"Virtual" Trainer, C&V Compatibility?
#1
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"Virtual" Trainer, C&V Compatibility?
I just started riding again last spring, inspired to get back onto local roads with the C&V Motobecane I bought early in '72.
It's a lot more fun to ride than the Kona Dew+ I bought before I 'renovated' the MB after a decade+ hiatus.
Winter's here, no fooling. No riding outdoors 'till maybe late April.
So, question: is my kind of 120OLD frame wearing 700c rims compatible with something like Zwift?
Not at all confident I could safely handle just rollers for indoor. Want something more 'virtual' that also offers stability. All comments welcome.
It's a lot more fun to ride than the Kona Dew+ I bought before I 'renovated' the MB after a decade+ hiatus.
Winter's here, no fooling. No riding outdoors 'till maybe late April.
So, question: is my kind of 120OLD frame wearing 700c rims compatible with something like Zwift?
Not at all confident I could safely handle just rollers for indoor. Want something more 'virtual' that also offers stability. All comments welcome.
#2
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Something like a regular tacx trainer would do fine. They are easily and cheaply found second-hand, if you want to try it out. Just make sure the connection is made for quick-releases, as in this picture, and not for modern disc brakes.
If you want more luxury, please let us know what you are looking for.
Tacx-T2650-Blue-Matic-Foldin~Turbo-Trainer
If you want more luxury, please let us know what you are looking for.
Tacx-T2650-Blue-Matic-Foldin~Turbo-Trainer
#3
Senior Member
For southern Wisconsin, how about just getting out on cross-country skis? There haven't been many opportunities in central Illinois for some time, but quite a few of my bike friends would get together in the local parks for some laps. Definitely a good way to get outside for some exercise and you don't even have to clean up a bike afterwards! If you miss gluing on sew-ups, you can get skis that need to be waxed (I've got a pair).
For vintage indoor riding, I think rollers are the obvious choice. I don't think they are dangerous, but I learned to ride them back when I was young and healed quickly.
Steve in Peoria
(managed to ride 25 miles today before the storm arrives)
For vintage indoor riding, I think rollers are the obvious choice. I don't think they are dangerous, but I learned to ride them back when I was young and healed quickly.
Steve in Peoria
(managed to ride 25 miles today before the storm arrives)
#4
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That's gonna change, at least for a bit...
I learned to X/C back in the '70's, not long after getting in/onto my MB. Loved it! Did a lot of it both in IL & WI with my soon-to-be spouse. Stuck with it (as best as I could) up through the early '90's. There were even times I'd take my skis to work in Chicago so I could ski in Lincoln Park & east of LSD by the lake before making the drive home once the traffic'd settled out.
I have a pair of 'waxless' Rottefella's I bought after moving up here, used em exactly three times. They're hung by the garage door, ready & waiting. What I'll wake up to tomorrow will frustrate me even more coming at a time I'm disinclined to click in & go while I'm still in 'recovery' mode.
Good on you! Make the best of every day, eh!
Closing on 75 I do what I believe is best I can.
Right now I'm recovering from a bout with RSV that's kept me home from work the last week. Nasty stuff despite nary a hint of fever. Not something to take outside & subject my lungs to when temp's hovering around freezing.
If it continues to snow (enough to ski on) now that it looks like it's making a serious attempt, and the temps don't drop in to the single digits afterward, I'd still like to get on those sticks I would.
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#5
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Thanks for that! You've opened a door I didn't know existed. Seems that's one of Garmin's product lines? Had an on/off relationship with some of their other stuff over the years.
I'll look into those. May be something there at a price point that's attractive.
I'll look into those. May be something there at a price point that's attractive.
#6
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A wheel on smart trainer is the easiest way to use an old bike on Zwift or similar power output based interface. I use a Wahoo KICKR snap. The doohickey to attach the bike to the trainer is similar to that pictured on the Tackx trainer above, except mine has a little notch to accommodate the QR lever axle. The width is adjustable on mine to accommodate a wide range of OLD.
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N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
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#7
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I use a similar setup to [MENTION=396646]Spaghetti Legs[/MENTION]: Wahoo kickr smart trainer and an 80s Lemond road bike. You don’t need a rear wheel, and I think my spacing is 126mm. Just did a Zwift workout as it snowed a couple of inches here yesterday. Zwift has made indoor riding a thousand times more enjoyable than previously when I was on a wind trainer.
#8
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Now that I have some suggestions I've been grazing the 'net, learning much about what's out there in this realm. That I have two bikes that I could potentially use – even though the classic MB is the one I favor – gives me more flexibility. The MB doesn't look to be too 'wheelless' -capable, what with its traditional 5-sp freewheel. The Kona OTOH, though the heavier bike, may offer more utility if it stays 'married' to a DD trainer most of the time.
Keep 'em coming please!
#9
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Excellent [MENTION=45088]nlerner[/MENTION]! Thanks!!
Would it be convenient for you to snap then post a pic or two of the drive-side interconnection you have on that combo please? Help me wrap my head around how a freewheel-equipped bike ties to one of these trainer things?
Would it be convenient for you to snap then post a pic or two of the drive-side interconnection you have on that combo please? Help me wrap my head around how a freewheel-equipped bike ties to one of these trainer things?
#10
Senior Member
Excellent [MENTION=45088]nlerner[/MENTION]! Thanks!!
Would it be convenient for you to snap then post a pic or two of the drive-side interconnection you have on that combo please? Help me wrap my head around how a freewheel-equipped bike ties to one of these trainer things?
Would it be convenient for you to snap then post a pic or two of the drive-side interconnection you have on that combo please? Help me wrap my head around how a freewheel-equipped bike ties to one of these trainer things?
#11
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I'm sure spacers would be involved for safety with a narrow OLD compared to what's more typical now with much wider sets of cogs in back.
#12
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I think in your case you're better off with a wheel-on trainer, like the Kick'r Snap. BUT it might have a 130mm minimum requirement for the QR, which you can fix with 4 mm of washers on each side.
With that, and a cadence sensor, and maybe a heart rate monitor, you'd be completely good to go on Zwift. Just make sure to cover the bike with towels or something for the sweat. I use a sweat guard which fits over the headset and most of the top tube, and a towel that covers the bar tape. The trainer sits on a yoga mat, and I put an old bath towel on top of that. And it's on a tile floor, because the sweat doesn't stay confined to the area directly under me. Oh! And get a couple box fans. You'll need 'em!
With that, and a cadence sensor, and maybe a heart rate monitor, you'd be completely good to go on Zwift. Just make sure to cover the bike with towels or something for the sweat. I use a sweat guard which fits over the headset and most of the top tube, and a towel that covers the bar tape. The trainer sits on a yoga mat, and I put an old bath towel on top of that. And it's on a tile floor, because the sweat doesn't stay confined to the area directly under me. Oh! And get a couple box fans. You'll need 'em!
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#13
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I'm thinking basement for now, concrete floor. Cool-ish too! Still...
Check!
Have one already, they''re cheap enough!
#14
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I run two, generally. But during Fire Season, I have been known to run a third which is more powerful than the other two combined, if I have to take to the garage because of smoke.
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"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."
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