Conference noted::bicycle

1834.0. "Cyclist using non cycling home trainer" by AYOV24::RGELVIN () Wed Jan 30 1991 09:05

    While on a visit to my brother in Los Angeles recently I tried out
    his new Tunturi variable resistance climber. I was pleasantly 
    surprised at the workout it offered. I own a cycle trainer of the
    mag turbo type but have always found it extremely boring and also
    worried, as I am sure a few cyclists, do about continually working
    out only the leg muscles used for cycling. 
    
    Using the Tunturi machine I found the time flew by while training
    (listening to music, watching the box) and that I could work out 
    either in a cycling, climbing or running position thus exercising
    all the muscle groups including the lower back. 
    
    As I could not purchase the same model in the UK I brought one back 
    with me and after using it for the past three weeks have found it much
    preferable to using the home cycle trainer, which I haven't used
    since my return, and on my timed runs on the bike at the weekend have 
    noticed no drop off in my times. As a bonus my girlfriend, who has long
    threatened to get fit for her summer runs on the bike with me, but
    also dislikes cycling indoors, loves the Tunturi and uses it every night.
    
    After returning from a four week cycle tour in the USA, during which
    I suffered greatly from knee pain, I visited my doctor who told me to 
    run as well as cycle in order to exercise all my leg muscles. He
    reckoned that cycling alone tends to pull the patella to the side, due 
    to the imbalance of exercised muscles. After using the climber for the 
    time at my brothers and since my return to the UK the pains in my
    knees that I usually get on long runs have been decreasing to the
    extent that they hardly bother me at all now.
    
    Does anyone else use these machines or the Nordic ski machine which
    I hear is even better. Does not concentrating purely on cycling
    eventually lead to a fall off in performance or is there any other
    negatives to them? I know they have been around in the States for
    years but have yet to be introduced in any great numbers in the
    UK so my knowledge of the Pro's and Con's of their long term use is 
    nill. Thanks in advance for the advice
    
    Richard
     
    
    
    
    

Can you tell me how much one of these things cost?	

    The Tunturi C401 costs around $180 plus local tax
    

    There's a lot of stair machines out there. You can spend anywhere from
    < $100.00 to over 2K.
    Funny you should mention that about biking causing the patella to pull.
    My doc said running caused that! I guess it when you do any one thing.
    He therapy was leg extensions and other exercises to strengthen the
    inner quad muscles...
    On the subject of cross-training, I would think something that works
    the upper body would be a better complement to biking. Stair climbing
    to me seems to be the closest thing to biking and running. I'd
    go for a cross-country simulator, or a nice rower. The only problem
    with those is they don't come with a thought-activated remote control -
    an absolute necessity when your hands are busy.
    
    John

    I too have knee problems caused by focusing on cycling.  My doctor
    recommended knee excercises and cross-training to keep the other
    muscles of the legs in balance.  I use a stair machine a couple of 
    times a week, and just bought a Nordic Track.  I think both are
    beneficial and have had fewer problems with my knees since working
    more on cross-training.  From what I've read, cross-training will
    not detract from your cycling power, and should help you to be
    even stronger.  Plus, the variety cuts down on the boredom (during
    the winter anyway).
    
    Jean