Needed: 2nd-hand mtb for indoor training

[Ebredenhann]

Hi, some guidance please from experts. Considering a 2nd-hand mtb to permanently fit on Kickr, indoor use only, Instead of using current dual suspension mtb for both. Any advise, such as hardtail, price range etc? I currently have Scott Spark 950. Thx

[ChrisF]

Hi, some guidance please from experts. Considering a 2nd-hand mtb to permanently fit on Kickr, indoor use only, Instead of using current dual suspension mtb for both. Any advise, such as hardtail, price range etc? I currently have Scott Spark 950. Thx

You may be able to get a 2nd hand road bike in good nick for less .....

[Knersboy]

I agree with Chris. A road bike will be cheaper, and better in the long run. You may inevitably find yourself Zwifting, the road bike gearing will be much better.

[Ebredenhann]

Thx for advise, what kind of road bike should I consider? I have zero knowledge on road bikes. Price range, can I get something decent for R10k or less?

[Vetseun]

Thx for advise, what kind of road bike should I consider? I have zero knowledge on road bikes. Price range, can I get something decent for R10k or less?

Jaaa. Jiss some okes race on bikes costing less than R10k.

I picked up a nice Silverback RB, decent specs for the trainer @R3k here in the classifieds.

Check it out or place a wanted ad.

[BMXER]

My trainer mtb has no brakes and no front derailleur. An assembly of old xt 26er parts. Also has my old road pedals. The forks are stuffed and permanently locked out.

The bike runs smooth, ideal for a trainer.

 

You don't need much for a trainer, a good fit and functional groupset.

[ChrisF]

I bought a Canondal CAAD4 for R4k.

 

It WORKS on the trainer   

 

 

 

Find out what size works for you, then set about finding one.  CHECK the chain, ring and cassette, as those are the parts that will be WORKING.  A dented rim, worn tires, etc are not relevant ...  IT is going to be in your house, so it helps if it is not to scuffed up and an eyesore.

[BMXER]

I bought a Canondal CAAD4 for R4k.

 

It WORKS on the trainer

 

 

 

Find out what size works for you, then set about finding one. CHECK the chain, ring and cassette, as those are the parts that will be WORKING. A dented rim, worn tires, etc are not relevant ... IT is going to be in your house, so it helps if it is not to scuffed up and an eyesore.

My front trainer tyre is basically new, but had a 4 inch nail through the centre and out the sidewall. So with a new tube it was retired to my trainer mtb.

[WrightJnr]

My advise. As follows.

 

Try and have the same “touch points” as you have on your other bike. Same saddle, grips etc. and be as close to same body position. Ideally same crank arm length too.

 

But agree with most above. A cheap 2nd hand road bike of the right size will be great.

 

I have a different problem, house of 4 and we all Zwift in summer here. I spend my life swapping bikes and adjusting the trainer!! (We all different heights).

[Vetplant]

My advise. As follows.

 

Try and have the same “touch points” as you have on your other bike. Same saddle, grips etc. and be as close to same body position. Ideally same crank arm length too.

 

But agree with most above. A cheap 2nd hand road bike of the right size will be great.

 

I have a different problem, house of 4 and we all Zwift in summer here. I spend my life swapping bikes and adjusting the trainer!! (We all different heights).

Maybe conceptualize a Trainer Specific Frankenstein Bike that works for all 4 of you...

 

Think Kickr Bike, but DIY. This assumes all 4 of you are close enough in fitment that a single frame is workable. The main fitment concern is the saddle position. Handlebar can be close-enough to not cause discomfort, IMHO.

 

Seatpost with 4 markings on it, one for each rider. Quick Release makes that adjustment easy. ✅

 

Seat position on the post itself might be tricky, but maybe the rail clamp bolts can be replaced with a wingnut solution. The seat itself is most likely going to be different between the 4 of you.  ❌ Scratch That.

 

Rather, seatpost-and-seat per rider, with the appropriate height marked on it. Drop it into the frame and voila. 

 

For Handlebar position, look for something like this:

[Rigardt@Scott]

Maybe conceptualize a Trainer Specific Frankenstein Bike that works for all 4 of you...

 

Think Kickr Bike, but DIY. This assumes all 4 of you are close enough in fitment that a single frame is workable. The main fitment concern is the saddle position. Handlebar can be close-enough to not cause discomfort, IMHO.

 

Seatpost with 4 markings on it, one for each rider. Quick Release makes that adjustment easy. ✅

 

Seat position on the post itself might be tricky, but maybe the rail clamp bolts can be replaced with a wingnut solution. The seat itself is most likely going to be different between the 4 of you.  ❌ Scratch That.

 

Rather, seatpost-and-seat per rider, with the appropriate height marked on it. Drop it into the frame and voila. 

 

For Handlebar position, look for something like this:

 

Everything I say here should be taken with a pinch of salt, only used my trainer every now and then and hated every second of it. Sold it earlier this year.

 

My wife and I used the same trainer and bike, she is 165cm, I am 178cm. A medium frame was close enough for both of us. I left everything the same, but had 2 different seat post and saddle setups with insulation tape at the right height for the user and a quick release clamp on the frame - worked a treat.

[WrightJnr]

Unfortunately big height difference in my house. I’m 187cm and my wife 168cm. Boys between that.

 

To be honest, a kickr bike, etc. is the best solution for me.

 

Problem is if I buy more bikes my wife will kickr me out the door !!