How to Convert a Bicycle to Stationary
Converting a bicycle to stationary is a good way to make sure you can ride essentially whenever you feel like it. If you live somewhere with bad weather, or want to ensure that you can still ride in the darker winter months, consider purchasing a bicycle trainer, a device that allows a bicycle to be operated while stationary. Besides their ability to be used indoors, trainers are easy to set up and use, and rarely require any maintenance.
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Instructions
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Converting a Bicycle to Stationary
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Purchase a trainer. These are devices that comprise of a frame, clamp and roller that holds a bicycle in place but allows the rear wheel to spin when pedaled. They are carried by most bicycle shops, and usually cost about $100. While they all perform the same function, they differ based on the method each trainer uses to provide resistance to the bicycle's rear wheel. Low-end trainers simply use a belt-driven fan, which can be noisy and have a limited amount of resistance, while high-end trainers use magnetic- and fluid-based resisters that are quieter and provide better resistance.
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Set up the trainer indoors and on level ground. You will need to set it up somewhere with ample room for your bike to attach to it. You should probably also pick a room that is well-ventilated, since you'll be sweating as you use the trainer.
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Attach the bicycle to the trainer. You may want to use a spare quick release for the rear wheel, as some trainer mounts will scratch up the rear skewer. Center the bicycle's rear wheel in the trainer, with the tire making contact with the trainer's roller. Thread in the two sides of the trainer until the wheel is tightly attached to the frame. Once attached, the rear tire should remain centered over the roller.
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Use a phone book or some other thick, sturdy object to prop up the front wheel. Since the trainer raises the bicycle's rear wheel off the ground, the bicycle ends up pitched downward. Propping up the front wheel counteracts this effect. You can also buy special cycling riser blocks.
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Begin riding the trainer. Shift through the gears to determine how much resistance the trainer is offering. If the resistance is too tight or too loose, adjust the resistance using the controls on the trainer. The type of control varies based on what kind of trainer you have.
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Tips & Warnings
While phone books work well for propping up the front wheel, so do bricks, sturdy boxes and pieces of wood. Whatever it is, make sure it is sturdy enough to support your weight on the bicycle.
If you plan on riding the trainer a lot, you may want to change the rear tire, particularly if you are using a mountain bike tire with tread. Slicker tires will not wear down as quickly on a trainer, while tires with tread will.
Do not ride the trainer if the bicycle is not tightly attached to the frame. However, make sure not to over-tighten the trainer. You can tell if your bicycle is too loose by shaking it back and forth in the trainer.
References
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