Comments on: I Wouldn’t Buy That: Trainer Wheel Support

By: JoelGuelph

JoelGuelph — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:15:42 +0000

I never really considered that some people need a portable solution. Also, I didn’t think that people rode trainers outside. As a Canadian, I use my trainer and rollers only when I can’t hit the trails and road on a regular basis, i.e. during winter.

The Yellow Pages are working great for me, but as has been noted above, there are situations where the pre-fab blocks make sense.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:08:09 +0000

I just use the yellow pages - nice and thick - just the right height. And after I’m done a ride, I don’t have to go far to order a pizza!
Cheers.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 06:35:15 +0000

Dust, try looking on instructables.com…you may find something useful there

By: Jeff Banks

Jeff Banks — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 04:20:19 +0000

I like this column. I’d add rollers to your list of things that are a waste of money. I bought some and have rolled around on them for hours upon hours. All those wonderful things they promise- that I wouldn’t pedal like a square-shaped bowlegged novice newbie in his first time in a paceline, have the balance of a mountain goat, well, they just don’t really help. Sure, I bet that they have done some good, but I bet i’d be in better shape if I just rode up some steep hills and worked on my fitness instead. It sure would have been a lot less boring. One thing they do do-you get really good at riding on rollers.

I’m not saying it won’t work for you, but to me it all seemed like a big placebo. For pros working analysing minute details of their pedal stroke, yes. For novice riders, well, save your money and go ride in the real world.

By: Dust

Dust — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 03:59:11 +0000

What about other solutions instead of trainers? Something like making a set of rollers out of some old conveyor belt rollers. Anyone had any success with that? I plan on trying it this Winter sometime.

By: Levi

Levi — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 22:41:21 +0000

I always got a plastic riser for free with the trainer, but a blue collar solution I used once was a shoe. Just put it under your front tire so the tire sits on the tongue and rests against the heel. It holds the wheel just high enough and the shoe’s sole keeps it steady.

By: Arleigh

Arleigh — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:09:19 +0000

I see your point, but for the simplistic design of the first one you have listed I use them about 3 times a week on my trainer at home. Maybe it is more of a roadie mentality. You can buy multiple and stack them, or better yet put books under them to stack it up.

I used a open phone book for years until I was truly training, out of the saddle wrenching on the handlebars when my front wheel slid off the phone book and I about crapped my pants. Not yet have I had my front wheel pop out of the plastic designed one with various grooves in it.

Plus I’m not very handy with wood.

By: Bradly Fletchall

Bradly Fletchall — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:30:20 +0000

I’ll stick with my Kurt Kinetic ring to support my front wheel. Besides I don’t want to carry around a big hunk of wood or a stack of books to our team trainer rides or to races for warming up.

By: Bill Martin

Bill Martin — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:22:53 +0000

I agree but I also would not waist my time building something. Just use a couple books for gods sake. You don’t need stability, specially if you ride outdoors once in a while. Actually Rollers would be out of the question if someone is looking for so much stability.