Turbo Training for Beginners

So you’re new to cycling and are discovering that buying the bike is just the start of the adventure! Welcome to painsville... only joking. But you might be finding if you ride with friends that you are being left behind, lack of fitness, technique and road sense are leaving you frustrated? No problem – one of the best ways to increase fitness is by upping the amount you cycle – as an old pro might say “the only way to get fit for the bike, is to ride the bike” – a very true tip!

So on the face of it, a turbo trainer might look like an expense you can do without? If you have spent less than £500 on your first bike, then £100+ on a trainer might seem a little expensive.

When choosing your turbo trainer you need to look for simplicity and adjustability – both should be within a low budget of up to £200. The good news is that a cheaper turbo trainer doesn’t really lose much to the expensive models – the more you pay the more resistance options, the more readouts and better road feel – however the cheaper models are very good indeed and if you are keen they will reward you.

If you have a busy lifestyle, family and work commitments sapping your time, then turbo training is a great way to fit in short burst workouts to keep you fit and advancing.

• Look for simple magnetic machines
• Use resistance to create different types of riding
• Consider training with some mates to help ease boredom and increase effort.

Magnetic resistance models are quiet and flexible, and are among the cheapest types of trainer on the market. By adjusting the resistance you can recreate different types of riding – crack it up for hills, and wind it off for the down hills. They don’t take long to setup as they are simple – have a look for models from Tacx and Minora, as well as newer brands such as Jet Black which offer great value for money.