Indoor bike training enables rider to increase the strength and stamina when riding outdoor is not an option due some reasons such unfavorable weather condition, in consistent of working time, etc. However, indoor bike training could be dull if just looking the number displaying on cycle-computer or training apps on your smart devices (smartphone, smart watch, Garmin, etc).

The recent popular indoor bike training software (game) company, Zwift has revolutionized the indoor training experience. Zwift is using VR (virtual reality) technology enables rider to immerse themselves in an experience as outdoor cycling. You can send message, can react the avatar during the training.

What is Zwift?

“Zwift is an online, immersive, 3D gaming and fitness experience created for cyclists. Your digital destination for fitness, fun, and adventure.”

Zwift also says that the game can be better than outdoor riding, where “weather, traffic, time constraints and distance from other cyclists can take the fun out of it.” We’re not sure about that, but if it’s wet or cold outside, then an online world may well be preferable.

What are the equipments required to play Zwift?

In order to play Zwift in more immersive environment, you have to get an interactive indoor smart trainer (Tacx Neo Smart, Tacx Bushido Smart, Tacx Ironman, Elite Rampa Smart Trainer, etc). This device enables the 3rd party software (e.g. Zwift) to control your bike trainer resistance, thereby simulating the gradient changes and other environment factors such as wind, road conditions (uneven road, cobble stones).

Zwift + iOS Devices

Zwift has launched the application for iOS deviceS in 2016. Zwift can pair directly with iPad and iPhone using bluetooth smart connectivity. How about Android user? Zwift still working on this.

Laptop / Desktop + Zwift + Ant+ Dongle

Zwift can also pair with your desktop or laptop using Ant+ Dongle (receiver) which cost RM90-RM199. Ant+ Dongle is required to place close enough to the trainer to avoid signal interruption during training.

What are the minimum computer requirements?

OS: Windows 7 x64 bit, OSX 10.7
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 4GB
Graphics: 1GB dedicated GPU, or embedded Intel HD 4000/AMD R5
Hard Drive: 4GB of free space

What if no interactive smart trainer? 

Yes. You still can play Zwift using your current indoor bike trainer (non-smart) e.g. Tacx Satori Smart, Tacx Bluematic, Minoura B60-R, etc. You need to get speed cadence sensor whether in ANT+ or Bluetooth smart connectivity. It just has no gradient change interaction from Zwift (other 3rd party software) to the trainer. You have to manually trigger the resistance lever when gradient is changing.

How to install Zwift? 

You can download Zwift from App Store. It is available for both Windows & Mac OS. You are require to create your account, rider details are important such as gender, height, weight which will be used to give accurate measurement of speed & power in the game.

The next step is to set up your avatar to give some nice kit and your bike. New player won’t have that many jerseys and bikes to choose from. The more achievements gain and move up through the levels, letting you unlock more outfits, bikes and wheels.

Then, you are prompted to pair Zwift with any ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart device (smartphone, tablet). At that point you’re ready to play.

Where can I ride in Zwift?

• Watopia South Pacific Paradise. [ 8 routes, 41.64 of road, 516m peak elevation ]
• London 2016 Prudential Ridelondon Course [ 5 routes, 19.9 of road, 155m peak elevation]
• Richmon 2015 UCI World Road Race [4 routes, 18.9 of road, 65m peak elevation]

Joining the group ride or event race Zwift

The fun part of using Zwift as indoor training is that you can join a group ride or event race in Zwift. Usually the race event calendar will updated by ZwiftHQ few days before the race. Hence, you have to check the Official Zwift event calendar.

After register, you can continue your current ride. The joint event button will pop up usually 15mins before the race.

Zwift Workout Training

Zwift has rolled out a workout training feature. Each workout can help you achieve a fitness goal. There are two options for selecting workout sessions. Firstly, you can create your own workout version using Zwift Workout editor which is drag and drop interface. Secondly, select the pre-made workouts, do a FTP (Functional Threshold Power) test.

How much does it cost for subscription?

Zwift introduced a monthly fee of USD $10 but you can get 7 days free when registering.

Join the world’s largest cycling community making fitness social.

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Features

• Big, twin diameter drum with 2.6 kg flywheel provide real road ride feel.
• Combines rigorous trainer workout with excellent pedaling dynamics.
• Easy set up combing your frame and front for mount.
• Compatible with ROAD / CX / MTB.
  (wheel base between 950 mm to 1,200 mm)

Front Mount:

• Compatible with 9 mm normal Q/R and 15 mm Thru axle.
• Bike frame angle adjustment up to 10 degrees (5 position) for real climbing positions.
  (0% / 3% / 6% / 8% / 10%)
• Soft urethern protects expensive carbon and (other) front forks from damage.
• Built in sway simulates out of saddle side-to-side movement.

Rear Roller:

• Large, 78mm diameter roller reduces tire wear.
• Mount to the front fork eliminates worry about rear end bike attachments.
• Smooth and natural feeling with 2.6 kg flywheel.
• 7- different resistance levels provides warm up/cool down and extensive workouts.

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The Minoura Mag-Ride (previously known as B-60R) offers a good quality trainer without any frills. They have a sturdy stable frame, decent resistance levels, reasonably quiet and great value for money. The high-end indoor bike trainer.

Power Unit: Magturbo – World First Magnetic Resistance
Remote Adjust: Yes
Capacity Tire size: 24″-700/29″
Resistance Adjustable: Yes. 7 Levels
Support rider weight: 120kg
Mag Riser: Excluded
Weight: 5.9kg
Size: 610mm x 420mm x 400mm (WxDxH)

B60R = Mag-Ride

Description & image source: Minoura Official Page

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You might wondering what is an indoor bicycle trainer? In summary, it allows you to train indoor with your own bicycle (Mountain, 20″ Folding Bike, Hybrid or Road bike) – Meaning you can pedal, change gear and brake as if outside while stay comfort at home (Espcially when raining or bad weather).

1. Improve Performance & Stamina: If you wish to improve your cycling performance and stamina always use bicycle trainer to track and monitor cycling data history based on levels of resistance of the trainer. It also being used to warm up prior to a race or competition.

2. Work-life Balance: If you wish to keep up with your cycling plan regardless of your busy daily work will always find bicycle trainer useful.

3. All Weather: Whether it rainy or hazy outside, you can always ride your bicycle from the comfort of your home. No more depending on the weather for a workout!

4. Safety Comes First: Indeed, some of the roads in the city/ town areas are not bicycle-friendly. Due to this reason, You might find it useful just to ride indoor while listening to music and watching your favourite drama series.

So, which one to choose?

Typically, a quiet, smooth and realistic feeling bicycle trainer is recommended when considering a bicycle trainer as it will impact your indoor cycling experience. In order to ensure your investment (RM) is well spent, consider a quality and reliable brand like Minoura (Japan) that is renowned for durability. Bicycle trainers vary in price depending on type (higher power, remote resistance adjustable) and quality starting from RM599 up to RM1499 available for 20″ – 700c wheel size.

For more information regarding different types of bicycle trainers be sure to check out the top 3 popular models below:

1. For Beginner. Minoura B-60R | RM 599

2. Best Value! Minoura LR760 | RM 1199

3. Pro Use! Minoura LR960 | RM1499

The post 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider an Indoor Bicycle Trainer appeared first on USJ CYCLES.

Specifications

Model: Minoura RDA2429-R Indoor Bike Trainer

World Only One Rim Drive Unit

• Driven by rubber roller contacting rim side wall
• No matter what the tire tread pattern is, promises no vibration ride
• Good for MTB with knobby tire
• Also good for road bike because tire won’t wear off
• Intensionally stronger resistance for building muscles
• 7 levels resistance power adjustment
• Tire capacity: 24″ – 700 x 40c (ETRTO 42-622)
• Weight: 7.6 kg
• 365watt (40km/h)
• Fat steel tube construction for greater durability
• 35mm diameter legs supports weight very stable
• Fits any wheel size between 24″ and 29″/700c
• Dimension: 650mm x510mm x410mm
• Made in Japan
• Usual: RM 1279 | Cash & carry : RM 1099 (incl. GST)

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Specifications:

Twin Mag … The Most Powerful & Widest Range Ever

• Dual Neodymium magnets
• Super quiet and ultra smooth
• Generates 584 Watt power at 40 km/h, 1000watt  (60km/h)
• 35% stronger and 2x resistance range than V-series
• 2.7 kgs virtual flywheel weight
• 13 resistance levels
• Quick release remote shifter
• Allows high-speed/low-resistance training
• Tire capacity: 24″ – 700 x 40c (ETRTO 42-622)
• Weight: 8.9 kg
• Unique U-Shape Frame, lightweight, but very stable
• Dimension: 640mm x500mm x410mm
• Include mag riser
• Made in Japan
• Usual: RM 1699 | Offer: RM 1599 (incl. GST)

Optional accessories:
Minoura Speed & Cadence Sensor ANT+ RM 239
Minoura Heart Rate Sensor RM 239
Woohoo Key for (iPhone) RM 399 (sold)

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Specifications:

Twin Mag … The Most Powerful & Widest Range Ever

• Dual Neodymium magnets
• Super quiet and ultra smooth
• Generates 584 Watt power at 40 km/h, 1000watt  (60km/h)
• 35% stronger and 2x resistance range than V-series
• 2.7 kgs virtual flywheel weight
• 13 resistance levels
• Quick release remote shifter
• Allows high-speed/low-resistance training
• Tire capacity: 24″ – 700 x 40c (ETRTO 42-622)
• Weight: 8.5 kg
• Dimension: 640mm x500mm x410mm
• Include mag riser

Usual: RM1,376 | Offer: RM1,159 (incl. GST)

Optional accessories:

• Minoura Speed & Cadence Sensor ANT+ RM 239
• Minoura Heart Rate Sensor RM 239
• Woohoo Key for (iPhone) RM 399 (sold)

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Indoor bike trainer is an equipment that enable bike rear wheel to be lifted up and enable cyclist sit on the bike to train stationary at indoor. Indoor bike trainer is an essential equipment to professional cyclist workout and warm up the body before enter the race. In addition, it give alternative way of training to cyclists when outdoor training is not favorable due to traffic, weather, road conditions.

Advantages indoor bike trainer:

1. Unaffected by outdoor conditions – Outdoor training required take more safety precaution such as traffic and weather.
2. Better use of time – Cyclist spend more time from bringing the bike to training center than training time. Make use of time for training is important so that cyclist can get back to works or home as scheduled.
3. Require small floorspace – Latest design of indoor bike trainers are small in size, foldable and easy for storage. It just require a small floorspace (length of bicycle) for training.
4. Flexibility & Mobility – Latest design of bike trainers are compatible to any bicycle size (24-29). It also foldable and easy to carry to anywhere for training.
5. More focus on training – Without worry the outdoor influence as as road, weather conditions, safety, cyclist can stay focus on their cadence (pedaling speed) and better interval training.
6. Fast Weight reduction – Indoor training time interval is longer than outdoor. Hence, indoor training could reduce weight more quicker.
7. Minimal cost of training – A simple bike with gear system and indoor bike trainer enable to start a training at very low cost.

Some of indoor bike trainers in store.

Minoura B60R (24″-700c) – RRP RM 669

Minoura LR240 (24″-700c) – RRP RM 899

Minoura LR240 (20″ – Folding Bike) – RRP RM 999

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Product description:

Power Unit

• Single Neodymium magnet
• Quiet and smooth feel
• Generates 433 Watt power at 40 km/h
• 35% wider resistance range than standard Mag series
• 1.5 kgs virtual flywheel weight
• 7 resistance levels
• Quick release remote shifter (7 levels(
• Allows high-speed/low-resistance training

Trainer Frame

• Specialized for 18″-20″
• Fit hub width between 125mm-145mm
• Quick release type hub
• Standard knob bolt type roller pressure adjuster
• Dimension : 610(Width) * 300(Dpth) * 310mm(Height)
• Weight: Approx. 3.5kg

Tires capacity / compatibility (18″ – 20″ wheel size folding bike, kiddy mtb)

• 18″ x 1-1/4 (ETRTO 32-369)
• 20″ x 1-1/8 (ETRTO 28-451)

Usual: RM 999 (inclusive mud-riser) | Offer: RM 959 (incl. GST)

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Product details:

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The power unit

• Single Neodymium magnet
• Quiet and smooth feel
• Generates 433 Watt power at 40 km/h
• 35% wider resistance range than standard Mag series
• 1.1 kgs virtual flywheel weight
• 7 resistance levels
• Quick release remote shifter
• Allows high-speed/low-resistance training

The trainer Frame

• Lightweight steel frame for easy transportation
• Fits hub width between 125 – 145mm
• Standard thread type hub clamp
• 29mm diameter leg

Spec

Net Weight：5.9 kgs
Power Output 433 watt (40 km/h) 672 watt (60 km/h)
Tire Size Capacity 24″ – 700 x 45c (ETRTO 47-622)

Optional Software

• LiveTraining
• LiveCycling
• Sufferfest
• Cogmon

(Mud Riser Included, Video Training CD inside the box)

Usual: RM 959 | Offer: RM 879 (incl. GST)

*description & images source from minoura usa.

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The Minoura B-series models (B-60R) offers a good quality trainer without any frills. They have a sturdy stable frame, decent resistance levels, reasonably quiet and great value for money. The high-end indoor bike trainer.

Power Unit: Magturbo – World First Magnetic Resistance
Remote Adjust: Yes
Capacity Tire size: 24″-700/29″
Resistance Adjustable: Yes. 7 Levels (B60R series)
Support rider weight: 120kg
Mag Riser: Exclude
Weight: 5.9kg
Size: 610mm x 420mm x 400mm (WxDxH)

This model no longer available.

Description & image source: Minoura Official Page

The post Indoor Bike Trainer – Minoura B60-R (Made in Japan) appeared first on USJ CYCLES.

Specifications:

• Holds 2 bikes stable in the cargo space of your car
• Just put on the floor. No need to bolt down
• By adding extra fork mount, can hold up to 3 bikes
• Comes with 2 sets of standard 9mm quick release skewer type fork mount
• Can transport bike safe and save cargo space

MINI BAR

• Lightweight but stiff against twisting diamond dimension alloy bar
• Can cut easily by metal saw to adjust the length for fitting car interior width
• Anti-slip rubber on both side bases keeps the rack in position

FORK MOUNT

• Fits standard 9mm quick release type front fork
• Fully position adjustable on the bar with quick release system
• Off-set design fork mount avoids bike rolling when applying brake
• Twisting fork mount (in every 20 degrees) saves space more

Reference source from Minoura.

Offer: RM 299 (S size – 1 bike)
Offer: RM 499 (M size – 2 bikes MAX. 3 Bikes)
Offer: RM 629 (L size – 3 bikes MAX. 4 Bikes)

incl. GST

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Bike storage hook specifications:

• A convenient hook for hanging a bike on the wall
• Foldable when not in use
• Made of 10mm diameter durable steel rod
• Vinyl coated hook for protecting bike finish
• Comes with a small hook for hanging helmet
• Hook span 370mm
• Material Steel
• Feature: Foldable
• Weight: 1.2kg
• Warranty: 2 years

  Offer: Rm 159 (incl.GST)

Image sources from Minourausa.com

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Selft-Standing Base

• Durable, rustproof and lightweight single piece alloy tubing main pillar
• K-shaped leg design for placing just next to wall
• Steel tubing legs and reinforcement bar
• Self-standing style allows setting up at anywhere in room
• Holds 2 bikes (cannot store bike on backside)

Bike Cradle

• Holds bike horizontally
• Comes with 2 sets of BikeCradle4 with bent type arms
• Wide padded hook supports bike softly
• Independently angle adjustable (+- 35 degrees) arms
• Hook distance : min 340mm, max 420mm
• Fully position adjustable with alloy clamp

Specs

Specs Model  : P-500AL-3
Pillar Height : 1,860mm
Pillar Diameter : 45mm
Max Load : 25 kgs (per cradle)
Net Weight : 5.2 kgs
Warranty : 2 years

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Features
•    It holds your phone tightly and protect from shock
•    Alloy bracket mounting
•    Adjustable angel
•    Available in two clamp sizes: 28-35mm & 22-29 mm
•    Made in Japan

Suitable for:

APPLE iPhone 3G/3Gs/4/4s /5s/6
RIM Blackberry
Sony-Ericsson Xperia and other smart phone

*The recommended phone dimension is 58 – 68mm width x 9 – 15mm thickness, but it’s capable with other sizes at your own risk.

Specifications:

iH-200-S

• SKU 339-3320-00
• Capable Diameter 22 – 29 mm
• Logo Color Red
• Material Alloy / Plastic
• Net Weight 121 grams
• Usual: RM 159 | Offer: RM 139 (incl.GST)

iH-100-M

• SKU 339-3321-00
• Capable Diameter 28 – 35 mm
• Logo Color Black
• Material Alloy / Plastic
• Net Weight 122 grams
• Usual: RM 159 | Offer: RM 139 (incl.GST)

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