10 Indoor Bike Trainer Mistakes!
Learn how to save time, money and stay safe on your new bike turbo trainer!
Yes we’ve been locked-in lately, so we’ve both invested in turbo trainers. We had managed to avoid it until now, but to be able to do those fun beautiful rides outside, it’s necessary to continue cycling during the week, love it, or hate it!
So we’ve both learnt a few valuable lessons over the past few months, to help keep not only the bike in a good condition, but also yourself! So here’s our top tips so you’ll also avoid risking to spend more money on your bike from some silly mistakes.
First up, we both had different budgets for the trainers, so we’ll explain what NOT to do for both the standard turbo trainers where your wheel attaches and the more expensive trainers, where you remove your wheel completely!
1. Set up incorrectly
The trainer will come in different parts. Make sure you make the time to read the instructions and set up the trainer and bike properly. You tube ‘how to’ videos are always useful.
2. Bluetooth is disactivated
So don’t waste your precious time trying to set up the trainer with the correct settings if your phone hasn’t turned on bluetooth. You’ll be there for a while, trust us!
3. Free riding up front
Some trainers don’t always provide you with the front stand. You’ll find yourself slowly making your way across the room if you don’t have one. Of course there’s science behind it, but we’re not here for that explanation (even if we could)!
4. Sweat-test the brakes
Protect your brakes from your sweat by placing a towel over the front wheel, covering the brake pads. This way you won’t destroy your brake pads entirely and have to buy a brand new set before you head outside.
5. Keep the Pressure Lever Tight
For the standard turbo trainers, avoid ruining your tyre and leaving a nice indent and release the pressure from the wheel. Get into a routine of getting off the bike, and releasing the lever – that’s a way to avoid forgetting!
6. Running on Empty?
A simple way to increase wear on your wheels and the trainer (plus losing power!). Make sure you pump them up on the low-medium pressure – approx 90psi – but double-check for your specific tyres.
7. Just Don't forget
Ok it’s not so problematic forgetting something when you jump on your indoor trainer, but you could save time and frustration having to get on and off because you’ve forgotten:
- Sweat Towel
- Water
- Phone
- Device if you are connecting to an app
- Music and sound control set-up
- Watch & Heart Rate Monitor
- Training Plan
- Hairband/headband girls!
8. Helpless falling
Check, check and check again that you have tightened those screws that are keeping your back wheel locked in. After time, it loosens! So save yourself the embarrassment of having to explain how you managed to take a tumble on your bike, INDOORS. Let’s say, we’ve done it for you, so you don’t have to!
9. Create a pool of sweat
Ok so on top of the towel which you’ll have close by, if not already resting on the handlebars, you might want to consider where you’re training. If it’s on a hard surface, no problem as you can easily mop-up the puddle at the end. If you’ve got carpet, it’s definitely worth placing a mat underneath.
On top of this, a ‘when to do training‘ should also be considered. Some trainers are quite noisy, and if you’re in an apartment like us, we have to consider our neighbours.
10. Look down
One super important top tip we always like to keep in mind is don’t look down. It’s so easy to focus on training with your head down, pushing hard and you may even close your eyes…but it’s a bad habit to get into. It’s best to always remain in the bike position you should be when your outside. It may seem silly but it’s not. Stick to good habits and you’ll naturally be in a good position ready for those outdoor rides. You may even avoid those niggling pains that have started arising since your indoor training.
So tell yourself, “don’t look down”!
BONUS: How much noise do you make?
On top of this, you should ask yourself ‘when is the best time to do training’. The noise makes a huge difference, and some trainers are much noisier than others.
If you’re in an apartment like us or your set-up station is next door to a family member or a housemate’s bedroom, it’s worth considering when is best for everyone.
