I’m trying to build out the parts list for setting up a smart trainer. Primarily for indoor TR training, but might also open up the options to try platforms like Zwift.
What I have:
Crux DSW w/ Quart Power Meter (other bikes, but this is the one with power)
I think I’ve settled on the Victory Smart Trainer as the best value for the price point.
Victory Smart Trainer
Trainer matt
Ok, besides that what else? Like what’s used to “view” your workouts? Are there stands + an android device or is it an iPhone mount?
On the TR site, there’s always this slick stand with a mounted tablet…
But I’d rather not have to futz with a laptop. And being those stands cost 1/2 of what the trainer’s going to cost…curious what others are doing to round out their indoor training setup.
I have a RAD trainer desk and it’s one of the all time best cycling accessories I bought that I didn’t know I’d love so much. It was like $99 on sale. Maybe there are other clones out there now?
I just park my laptop on it. I can watch/stream anything and I don’t need a whole extra TV setup just for indoor training.
Next level will be some kind of motion setup depending on how often you ride indoors.
For a trainer mat, I use entry way mat from Home Depot, Lowes, etc. It’s impervious to water, oils, spills. Like this one:
I also use a couple of inexpensive fans. I turn them on/off while working out with inexpensive remote controlled sockets. I can switch between one fan, the other fan, or both.
Once I saw the “trainer desk” keywords to search by, I dug up this one that DC Rainmaker reviewed. He really liked it, clocks in at $59.
edit Looks like it’s up to 109, still. Looks like a good deal. But I do see the RAD on sale for not much more. Might want to go with that. Rainmaker points out the tripod isn’t ideal for setting in front the bike.
A tripod trainer desk doesn’t look ideal. I love the wheels on the RAD. I have it low so the neck angle to my laptop is perfect and then I’ll roll it in as close as possible. When I ride rollers I roll it to them. I like the cup holders. I’ll use them to store little things like my HR sensor. I use the right one for a bottle sometimes.
I think I caught a sale around $110.
I haven’t tried one but I saw cheap adjustable height desks on Aliexpress.
The biggest things that will impact your training, aside from your trainer, which you’ve already settled on, are what you’re using to run the TR app and your cooling system (fans).
I’d personally recommend using a laptop to run TR. Smartphones and tablets can certainly work just fine, but they are inherently more likely to have performance issues than a laptop.
As for cooling, there are lots of solid options, but I use a simple box fan since I train by a window. Opening up that window on cooler days with the fan running keeps me nice and cool.
Oh, and don’t forget a towel on your bike or a sweatband!! I can’t workout anymore without one.
I have this tray that mounts on your computer mount. Much smaller and cheaper than the tables. I put my phone on there to run TR then just have a TV setup to watch youtube/netflix.
I pulled the trigger on the Trainer and RAD tray. Trainer is going to take a while to get here as it’s back ordered, but that’s ok for the relative savings.
No disable for the ERG smoothing seems annoying, but Rainmaker showed the PM is really accurate. So probably no big whoop to use my non-PM bike on there if I want.
Definitely picking up the Home Depot mat when the trainer gets here.
I’ll be training in the garage or in my basement TV room. . . TV room would be nice, could put TR or Zwift on the TV. But it’s carpeted (not thick), so depends a bit on how the mat/trainer sits on the carpet.
I couldn’t concentrate on a TV in a session above an endurance one. I have had cycle races on for the noise distraction not that I could really follow them
I actually read books up through endurance. Intervals of threshold up I have to focus too much on the work to read. But I’ll read during the recovery cycles.
Unless VO2…then I’m just thanking the gods I can catch my breath for a while.
I thought the TV would be neat for Zwift if I decide to try it. otherwise, the trainer stand and a kindle is probably fine.
For sweet spot intervals and such, most of my concentration is because what I’m currently using (Peloton Bike+) doesn’t have auto-power for the TR workouts. So I really do have to focus on keeping within the relatively tight power ranges and ramp ups for the intervals.
I was hoping the auto power might let me read more with the less intense intervals like threshold and sweet spot.
Ummm… not to stray too far off topic of your original post, but if you consider threshold efforts “less intense” you MAY be doing it wrong. That, or I want YOUR legs for my threshold sessions!
That said, once you get your smart trainer and are locked into ERG mode (if that is your mode of choice), you MAY start to find threshold work a bit more intense!
