Death by Trainer

By Pro Cycling Mechanic Curtis Henry

Avoid having to tell your buddies you crashed on the trainer.

From wind trainers and rollers to fluid and power trainers, they all have one thing in common; you must somehow mount your bike to it in order to use it. Unless you’re riding an indoor trainer from the late 1800’s, you’re probably using something which allows you to use your own bike mounted to a resistance unit on a stand. When set up correctly, the trainer is a safe alternative to suffering through nasty weather to get a workout done. However, if not mounted correctly the trainer can become a hazard to you, your floors, or worse – your bike! The process sounds simple enough, but time and time again there are important steps left out that can cause some serious issues. It’s not a pretty sight to see someone flying off the trainer during a power interval and go careening into the floor or the person set up next to them. It can and does happen, and here’s how to avoid it:

• Use the correct rear wheel skewer. Unless your bike is a 1972 Schwinn Le Tour, the skewer used to retain the rear wheel is not designed to be clamped into a trainer. Most modern hub skewers are designed to bind the wheel to the frame with a light weight lever and locknut. The locking mechanism is ergonomically shaped to function well as lever and typically has no mounting points built onto it. In order to be properly supported by the trainer clamping system, a skewer with mounting caps on each end must be used. Most trainers will come with a rear hub skewer designed to work with the clamping system. If you don’t have one, you can pick one up and your favorite shop; such as Roswell Bikes.

• Adjust/Clamp the bike and trainer correctly. Every trainer is a bit different, but all will have some type of adjustable clamping system for mounting the bike. Generally speaking though, the clamp will have and

adjustable fixed side.

•   Set up in a safe flat area. Make sure the legs for the trainer stand are folded out correctly on a level surface. If your trainer moves when riding, it could be because something is damaged or loose and could unexpectedly take you for a ride! Check to make sure the trainer does not wobble once your bike in clamped in place.

•   Moving/Spinning parts. If your trainer uses a power cord, wired head-unit, or remote adjustment check to be sure the cables or wires are secured away and gear bags and clothing are not near the moving parts. Keep in mind your trainers resistance unit, your rear wheel, and cranks are spinning very quickly and can easily shred your favorite gym shorts.

•   Proper resistance unit to tire tension. If the resistance feels too light,
and a clamping side. Follow the instructions provided with your particular trainer, or ask for set up help where you purchased your unit. Don’t be afraid to drop by and see your favorite friendly mechanic with a six-pack of tasty and cold microbrew for a lesson on trainer set up! Tighten up the resistance unit, right? Not true. Increasing the tension between the roller and the tire raises

the chance of a blowout by overheating the tire/tube. The proper tension between the roller and tire will prevent any slippage and allow the trainer to provide accurate resistance. Generally speaking, make sure your tire is inflated properly, and that the roller creates a slight depression on the tire.

Pro Cycling Mechanic Curtis Henry is the owner of Cannon Cyclery. He can be reached at cannoncyclery@gmail.com.

Facebook

Twitter: @thesportfactory

YouTube

The Sport Factory

Death by Trainer