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Drink a lot!
Depending on the training intensity, duration and sweat loss, two or more 500 ml bottles are mandatory for a training session. It doesn't matter whether the bottles are placed on a table in front of you, in bottle holders or on a shelf next to you. The main thing is that they are empty at the end of the training session. The low weight of just 51 grams of the Elite Fly water bottle is negligible when cycling in the living room, but the bottles also work outside. The mouthpiece with high-supply technology is designed to ensure a good flow of liquid. This makes drinking easier. And it's even easier - or nicer - if the bottles match the colour of the bike, the outfit or, in the case of indoor training, the home furnishings. Elite has thought about this and offers the Fly in 13 different colours. There is even a 950 millilitre version for very long sessions and frequent drinkers.
- Weight: 51 grams (manufacturer's specification)
- Price: from 7.15 euros (RRP) >> e.g. available here
By the way: Elite even offers the option of customising the bottle. However, this is not worthwhile for individuals, as the minimum order quantity here is 120 units.
Carbohydrates
It is advisable to supply the body with carbohydrates, especially during intense workouts such as VO2max training or races. This can be in the form of energy gels, bars or drink powder - or you can use bananas or something else. Price: 17 Euro (1120 gram) >> available here
Towel
A towel over the handlebars is practical for catching dripping sweat. Of course, it is also suitable for wiping the sweat from your face after an interval. There are especially narrow towels for this purpose, such as the Taxc towel for indoor training. Special indoor cycling towels are so narrow that you can hang them over the handlebars without interfering with the gears. Or you can hang the towel casually around your neck.
- Dimensions: approx. 115 x 30 cm
- Price: 9,99 Euro >> e.g. available at Amazon
Welding catcher
Sweat can attack bike frames or add-on parts. Wiping and regular care are therefore essential. If you want to better protect your bike from sweat, you can use a sweat catcher such as the BBB Sweat Catcher. The elasticated strap can be pulled over the saddle and the two Velcro straps wrapped around the handlebars in no time at all. The BBB Sweat Catcher is available from Amazon for 19 euros.
Set the table
Let's assume that your basic setup for indoor bike training is in place:
- A smart trainer such as the Wahoo Kickr Core, price 549.99 euros
- A mat like the Taxc trainer mat, price approx. 70 euros, currently available here for 57.99
- A fan like the Wahoo Kickr Headwind, price 279 euros
You've already taken our above tips to heart, water bottles are ready, snacks are stored next to you but ... where to put the laptop?
The Elite Posà laptop and tablet stand is an affordable alternative to a complete training table. The tablet stand also works for smartphones or notebooks and costs only around 100 euros. In comparison, the Elite Training Desk costs 190 euros more. However, it can also hold more than one laptop, tablet or smartphone. But it also takes up more space in the home.
- Height: 100 cm
- Maximum load capacity: 5 kilos
- Price: 99,99 - currently only 65.95 euros at Rose
Game controller
"Game controllers for Zwift, nobody needs them" some people might think. But even sceptics can be convinced otherwise - we tried it out and mounted the controllers on the wheel at home. Our partner was quickly impressed - contrary to his expectations. With the Zwift Play controllers (beta version) you can steer, brake, navigate through the game, give ride-ons and even shift gears with suitable virtual gears.
- Price: currently 99,00 Euro
More comfort through more movement
The degrees of freedom of the Smart Trainer can be increased with a little effort. This not only provides a more natural riding experience, but also more comfort. Here TOUR Anleitungen shows three DIY options with instructions.
Sandra Schuberth
Editor
