Turbo trainer rear wheel/cassette queries.

[Pulpstar]

Right so I've invested in a turbo trainer but haven't yet used it having put a GP4000 on my bike (No punctures yet ^^ and reading up that it isn't a good idea to use such a tyre with the trainer.

I have the old (Completely slick) Schwalbe tyre still in my garage and was thinking that probably the best option would be to buy a new wheel for the trainer and switch around when I head out at the weekend.

So a few questions:

First up I've lost the Tacx Quick Release skewer - I assume I'll need to buy another ^^; Is that correct ?

My rear cassette is 12-25T: 12.13.14.15.17.19.21.23.25 Tiagra, if I buy another wheel should I match these gear ratios with the cassette ?

Would an Ultegra 12-25T have the same ratios ? (Also does buying a 10-11 speed wheel and having a spacer in affect the gear indexing

I'd rather not reindex every time I switch the wheel ^^; (Not that I've ever done that yet!)

Could I get away with a cheap single speed rear wheel (Solely for the turbo trainer) or will the chain be too narrow/wheel too wide

E.G. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/700c-622x...sure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2a45c1f80e

Sorry if it seems like a longish list but

a) I'd rather keep my Conti-GP tyre in good order
b) Switching wheels isn't a problem. Switching tyres OTOH is something I don't really fancy each time.
c) Is investing in a shiny decent rear wheel as an upgrade worthwhile (And using the old one for the trainer), or is getting a cheapo wheel just for the trainer a better idea.

d) What tools would I require ?

Turbo trainer is a Tacx Blu with a large magnet on the back and variable resistance but no computer whizzes or bangs.

Thanks for all that ^^;

 

[42x16ss]

When using a turbo, road worn training tyres are much better and trainer specific tyres are best. They don't wear as quickly or leave shredded rubber all over the floor and the trainer.

Getting an inexpensive high spoke count training wheel just for the trainer is the best way to go, along with a cheap Tiagra/Apex/Veloce cassette. Ratios shouldn't matter with variable resistance. Then you just swap rear wheels when you train indoors.

Just don't go using your nice gear on the turbo if you want it to last....

 

[Pulpstar]

Hey,

Thanks for the advice - I've taken it (Sort of) and given the dark mornings/nights here well it is a needed purchase.

Used this as an excuse to get some shiny new Shimano RS31s which were in stock at Merlin Cycles (On offer) and slap an Ultegra cassette onto them. Will also transfer my tyres over to them.

Will be using my cheap/existing wheels (Alex rims/Tiagra) and an old tyre for the turbo (I'll see how it goes). Also picked up a new turbo specific QR skewer as I've lost the old one ^^;

The RS31s seem to be out of stock everywhere and reviewed highly so seem like they will be a nice upgrade and Tiagra -> Ultegra is what I did with the rear brake as that was knackered so it all seems good

I take it the front wheel doesn't get knackered by the trainer ?

Will probably watch some TdF/Giro I Sky+d to relieve the boredom

Cheers.

 

[King Boonen]

Front wheel will be fine as it doesn't rotate, you'll want a stand for it though so you don't feel like you're going downhill all the time.

For gear ratios, keep them the same or small so you don't have any chain issues, a trainer tyre will last much longer than a road tyre, you won't need to reindex as the cassette is the same but you might have to check your high stop. You may find that swapping the rear wheel over causes some shifting issues but it will be due to varying pressure on the rear axle if you don't adjust the QR to exactly the same force each time.

I don't have a turbo, but have done a lot of research. Think I'm going the rollers route though.

 

[winkybiker]

Said it before, but life is way too short to spend it on a turbo trainer.

 

[avanti]

.............
I take it the front wheel doesn't get knackered by the trainer ?
....................

It may if you do standing sprints waving your bike side to side.