Spinervals 26.0: Hardcore 100 DVD

I must first confess that I have numerous Spinerval tapes (yes tapes) and DVD''s so my use of them for indoor training goes back many years. I use this dvd every weekend to do an indoor century, which is exactly the goal of the dvd. It''s really three dvds comprising 5 hours and approximately 38 minutes of timed riding. As is the case with all of the Spinervals dvds and tapes I have used Coach Troy goes through his usual introductions and brief description on the goals then after the obligatory 3 x 30 seconds warm up spins the real riding starts. This particular dvd doesn''t require the rider to put out 90 or 100% for most of the sets...the goal is to set a certain pace and complete 100 miles in the alloted time. With 5.5 hours of riding time this equates to approximatly 18 mph, which is certaintly doable. The sets start out having the riders spin at a fairly comfortable 80% of max range, which then builds as the ride continues, with the final hour plus sets more like interval work, demanding more output and intensity.

In many respects the ride fells similar to a road century. The first couple of hours are fairly comfortable and as you get to the 60, 70 and 80 mile mark the strain begind to build. To me this is where the fun begins. I like the longer more demanding rides and the last hour and 30 minutes of this ride absolutely delivers. But I do the ride a little differently than the dvd. I don''t take the breaks or cool downs after each set or rep. I ride the whole time, with a goal of a sub 4:30 century. So I end up completing 125 miles plus at the end of the ride, I admit to slacking off a little after I hit the 100 mile mark but get back into the intensity for the last two sets.

Would I recommend this dvd to others, most certaintly. Just finishing 5.5 hours of saddle time is in and of itself a great training goal, especially on a trainer. The sets are good and the expectations that you are there to complete the whole ride is a great motivator. I finish the ride with the usual numb hands, sore butt and hot foot, the same as I do when I do a road century.

What I would like to see different: more sets of longer continous riding time, as an example, instead of 6 x 10 minute steady state/tempo spins with 1 minute easy spin between each set, how about 1 60 minute steady state/tempo ride. Well, this is what I do anyways so it''s no big deal to modify the riding to suit your personal riding style.

In all this is a great dvd and I highly recomend it for getting in some seat time and getting ready for the real road rides. Coach Troy has delivered another great ride...just make sure you have plenty of fluids and some eats if you decide to do this ride you''ll need them.

If you are looking for solid base training and the weather outside is unfavourable, then this is the Spinerval for you. I have done it a few times now in preperation for my upcoming Ironman. I have a compact chainset so have not reached the 100 miles yet, but am not that far off and it is getting better. I did purchase a cadence meter though and this made a tremendous difference to keeping focused throughout the entire +5h30. Another tip is, turn off the music and use whatever music motivates you, listening to their selection once was enough. Enjoy the sweat!

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I have other Spinerval DVD''s so I know what to expect. This one is a three disc set that I have not yet completed. Not easy to sit on a bike trainer for over five hours! The only issue I have with the DVD is the same as with my other one the sound does not work correctly on my DVD player. The audio is barely audible with the volume turned to the max, but the music parts are then very loud. If I play it on my laptop, the sound is OK. Not sure if anyone else has had this problem, but all other DVDs work fine on my player.

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Could I ride 100 miles on my trainer? That was the question I asked myself first. With this video YES I can! I liked the variety of gear changes through out the video from easy to hard. The music not so great, but you do have the option to turn it off and listen to your own. I would recommend this for your next challenge.

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I hated indoor trainer rides until I got a TV and DVD player in the basement and started in with Spinervals. This particular DVD is a great way to get a truly long ride in on the trainer without getting bored. This is becoming my first winter where I''m getting great cycling in, and this DVD is getting me through the long ride.

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