Set Up Your Mountain Bike For Indoor Training | How To Choose A Cycle Trainer

[@gmbntech]

Do you have an indoor training setup? Let us know below 👇

[@yax75]

I've got the Wahoo Kickr and use TrainerRoad

[@moov3tv138]

Great video thanks, very informative. With the current lockdown inforce and being stuck indoors, I've adapted what I had to hand and made a hybrid spinning/mtb which works with the game GTA V where I can get to ride around the virtual mountain trails. Got the steering, brakes and pedaling working via an adaption of an old game controller. Just a basic fun concept for the moment, does work though :) Example video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npuVp2lqmKZmmqM.(ps I put on the gear to make it feel more authentic hahahaha) Once again GMBN thanks for all the videos you do. Very much appreciated for all the information you provide, especially with me being fairly new to the mountain bike scene. Cheers

[@kingstonknightly1607]

Currently looking into one for my mountain bike

[@kingstonknightly1607]

I love how knowledgeable you are and how easily you explain things so perfectly. This definitely helped me in my search for trainers for the winter. Thank you!

[@davidrowe8747]

I have a Kinetic Road Smart Road trainer. It's not "Smart-control", so just sends power data, doesn't alter resistance. The way that works is when I get to a hill, if I just keep pedalling at at the same cadence in the same gear, I slow down on-screen. All the "control" machines do is force you to drop down gears, in order to stay at the same cadence. I only recently realised my Kurt machine had the Inride Pod (which, in conjunction with the magnet in the roller, monitors and sends power data). So, one Zwift subscription later, I'm riding in far-flung places and enjoying my indoor rides a lot more. For people who just want to dip their toe into Zwift or other programmes, just get a second hand "dumb" trainer, pair it with speed/cadence sensors, and Bob's your uncle!

[@thatguy199212]

Everything functions properly kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Nothing was damaged in the box aside from a decal on the fork. The decal was missing a piece of a corner but I ended up peeling them off anyways. Assembly is easy BUT make sure you tune up the derailleurs. Both the front and rear need adjusting. I'd advise going to a bike shop but I opted out and put in 10+ hours with the help of KZbin. Ended up fraying a shifter cable but all in all I learned from the experience. The Brakes work well but the front caliper needs adjusting or at least mine did because the rotor was rubbing against the pads. Make sure you swap out the seat, grips, and pedals. For the short run you'll be fine though. I've read that this bike isn't built yet for hard trails but I just need it for the city. PA has some of the worst roads and being in a mountain this was a great choice. Worth the investment!

[@williamrush2112]

Excellent topic! Broke my hand on 1 Jan (washed out on leaves...rock in the right place). I now have a cast for 4 weeks, then brace and therapy. No outdoor MTBing for me until spring. I have a kickr 2018 being delivered tomorrow. I'll put my Santa Cruz Tallboy on it. Something is better than nothing in my case. I now have a new found interest for indoor training. Thanks for this vid!

[@danielsonsthagen8970]

We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. kzbin.infoUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.

[@Icantfindtheanykey]

I really like this vid. Good work Doddy! perhaps the best talk/tutorial/commentary on indoor training I've ever seen. Perfect for the average person and not full of technobabble like some other vids.

[@babygerald4645]

As a dedicated roadie Zwifter, these are all good tips for setting up a trainer. Doddy's recommendation of a fan is key- preferably something like a Vornado that moves a lot of air. Also make sure you have plenty of hydration around. I set up a little folding table to hold my bottles and towel. When hydrating properly, expect to go through a bottle every 30-45 minutes.

[@elliesworld4112]

That has to be the best review on a smart trainer that I seen yet. Thanks!

[@harrywitt4322]

It's amazing how muddy it is riding in the work shop clean your bike.!

[@maxb7281]

Remember you don't need zwift just a trainer and a gcn training video to follow

[@mrvwbug4423]

Zwift can be a lot of fun though, can certainly help keep a lot of people motivated.

[@maxb7281]

100% agree I used zwift for a year and it's great but if your just interested in the training aspect like me there are lots of free training videos out there which are a really good budget friendly option

[@Nornagest84]

I'm glad you delve into this topic. I guess I'll probably get a separate bike for this, if I'm getting me a turbo trainer. Thanks for all the tips!

[@babygerald4645]

The great thing about having a dedicated bike for the trainer is you really only need a decent chainset/derailleur system. No need for brakes, no need for shocks, no need for lightness or crazy expensive wheels-- just good geometry and gearing and you're set.

[@gmbntech]

Maybe you have a charity bike workshop near you or can find some cheap second-hand bike parts.

[@BWT599]

4:25 mad respect for the dnb reference!

[@josesierra01234]

Agreed!

[@kristmundurhelgi]

I often wonder why these trainers and spinning bikes don't generate electricity, you could e.g. charge up all your outdoor gear while working out. Talking about measuring power generating, it could also be motivating to decide to charge up e.g. your gps to day or something. Thanks Doddi ones again for clearing the view in this jungle that is mtb gadgets and tech is for the average bloke.

[@stereobangbang]

This may be the first time I’ve noticed any hair out of place on Doddy’s head. It’s either helmet or a perfect coif.

[@craighillrich5438]

I've set up my 26 hard tail with slicks on the mag trainer. Works well. I shift gears to increase/decrease resistance.

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

Use the trainer indoors to build your fitness, then you can absolutely SHRED the trails outdoors.

[@awesometuscaloosa7203]

I would love this setup🤘😄 I usually go to the gym and watch BKXC... you get into it bad, one time I almost flip the dang bike💥every one around was like what tha****!

[@nellsypie]

This is an excellent video and underrated

[@Evertb1]

A second hand but very good spinning bike, a 42 inch screen and online workouts are doing it for me on those dark days for years now. It works great and it did not break the bank. Though I can't wait to ride the outdoors again.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Great video, thanks Doddy. I ride on a trainer once a week in order to ride with a friend who can no longer go out on the road or dirt. We invested in a big screen monitor (about 40”), and then I got a projector and 100” roll up screen as a gift from my daughter the holidays. Amazingly immersive for VR training. We use FulGaz which has road and MTB real life videos from all over the world. You don’t see avatars or game features, but you get as much as a real world ride video as possible. Give FulGaz a try. You can overlay any interval or other training session onto the ride videos as well. We use Apple TV to connect to the monitor or projector - the easiest way is lightening to HMDI cable, then no messing with wifi /Bluetooth / Ant+, at least as between the monitor and the iPhone or iPad or computer.

[@newttella1043]

FulGaz isn't a sponsor of GMBN. Did you think this video was going to be unbiased?

[@antoinechalons]

the fan is absolutely indispensable!

[@Antjan46]

This would be great for summer seasons here in the middle east, temperatures are in the high 40'c range. Would be fun to use this work with VR goggles

[@mrvwbug4423]

I was chatting with a guy in Dubai earlier, he said he does his summer rides very early in the morning and it's still usually 42C.

[@Antjan46]

@@mrvwbug4423 haha indeed, its like a furnace out here.

[@georgesdoumit884]

so random, reading the comments and finding you here!! ahaha! I'm using Georges account but its cynthia.

[@Antjan46]

@@georgesdoumit884 wow what a coincidence! How you doing??!!!

[@alecrisdan]

thanks for in depth info ..always awesome to get some tech wisdom from you Doddy . all the best for 2021 . massive shout out to everyone on the GMBN Team from Cape Town

[@willbennett7107]

I baught a spinning bike and linked it to zwift it does the job perfectly for when it’s dark on a night

[@mrvwbug4423]

did it already have the bluetooth connectivity and power meter or did you have to add a power meter and cadence sensor. Someone else mentioned that used spinning bikes are cheap.

[@mtbboy1993]

newest addition to training is the new local pumptrack, it's quite work out for sure. also other things I work on now is the balance points, so manual, bunny hops, and advanced moves like riding up high drops . I now ride a big enduro bike, riding down a trail fast at race speed was easy, so was climbing but balance points for advanced moves is what I need to work on now. just like I had to with my previous bike when it was new, but my new bike fits me.

[@mrvwbug4423]

That's what I did today, one of our local parks has a pump track, and a few MTB trails. One of their best features is 3 drop lines that have progressively larger drops for practicing drops. First is rollable, second is just a little too big to be rollable, but not to scary to huck, and the third has some 2-3 foot drops that are definitely non-rollable.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@mrvwbug4423 no jumps at the local pumptrack. Not tried a proper jump yet.

[@stefromfortworth]

Used spinning bikes go dirt cheap on eBay 👍🏼

[@jimdrake9528]

Oh ,that's what it is .I'm using a normal mtb tyre and it sounds like an old ww2 air raid siren 🤣. Slick tyre it is then

[@safwaan2abrahams]

Do you need a cassette too?

[@7thcounsellor]

@@safwaan2abrahams Swapping out the back wheel requires the cassette. If you're indoor only for a few months, then just swap out the tire on your wheel and it works great.

[@avidpsychlist8129]

I'm fortunate enough to have a good road bike and a good mountain bike, and I've just purchased an Elite direct drive smart trainer (Elite Sterzo smart steering adapter on its way as well). Since I had a fluid wheel-on "dumb" trainer set up as you mentioned (with speed/cadence sensors) I'd like to add some life experience to this option that might help in someone's purchase decision making. I use Zwift, but did try out Rouvy as well. What the software does since there is no way for it to add resistance to your trainer on the climbs, it will calculate the incline vs how fast you're pedaling and your power output and slow you down to estimate how fast/slow you would be going based on those parameters. So for example, you could be climbing a 10% incline with little effort, but at say 4 mph. To make it more realistic, when climbing (Zwift shows you the % incline) shift to a higher gear to make it harder during the climb and an easier gear when going back to level ground. Now here is why I upgraded to a smart trainer. After that big climb, the dumb trainer with sensors still needs a fair amount of pressure to keep rolling at a decent pace, so no rest for you on the downhill if you want to have a good overall time for your outing (the smart trainers lower the resistance so can stay in your top gear and keep a high cadence while still going fast and recovering from the climb). Also, if you end up getting hooked on racing in Zwift, only the smart trainer users will be eligible for an official standing in most of the races. For those reasons I thought it's worth mentioning that if you think you might really enjoy the interactive training, it's something to consider (possibly investing more to start but be equipped to get the most out of the software). I'm hoping it's not a re-calibration required every time I switch from road bike to mountain bike (perhaps you guys can chime in here... Neil?). Finally, my two cents, the Polar OH-1 heart rate sensor set-up on my upper arm... soooo much better than a chest strap HR sensor!! Especially for mountain biking. In my case, the Camelbak and chest mounted GoPro wouldn't play nice with a chest mounted unit.

[@ianpereira4711]

Actual video starts at 2:45

[@foxhound143]

You can also use sx or nx eagle cassette.

[@PClarkson101]

I use a tacx booster which looks alot like the dumb trainer in this video, with the wahoo speed & cadence sensors (bluetooth & ant+). No need to connect a heart rate to zwift, I just watch my hr on my watch. Use zwift on a iPad that is connected to a TV via hdmi cable with a cheap adapter off Ebay. With a dumb trainer you just need to check tyre pressure before every ride about 100-110psi and check the tyre against roller pressure 10/15 minutes into the ride (heat build up on the tyre will increase resistance).

[@vfxray]

Does a bike with rear suspension on the smart trainer cause any problems to the dropout?

[@blongmedia5209]

no one: still no one: Doddy: in additon to riding there are many options enough

[@Jafste]

a old video, but one question i am thinking on buying the TACX SATORI PRO, and a btt bike to start. Do i need a new wheel/tire to practice?

[@evintromley144]

Please send me the how to build ur own scooter bike like the one in the back ground

[@J_Harker]

love u gmbn tech

[@johnhorton690]

Can you use them with old school nutted axals

[@randyg.7940]

Great video thx for posting. I would live to get back into biking and start on one of these. Is there a weight limit on the trainers am pretty heavy right now.

[@johannesmtb9446]

I would Use it with my Canyon torque with 180mm do you think its usefull

[@marcopolocucina2484]

Excuse the stupid question, but I have a 12 speed deore mtb and an 11 speed ultegra road - is there a single cassette I use to fit either bike on wahoo kickr?

[@Patteh01]

I wanna look into investing in a smart trainer for indoor use, cause weather is sh*t. are there any reccomended

[@jeffc9av]

Is it ok to use my mtb on a smart trainer with a road cassette? I have a 12 speed sram road cassette on the saris H3 trainer and I want to use my mtb with sram AXS 12 speed. Or do i have to remove my mtb cassette from my back wheel? 🤕

[@gabrielbuenoaoki6119]

Doddy great video Some questions, i would like to hear more about suspension setup if better higher pressure than usual, if needed to lock both suspensions, also regarding seating position and shifter setup Do you also have anything specific for the maintenance on using the trainer for 3 4 months?

[@Gworan]

When I add up the cost of even a non-smart magnetic trainer + spare wheel, tyre, casette, power meter, heart rate monitor... What about a spin cycle?

[@newttella1043]

Just get a cheap old mtb for the indoor trainer and just set up the fit to match your good mtb, it'll look weird but it's only for indoor training. This way you won't care about sweat damage and wearing out your pricey Eagle drive train out.

[@karenharrison9786]

Will using an old Giant Boulder SE MTB (2x7) with a smart trainer like the Wahoo kickr snap give you enough gears, speed etc for the various Zwift routes?

[@nonsense7173]

Which is better and what is the difference between roller ang trainer? I am mtb users

[@osvaldovegacasanova3559]

a route bike is the cheapest way to start an indoor training, transmission wearing is quite expensive on a decent mtb

[@corryfitz]

great vid, is it important to raise the trainer (kickr core in my case) up so the axles are level?

[@BlitzJR69]

imagine VR mountain biking 😂

[@dodokilleurs8271]

no imagine just go ride

[@BlitzJR69]

@@dodokilleurs8271 yeah imagine 😂

[@nedt]

Mmmm sweaty goggles

[@xenos999]

Trixter xdream.

[@andreabaglione]

Is that sunrace cassette compatible with shimano 12v and new HG + chain? Thank you

[@jgomezllanos80]

I have MTB what cassette do you recommend ?

[@PuertoRicanSoja]

How much inches is it

[@monty808]

Do you know if when changing from shimano to sram brakes. If the shimano brake caliper adapter will work with the sram calipers. Thanks I love your videos!

[@gmbntech]

What matters is that you run the correct adapter to match the rotor size. In many cases, it is possible to fit a new brake onto the previous mount and rotor but we always suggest you follow manufacture instructions if you are unsure.

[@shitizbhure7438]

Hi

[@keep-going]

This may sound silly, but can you put an electric fsb on a trainer and just pedal without the electrics on. I use my manual fsb on it at the moment but I'm over 60 now and want to buy a electric fsb and use it as my only bike. I can hear you all laughing now, I'm laughing myself. But I'm downsizing to one bike and going for electric due to being a oap. soon lol. Coments please, go easy on me.

[@JogBird]

lmao, im a roadie and bought a fs mtb so that i could ride (outside) in the winter

[@geemail369]

🤣👌🏻 This is _great!_

[@roilev]

Turbo trainer manufacturers must start including the boost adapter with the trainer, it would cost them a couple of cents. And stop pretending they support SRAM 11 speed when they don't support the XX1

[@Simonve7]

Can you ride with your MTB on a smarttrainer with a road bike cassette?

[@ksazubbie]

I would also like to know.

[@thompsy2k6]

Did you feel weird without a helmet on? :) I would love a smart trainer though, but I love being outside too much :) Thanks for the insight

[@mtbboy1993]

I ride as much in the winter as I do in the summer. if it's really bad with snow, way too deep snow to ride then I just wait until it's plowed, and ride trails and paths that are packed down by hikers, if that's not possible I do urban mttb cus there it's least amount of snow and usually is plowed, so even if I have to walk on bike paths to get to city centre I stil l can have some fun there, and winter and bad weather means not as much ppl there so I can do stuff I can't near a lot of ppl. If I have very little time to ride, I push extra hard, I go race mode. But for workout off the bike I do callisthenics, dumbbell training.

[@mtbboy1993]

8:33 bearing half way out of the body, that seems like a horrible design, butt at least its a wide bearing.

[@rascott1970]

if you have the budget for a top end smart trainer why not just buy a Concept 2 bike erg for £950? Zwift compatible. less fiddling about, will last for ever.

[@rascott1970]

I am biased as my main non MTB training is a C2 rowing machine. Love it.

[@frankiecarlos6829]

I wish i have money to buy bike trainor but i dont have money to buy 😢

[@JoJO-tr6rk]

Hahaha, what a nightmare ! 'make sure the hardware is compatible..' 'the software comes with a trial périod..'.. how much does it cost ? Computer + turbo trainer + spare wheel + software subscription + anti-rust + fan + spare casette + cadense sensor + Heart rate sensor + oh fuck, let's go for a ride :-)

[@Fitchen1]

2nd comment also love gmbn

[@1nabcd8ed]

I'm a cheapo. So I just use the indoor trainer on the office gym and punch it from there.

[@fud1376]

What about side to side movement, as when going uphill...Nobody on a mtb keeps the thing upright when pushing on...!!

[@geemail369]

There's balanceboard-like kits available also coming with smart air guns shooting mud and bugs right at your face according to your trail profile ... just look it up!

[@gmbntech]

@Le Typ 😂

[@rascott1970]

isn't it just "erg"? Short for ergometer. Not E.R.G. #pedanticmode

[@hayzmation5354]

This channel has been doing so successful since I’ve last been here, meanwhile I’ve been losing 270 subscribers a day lol :(

[@MaQuGo119]

Everythnign was great, expect for that Mac

[@cyclicalcycler993]

Dirty bike is a Big no no!

[@Montblanc1986]

Christ, Doddy this is looking complex as...

[@jayram64]

Nothing to do with mtb

[@panzerveps]

At least clean your bike first....

[@tbsska]

lol a 3000$ trainer.. good lord