Newbie Bike Trainer Question

StaciMarie1974

So... Hubby has bought a road bike and we've gotten a bike trainer for indoor use. The trainer instructions, reviews/etc. indicate it can be used with any size bike tire - but a road bike tire will make less noise, etc.

I have a 26" mountain bike which I have hardly used. Seems silly to buy a new road bike for me, biking is not my 'main' thing but would be good as an option to switch things up occasionally. (My preferred cardio is running/walking outside and on the treadmill.) What do I need to actually buy to change the wheel on the mountain bike to a road tire for use in the trainer?

jacksonpt

To change the tire yourself?

- tire levers (look like little plastic pry bars)
- air pump
- new tire
- tube sized to new tire (if new tire size is dramatically different from old tire size)

StaciMarie1974

Thanks.

landfish

You could also just take the wheel to the bike shop, tell them what you want and let them do it for you. Most bike shops will charge about $10 to put a new tire on it, not including parts.

meritage4

so what you want is a smoother tire. Bike trainers wear through tires.

I usually put a new one on in the spring for outside riding and then use that tire thru the winter on the trainer. Then come spring I buy a new tire as current one is worn out.

Holly92154

landfish wrote: »

You could also just take the wheel to the bike shop, tell them what you want and let them do it for you. Most bike shops will charge about $10 to put a new tire on it, not including parts.

That would be the easiest option. They can advise you on what would be most compatible with your bike. Show you exactly what you need and you could learn first hand from an actual person.

brianpperkins

Knowing how to fix a flat is a basic skill riders should know. Essentially, changing from one tire to another simply gives a little practice on this essential task and it's less stressful to do it the first time or two at home than on the side of the road somewhere.