LOVE that I have a trainer, and Pamela and I use ours tons.
I love your honesty in the post Darryl, made me laugh
Okay, so I’m sitting here thinking about what else I can say….and not coming up with anything.
Too funny. And, You know what? I really think that may be the biggest differentiators at the top of the market with these things. Most are pretty sturdy and easy to set up these days. But my current one drives me NUTS because its so loud, and I am sure drives everyone else in the house nuts too.
I seriously would consider buying the one you rated JUST because of that.
Thanks, Eric. I’ve seen many pictures and posts about your and Pamela riding your trainers so I know exactly how much time you guys spend on them. I think your trainer “dates” are awesome and that would definitely make the time spent on there more enjoyable.
I’m not sure which brand your riding right now, but I did find this CycleTEK quieter than the Road Machine I had before. Let me know what you decide to do.
Thanks once again for all your support and kind comments.
Actually..I love riding on a trainer. Eric hates it. But I looooove it.
You guys are so cute to watch together on the trainers.
Dude, what’s the grade of that road at the end of your driveway?
I was about to say, if that was at the end of my drive, I’d probably stick to the trainer as well!!!
Yeah, Andrew….no shortage of hills around here.
Dude, so good to hear from you. Yeah, there are some serious hills around here. That one gets up to 25% and another one going the other way is a 20%.
I’ve been around, just lurking in the background.
ha ha ha…you’re such a racer
Thanks Tim. When are you going to come here and ride some miles with me?