Cannondale + Turbo Trainer

[ChrisMCoupe]

Interested to hear if anyone is using their Cannondale (Supersix ideally) with a turbo trainer? I was in the LBS over the weekend and they said that you can't use a Supersix with a TT because the rear dropouts arent strong enough. Apparently Cannondale wont cover breakages caused if this happens.

Was he talking bks or is there some truth in this? Was looking to get a TT to keep the mileage up over winter.

[Rolls]

Quite interested to hear about this as I've got a supersix that was (maybe) going to be used..
If not, i'll stick with swapping wheels on the cross bike, and use that instead!

[NitroNick]

As far as i'm aware, the only forces the dropouts should be under is the standard weight of the rider and bike, there is no mulitplication of force just because its turbo trainer ie. as far as your dropouts are concerned its like riding on the road.
If its lateral force then the turbo trainer skewer on the rear should impeed excess force if you decide to sprint out of the saddle.
I can't see it causing an issue. Google also seems to suggest that there isn't an epidemic of dropouts failing.
But to be on the safe side I'd check the warranty, if its isn't specifically mentioned in the warranty not to use it on a turbo trainer then you should be able to get replacement should anything go wrong.
If it can't take turbo trainer usage (and its not mentioned in the warranty) then it is not fit for purpose and therefor should warrant a full refund imho.

[ChrisMCoupe]

Thanks Nick, also just read this thread which puts my mind at rest slightly..

http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=15...

[NitroNick]

If the LBS is suggesting not to use it because its carbon then they are 100% talking horse ste, i've used a carbon frame on a turbo trainer (i assume many on here have also) for years and its still as stiff as a poker.
However: I believe the Supersix has different modulus carbons used in different areas which might add a layer of complexity (i think this is just the case with the Evo model) But even still I doubt they will cause any issue at the dropouts.
But as I said before, your best bet is check the warranty.

[BadgerBenji]

Totally agree with you Nick, as long as the turbo is clamping on the rear wheel quick release I see no reason why it should fail.

[okgo]

Total nonsense. Don't use that bike shop again.

[Dixie]

Was it JE James by any chance?? Their customer service is pretty poor these days, i try to avoid using them if i can.

[ChrisMCoupe]

To be fair, I think he was just saying that Cannondale warranty doesn't cover breakages to the dropouts from TT's, so advised against using one.

Having done a little bit of googling, it seems that a lot of manufactures don't recommend using carbon frames with TT's, but not found any stories of frames breaking. So think I'll go for one.

Okgo, did you say you had a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine TT? How do you find it?

[BadgerBenji]

Just got home, and there is a whole section relating to use of bike racks and trainers, and they do make mention of changing the rear quick release and making sure it's all tight so no movement between frame and trainer without over clamping.