For the next few weeks I want to be able to use a trainer to... train. I hate the bloody things, so I can't see myself continuing but?
I've got a few years old Tacx Basic - a reasonable (?) mag brake unit with digital display giving cadence, watts output, and a "slope" that goes from -3 (wtf?) to 9 which is supposedly 9% equivalent. I have my suspicions about the accuracy of the readout, getting a cadence of 85 feels more like 100+ I have mated it up to my old muddy fox MTB frame with a trainer rear tye, converted to a single speed with about a 70" gear. Rolling along a "4" slope I can work up a sweat, "9" however is nowhere near enough resistance to stand, and the main purpose of this is to try to increase my (virtually non existent) climbing stamina.
I'm not sure that a friction trainer will ever provide the resistance needed for an out the saddle ride, but on the other hand it really ought to.
I am wondering how to improve either this setup, or to get another trainer for the short term. Are fluid trainers any better? Should I use a geared bike? Should I use the direct link type (where you take the rear wheel off and engage the chain with the trainer? I know that a workout on the spinning bikes at the gym feels more effective, it is still difficult riding out the saddle but possible.
Any suggestions?