Indoor trainers - bad for bikes?

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve used my existing bike (P3) on my Computrainer for the last 18 months with no obvious adverse effects at all. Now I’ve got a new bike and am proposing to use it in the same way (ie, indoors and out). But, from time to time, people comment that fixed trainers put undue stress on a bike frame (because they don’t allow for side-to-side rocking). To me that seems like rubbish unless you’re constantly out of the saddle and putting out 500+ watts. Bike frames are tougher than that.

Is there any science behind this view? Has anyone wrecked a frame on an indoor trainer?

2

No. It’s a BS urban legend.

Any frame that couldn’t handle the stress of a bike trainer would be worthless on the road.

Sweat is only thing you need to worry about. That can wreak havoc on the headset and BB if you don’t prevent and maintain properly.

This one is slightly more ridiculous than urban legend that real life temperature changes cause tubes to explode. No science just superstition.

3

When is Aluminum stronger than Steel and Titanium?

When you hold the fork rigid.

http://hea-www.harvard.edu/~fine/opinions/frame-test.html

http://www.anvilbikes.com/story.php?news_ID=9&catID=3

4

Yes, riding on a trainer is VERY BAD for your bike. And for the trainer too.

It would be unsafe for you to continue to use either, for even 1 minute more.

Send your P3, and your new bike, and your Computrainer to me, ASAP, for extensive stress testing. I will take one for the team in this regard. I know, I know, I am an unselfish helpful kinda guy, what can I say? No need to thank me. And I will be happy to refund your postage too. :wink:

PM me for mailing details. You’re welcome.

5

In a world dominated by self-absorbed triathletes, your genuine concern is truly inspirational. But I would hate to taint your noble sentiments with evil and vile material goods.

6

In a world dominated by self-absorbed triathletes, your genuine concern is truly inspirational. But I would hate to taint your noble sentiments with evil and vile material goods.
uh, huh-huh…hey beavis, he said, ‘taint’

7

So, is it bad or not, because i just send my frame for a warranty and the bike shop mechanic told me that the trainer could be the cause.

8

Did you drop the trainer on the bike? What was the bike problem?

9

I read, on this forum, from Tom D I believe, that the trainer is less harsh on a frame than the road. So go, go , go all you want indoors!

10

It was a crack around the seatstay tube , where the carbon meet the titanium, and at the factory decided that it was a return. i just seemed like the paint, but they wanted to change the frame.