Die-hard mountain bikers may love mud, sweat and tears but snow, ice and freezing temperatures can stop the most dedicated riders from getting out on a bike in the middle of winter.
While training indoors on a cycle trainer can maintain fitness levels, only sophisticated computrainers with built-in software can stop riders from getting bored and most are geared to road cyclists where the main focus is on revs per minute and maintaining lower body fitness. Mountain bikers need a total body workout program to cope with lumps and bumps on rough terrain; while most indoor exercise bikes only stretch the legs, the Xdream does a whole lot more.
Trixter Xdream Exercise Bike
The Xdream is the latest product to emerge from Trixter who have been making the X-Bike since 2003. This indoor bike trainer offers a realistic off-road cycling experience using cutting-edge technology; it provides riders with a total body interval training based workout to build stamina and, perhaps most importantly, motivates them to work harder in order to beat other riders.
Since its launch it has received rave reviews and was the winner of Maxim’s exercise product of the year in 2008. It is used by many top cyclists like downhill MTB specialist Greg Minaar who says “I use the X-Bike as it gives me the complete warm-up I need before tackling some of the World Cup downhill courses.”
Technology Features of the Xdream Indoor Cycle Trainer
The Xdream is the perfect indoor cycle for mountain bikers as it simulates climbing, carving and cornering techniques used on off-road terrain. This is achieved through the patented X-Bars which arc and flex like a set of forks as the rider puts pressure on the bars. At the same time, “sensing technology” within the saddle and pedal cranks means the rider can sit or stand and move body position when cornering, just like on a real mountain bike.
In addition, fully independent brakes, riser bars and SPD pedals allow the rider to use maximum body power when riding and even jump over obstacles seen on the simulation screens across 4 different types of terrain and using 5 different types of bike from basic hardtail mountain bike to full on downhill maximum travel bikes.
Interval Training for Mountain Bikers
Mountain bikers will benefit from the intensive interval training provided by the Xdream:
- Climb hard on the hills and practice cornering on the descents.
- Burn more calories with each fast interval.
- Exercise all major muscle groups through side to side and pumping motions.
- Improve aerobic capacity through beating a previous time on a particular trail.
- No risk of boredom as riders try to beat on-screen rivals or test themselves on courses of ever increasing difficulty.
The Ultimate Fitness Machine
Trixter describes its flagship X-Bike as “the ultimate fitness machine." With an integrated PC, an attached adjustable eye-level monitor and an external speaker, it offers state of the art video gaming to keep users amused while working out. The only downside to this amazing bike trainer is the price-tag; at £5995/$9100 it is beyond the reach of most home gym users although its popularity is changing the face of fitness gyms where mountain bikers can try the bike and test their skills against other riders.
Indoor Cycle Training
Stay motivated this winter by working out on a Trixter Xdream exercise cycle. It offers a total body workout and loads of fun through realistic video simulation and state of the art technology to test both bike skills and fitness levels; it truly is a mountain biker’s dream.
Related Articles
Also of interest may be
- Winter Cycle Training on an Indoor Bike Trainer
- Best Home Fitness Machine Concept 2 Rower
- Best Cycling Stretches to Ease Tight Muscles and Help Back Pain
- Yoga Stretching for Cyclists
- Winter Cycling Clothing: Essential Bike Gear to Stay Warm and Dry
- Winter Mountain Bike Gear: Cold Weather Clothing to Stay Warm
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
Join the Conversation