So someone tells you that you should consider a cycle trainer because it allows you to use your bike all year long. You start doing your homework on cycle trainers and discover that there are more options than you ever dreamed of.
This blog with will help you determine the difference in the models and will help you determine which unit is best for you.

Resistance Types. . . There are several popular types of resistance currently being used on trainers. Your shift levers allow you to make resistance adjustment with virtually all the resistance types. They include:

Wind- Wind resistance provides a true “outdoor cycling” feel, but is a little louder than other types and it’s upper end resistance levels are a bit limited. If you are going to be watching television while using a trainer, you may need to turn that volume up a little and if your a competitive cyclist, a wind trainer may not offer you enough resistance to do you any good.

Mag – The theory of a magnetic trainer is to provide a quieter form of resistance. An adjustable magnetic unit allows the user to set the resistance to a specific level and your bikes shift levers allow you to find-tune the exact resistance. Many manufacturers also offer a remote option that allows the rider to adjust the mag unit from a lever on the handlebar. The drawback of a mag unit is that unlike actual road riding, it does not progressively increase the resistance as the speed of the wheel increases.

Magneto – The Magneto design is similar to the Mag unit although its system actually does allow for an increase in resistance as the speed increases. The Magneto uses centrifical force to send magnets to the outer edge of the mag unit as the speed increases. The more near the outer edge of the unit, the more resistance that’s being applied to the wheel. Like the Mag, Magneto units are quiet and because the resistance is based on speed, there is no manual resistance remote handlebar lever available.

Fluid – Without a doubt, the fluid trainer is the most popular trainer available today. Fluid trainers use a fluid-filled, closed reservoir fan design that smoothly and quietly creates additional resistance as the speed of the wheel increases providing a feeling very similar to that of actual road riding. Cooling fins on the outside of the reservoir keep the fluid at a consistent temperature to help keep the fluid from changing viscosity. Fluid units offer the widest range of resistance levels without having to touch the unit.

Centrifugal Force – A new and very interesting design that uses BB’s that start out near the center of the resistance unit, but as the speed increases, centrifugal force sends the BB’s towards the outer edge of the unit which forces the resistance brake to increase the resistance. Once the rider stops pedaling, the BBs drop back towards the center of the unit and all resistance on the wheel is released allowing the wheel to coast allowing the pedal stroke to feel more natural.

Electronic – The electromagnetic brake system used in today’s electronic trainers is capable of producing considerable power and this type of trainer comes with all the software and connections needed to allow it to interface with your PC. Ride with a group of your virtual friends and feel the changes in elevation, road condition and weather conditions as you tour various parts of the world. Add the steering option and have your steering become part of your ride as you carve your way through your fellow cyclists. For those who like cycling AND electronic gadgets, and have a little larger budget, this might be just the ticket.

Which one’s right for you . . . Our opinion is that when you weigh value against function, the best unit is the fluid trainer. If you’re not training for a cross-country ride, or preparing to race at the pro level, you may not need spend the extra money on an electronic or centrifugal force. A wind trainer will get that back wheel off the ground and allow you to pedal with the realistic feel of outdoor cycling. If you want a quieter unit that has some adjustability, the mag or magneto trainer might fit the bill.

Some recommended brands. . . There are several good quality brands of cycle trainers and here is the list of many of the top units. . .
CycleOps – Kurt Kinetic – Blackburn – Elite – Tacx – Forza – Minoura –

Triathlete.com: Walking away from Ironman for this year must have been a big decision. How did you come to this decision?

Wellington: Making the decision to have a sabbatical was reminiscent of the time in 2006 when I was deliberating whether or not to leave my job working for the government to embark on an unknown path as a professional triathlete. Although having such choices is a blessing, making these decisions is never easy. But now, as then, I simply try to follow my gut instinct and do what I feel is right deep in my heart. But yes, you’re right…it was a HUGE decision, and one that I deliberated long and hard over.

I feel so incredibly fortunate and grateful to have found a sport that I love; to have had the chance to actually make that passion my career; to have continually defied what I thought was possible; to have made so many great friends; to have travelled the world, and of course to have developed a platform on which I can now build.

But I believe that racing cannot always be the axis around which my life revolves. It should not be an end in itself—never the be all and end all of my life. Never define me. It is just one branch on a tree that I hope is as big, rich and varied as I can possibly make it. I want to inject some variety back into my life, some balance and some spontaneity. I want to be freer to explore and seize other opportunities. I would like to spend more time in the UK, and with my family and my friends; to work more closely with my chosen charities, to attend different races around the world, to work with my sponsors, and to try and inspire as many people as possible. Yes, I could do this whilst training and racing full time, but not to the extent and with the energy and passion that I feel is necessary.

Triathlete.com: How have those around you, including Dave Scott and your friends and family, reacted to your choice?

Wellington: Because it was an incredibly difficult decision to make, I did seek the counsel of various trusted people including Dave, my manager Ben, as well as close friends and family beforehand. Of course, Dave was incredibly understanding and helpful. His first hand experiences have meant that he can empathise with how I am feeling, and advise me on all the possible options, including the related emotional and physical factors that come into play.

Everyone that knows me well, including Dave, understands my craving for new challenges. Triathlon is an important and wonderful part of my life, and always will be. But like I said, I also need to give myself the chance to seize other opportunities, and truly celebrate everything I have managed to achieve in this great sport, without always looking to the next sporting goal. It’s not the end, merely the opening of a new chapter, and all my friends and family, as well as my sponsors, have been incredibly supportive, positive and encouraging.

Triathlete.com: How are you feeling—both physically and emotionally—after competing injured at the 2011 Ironman World Championship race?

Wellington: I am still suffering some physical side effects, but nothing major—only an ankle that doesn’t seem to want to be a normal size! The big red scars on my legs are still pretty horrendous, but they are war wounds I carry with pride!

In terms of emotions, Kona 2011 was the most gratifying, satisfying and proudest moment of my career. I dug to the very depths of my soul and truly pushed beyond any limit I thought existed. It was the hard-fought race I have always dreamed of, and I feel that maybe at this race I proved to myself, and others, that I really was worthy of being called a champion.

Triathlete.com: Will you still make swim, bike and run a part of your daily routine?

Wellington: I absolutely love sport and beasting myself physically, so I fully intend to be doing something active every day, maybe just not with the structure and intensity that has characterized my life over the past five years!

Triathlete.com: Can we still expect to see you on the starting line of other (non-Ironman distance) races in 2012?

Wellington: I always crave new physical and mental challenges, so although I don’t plan on racing Ironman in 2012, I am definitely not totally closing the door on any type of competitive event, this year and in future. I just don’t have a definite plan on what form this might take (but rest assured that it won’t be gymnastics. I have the coordination and elegance of a baby giraffe!)

Triathlete.com: Can we expect to see you on the starting line of the Ironman World Championship at some point again in the future?

Wellington: Ask me the same question this time next year!

Triathlete.com: Have your sponsors been supportive of your decision?

Wellington: Honestly, my sponsors have been nothing short of amazing, both in the past five years and with the recent decision I have made. I am incredibly fortunate that the majority have said they will continue to support me in the months and years ahead. I really cannot thank them enough for this. As many know, I have signed long-term ambassadorial roles with TYR and Cannondale, and am really excited about the opportunity to invest more time and energy into promotion and product development with them, and the rest of my sponsors.

Triathlete.com: What are some of the charities you’ll be working with during your time away from Ironman?

Wellington: My desire to work a lot more actively with all of my chosen charities was a key reason for my decision to step back from full-time training and racing for a little while. I have an amazing opportunity to use my platform to raise funds and awareness for causes that are important to me, and simply felt that I couldn’t do as much as I wanted to do whilst also trying to be the best athlete I could be. The charitable work will focus on those that I am already actively supporting, such as Janes Appeal, the Blazeman Foundation for ALS, Girls Education Nepal and Challenged Athletes Foundation as well as helping to grow GOTRIbal.

I haven’t made any firm plans as to what this work might be yet, but might include organizing specific events (such as “Runs with Chrissie” or the dinner I hosted for members of GOTRIbal); promoting these organizations in the media; attending clinics, events, races and so forth; auctioning items of memorabilia, as well as working directly with some of the beneficiaries of these charities, as I did with the Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego last year. I am also fortunate to be able to use other projects (such as the recently launched motivation and training downloads I made with Audiofuel) as a vehicle to support worthwhile causes. The world truly is our oyster, and I really look forward to being able to see what is possible.

Triathlete.com: Can you give us any kind of sneak peek into what we can expect from your autobiography, A Life Without Limits?

Wellington: You can expect honesty, inspiration, encouragement, motivation, some advice and maybe an element of surprise too!

The autobiography has been a labour of love and I have invested so much time and energy into this project over the past few years. Of course I wanted to share my life story (and some training/racing advice) with people—the good, the bad, and the sometimes ugly—but I wanted to use it as a vehicle for conveying some really important messages, to inspire and encourage people to take a chance, to defy what’s possible and to will willing to look fear and adversity in the face. There are things in the book that people may not have known, for example my battles with eating and body image—but I hope my experiences can in some way help others suffering from these type of problems. I am incredibly proud of the book, and I hope that everyone enjoys reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Introducing the HITS Triathlon Series, a new race series designed for seasoned triathletes, as well as first timers. All are invited to compete in the HITS Triathlon Series, from the beginner in the Open, to the experienced triathlete in the Sprint, Olympic, Half and Full, providing for the first time, “A distance for everyone!T”

A distance for everyone! assures you a challenging course geared to your unique level of training, endurance and personal goals.

Their mission is to produce an exceptional series of triathlons that delivers a challenging multi-sport experience, courses geared to the needs, level of training, endurance capacity and personal goals of each athlete. In addition to providing a product for the seasoned athlete, we believe it’s also important to introduce the sport of triathlon to those who may have never thought that they could compete in or complete a triathlon.

Five distances in one weekend! Choose the one that’s right for you. The HITS Triathlon series offers 12 exceptional locations encompassing 11 events throughout 2012 culminating with a HITS National Championship in Palm Springs, California on December 1-2, 2012. Each weekend event kicks off with a Fitness Festival on Friday and will feature, for the first time ever, the distance event that is right for you – Open, Sprint, International, Half and Full.

Announcing the first ever, free, HITS Open Triathlon! HITS Open is a novice participatory triathlon, which will feature a 100 meter swim, a 3 mile bike and 1 mile run created especially for first timers who never thought that competing in a triathlon was possible.

The HITS Series includes two locations in Texas that are easily accesible for our Tri-Sition Area customers. These are: Corpus Christi on February 18 and 19th and Marble Falls on April 28th and 29th!

For more informaiton or to register visit: www.http://www.hitstriathlonseries.com/

Retül technology is a cycling-specific motion-capture bike fitting system designed to provide qualified bike fitters highly accurate and comprehensive bike fit data. The system incorporates three-dimensional measurement, immediate report capability, and a millimeter-specific digitizing tool to provide the most accurate dynamic fitting solution in the industry.

The goal of Retül technology is to assist bike fitters in making objective and accurate fit decisions, as a proper bike fit is one of the single most important factors for optimal performance and efficiency, injury prevention, and comfort on the bike. A proper bike fit will not only provide a rider with the most economic means of expending energy, but will also prevent pain that is common in the knee, hip, and lower back, particularly with riders who are trying to adapt their bodies to the bike they already have purchased.

The Retül system reads the rider’s movements while they are in motion on the bike, and accounts for all three planes of movement (3D). This type of data cannot accurately be captured with 2D video, static fitting, or eyeball fitting. The Retül system eliminates the guesswork and assumptive nature of bike fit. The result is that the rider will have a true fit to his or her bike, maximizing efficiency and performance while avoiding discomfort or injury.

Elite athletes and recreational cyclists alike will benefit from a proper bike fit. Accurate and objective fit data assists retail bike shops, fit studios, PT’s, coaches, and performance centers in providing high-quality fit services. Retül promotes and encourages accurate and data-driven decisions for bike fit while considering the goals, individual biomechanics, strengths, and limitations of each rider. The bike fitter is the key – Retül technology alone is not enough to perform the fit. The training and experience of the fitter is essential to a good bike fitting experience. We simply provide the fitter with the most accurate fitting tool available so that he or she can increase the chances of achieving the desired position for each athlete.

Retul is available exclusively at Tri-Sition Area. Contact us to set up an appointment now to get you riding in the most optimal and injury-free position!

PRE EXCERSICE

IMPROVED CIRCULATION
Faster warm up and enhanced overall circulation. Graduated compression of the limbs actively encourages and increases venous return to the heart and lymph nodes.

DVT PROTECTION
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition that mainly affects the lower body and is typically associated with long periods of travel or inactivity. Compression garments can enhance blood flow in these areas through enhanced venous return, reducing the risk of DVT and swelling in ankles and limbs.

DURING EXCERSICE

REDUCED DAMAGE
2XU Compression features muscle containment properties which reduce muscle damage during exercise. By reducing muscle damage, 2XU Compression garments can minimize swelling post exercise and can significantly reduce the severity and duration of exercise induced muscle injury and soreness such as Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS).

INCREASED PERFORMANCE
During exercise, your muscles are exposed to vibration. This major cause of muscle fatigue,known as muscle oscillation can be reduced when wearing 2XU Compression garments. This leads to improved muscle endurance, strength, power output and lower heart rate for greater performance.

HEIGHTENED AGILITY
2XU Compression applies pressure to the skin surface to increase the body’s awareness for improved posture, agility and stability (proprioception). Heightened proprioception can help improve technique as an improved sense of your body’s positioning can increase balance, control and muscle coordination.

INCREASED PROTECTION + COMFORT
2XU Compression garments boasts a UPF sun protection rating of 50+ to offer maximum protection during outdoor training and competition. 2XU Compression fabrics wick moisture from the skin to keep the wearer dry and comfortable. 2XU Compression garments are also embedded with an antibacterial, odour resistant application to help minimize odour and prevent bacterial growth.

POST EXCERSICE

FASTER RECOVERY
By offering graduated pressure, 2XU Compression garments work to improve the recovery cycle by helping the pumping action of the cardiovascular system; removing blood lactate from exercising muscles leading reduced swelling, faster muscle repair and reduction in muscle soreness

Product is now available at Tri-Sition Area and trisitionarea.com

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!