TUR-bo TRAIN-er
Noun, Noun
A stationary bike trainer used to simulate riding outdoors.
Example usage: I'll be using my turbo trainer for my winter training.
Most used in: Countries with cooler climates where cycling outdoors is not possible year-round.
Most used by: Serious cyclists who wish to train in the winter months.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 2/10
Also see: Rollers, Indoor Trainer, Fluid Trainer, Mag Trainer, Smart Trainer,
What is a Turbo Trainer?
A turbo trainer is a device used to convert a regular bicycle into an indoor cycling machine. It is composed of a frame which holds the rear wheel of the bike and a resistance unit that provides adjustable resistance when pedaling. It is an ideal solution for cyclists who want to train indoors.
The resistance unit is either a magnetic, fluid, or direct-contact unit. Magnetic turbo trainers are the most popular type, offering a quiet and smooth ride. Fluid trainers use a fan to cool the cyclist while pedaling, while direct-contact trainers use a roller to create friction on the rear wheel.
Turbo trainers are becoming increasingly popular, with a reported 9.7 million people worldwide using a turbo trainer in 2020. This number is expected to rise as more cyclists look for ways to stay active and train indoors.
Using a turbo trainer is a great way to improve your fitness and performance. It allows you to replicate the feeling of outdoor riding, while also providing a convenient and safe way to train indoors.
.The Origin of the Cycling Term 'Turbo Trainer'
The term 'Turbo Trainer' originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1980s. At the time, it was used to describe a type of stationary bicycle trainer that allowed cyclists to keep fit and improve their endurance during the winter months.
The idea of a 'Turbo Trainer' was first coined by the cycling magazine Cycling Weekly in 1989. The magazine article described the trainer as a device that 'allows you to ride your bike indoors, keeping fit, even when the weather outside is too wet or too cold.'
The original Turbo Trainer was a simple device that could be attached to the rear wheel of a bicycle. It provided resistance as the cyclist pedaled, allowing them to build up their strength and endurance without having to go outside in bad weather.
Today, the term 'Turbo Trainer' is used to describe any type of stationary bicycle trainer, regardless of the manufacturer or design. It has become a common term in the cycling world, used to refer to the various types of stationary bike trainers available on the market.