Goodies!

In preparation and anticipation of a long and brutal winter here in Kansas (can't be worse than this summer), I began researching and considering purchasing a bike trainer.  One of my early goals for this winter and next year is to ride more often to improve my bike splits.  As I see it, the bike is where I will be able to improve the most, in the shortest amount of time (God, I hope....).  I know many people that have indoor trainers for their bikes, and really swear by them during the winter months.  Although not as enticing as a ride outdoors, they still give you an option of getting your ride in, despite the conditions.  I am interested because I will have no excuse not to ride... I mainly researched about the type of trainer (magnetic, fluid, inertia), and the brands and products available.  One thing I really was looking for was getting the most "bang for my buck," as they say... I don't know who "they" are, though.

After looking into the pros and cons of each type, I decided on getting a fluid trainer.  From what I've read, they have the most road-like ride experience.  The only downside from what I can see is the resistance, or lack there of, with fluid-based trainers.  I plan on building leg strength this winter on the trainer, or as much as possible, so this was kind of a letdown.

I looked into the usual suspects for brands:  Cycleops, Kurt Kinetic, Blackburn, etc.  I was impressed by some of their products, but not necessarily their price tags. I really can't justify spending $300+ on a trainer as a student.  Let's not even mention the $1500 Computrainer, which looks SUUUWEEET!

While reading some of my junk mail one day, I stumbled across Performance Bike's newsletter.  I was curious to see if the site had any specials on trainers, and turns out they did.  They carried the mainstream brands, but also the "Travel Trac" brand, one that I was unfamiliar with.  After doing a little research and checking out some reviews, I became really interested.

Travel Trac had a good priced (for me) fluid trainer on the website, and for a few bucks more, they had a fluid trainer + resistance (mag).  The added resistance covered my only concern of using my gears for resistance.  After reading some good reviews, I was sold!  Also got free shipping and $70 off because I was a new customer.

A week goes by, and it arrived today!!!

First time ever a package arrived before the "anticipated delivery date"

I picked it up over lunch at my apartment, and had to spend the rest of the day at work/school.  When I got home at 7, I got right to work getting everything set up!

Everything unpacked and ready for a bike!

After about 15 minutes of me skipping the directions, I finally gave in a checked them.  My bike was set up on the trainer 3 minutes later...Pssh... men... am I right, ladies?!

Like my riser block?

I can't wait to try it out!  I have a feeling the "newness" factor will wear off, and will begin to feel like running on a treadmill.  Right now I don't care, because this winter there would be no alternative.  I am really excited to try some new drills, like one-legged sprints, to work on my pedaling economy (nerdy).  All in all, price was definitely right, performance sounds good (judging from reviews), and I get to train throughout the winter!

I have some other projects for the bike, although not too big.  I finally got some new tires, and will be re-taping my handlebars soon!

Going with a "red" theme (CHEAPEST AVAILABLE)...

Sidenote:  If anyone has some killer indoor workouts, please email me! or tweet me a link!  Or post in the comments! I need to book up my winter training plan!!!

Thanks for reading!