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View Full Version : What trainer should I buy?


Drtgirl
10-25-2007, 09:00 AM
I will need to buy a trainer for the gloomy winter months. Fluid or Magnetic? I don't want to spend a ton, but I'd like get a few years out of it too. Any recommendations would be appreciated :)

Thanks!
indysteel
10-25-2007, 09:10 AM
After trying both, I went with the Cycleops Fluid. I thought the difference in feel between the two was significant enough to warrant the extra $$$.
HoosierGiant
10-25-2007, 10:13 AM
I second that! We love our CycleOps Fluid!!
michelem
10-25-2007, 10:25 AM
Third! :D
Running Mommy
10-25-2007, 10:34 AM
I know this is prolly out of ALL of our price ranges, but I saw this dandy at Interbike and I LOVED it!

http://www.kurtkinetic.com/

(the rock n roll model that is).
ehirsch83
10-25-2007, 11:25 AM
I fourth the fluid!
Kano
10-25-2007, 11:41 AM
Thank you for asking! I have been contemplating this same question myself!

Karen in Boise
OakLeaf
10-25-2007, 06:50 PM
I'm a fan of rollers myself. Not much resistance, but helluva way to work on your form.
onimity
10-25-2007, 07:08 PM
FWIW, I'm no fan of the Fluid. I tried both and preferred the Fluid, but after a bit of use one of the plastic bits on the edge started melting, separated and dumped my sister and her bike on the floor.

Needless to say I returned it. Fortunately everything was OK, but the repairs to the bike still weren't insignificant and it could have been a *very* expensive mistake.

Anne
7rider
10-26-2007, 04:45 AM
I'm a fan of rollers myself. Not much resistance, but helluva way to work on your form.

Second the rollers.
I picked up a pair of "cheater" rollers off Craigslist with a resistance unit (Performance used to make them, but stopped for some reason). "Cheater" rollers are what I call the parabolic rollers - they have a flared end so you can't ride off them! But they are GREAT for working on your form.
Beane
10-27-2007, 01:02 PM
Does anyone have any experience with the blackburn trakstand? It is a fluid trainer but seems to be more affordable than the fluid2. (we registered for a fluid2 for the wedding at REI, but alas, did not get it)
Mr. Bloom
10-28-2007, 04:46 PM
I bought the Blackburn Trakstand Ultra last week. I've very pleased with it...my primary need was "quiet" and it is. It cost me about $300 at the LBS...

http://bikegarage.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=529
tygab
11-02-2007, 04:07 PM
I got mine first, and got the CycleOps Fluid, love it.
my husband got his second, and got a kurt kinetic fluid. I have never ridden his, and I don't think he's ridden mine so we don't have input there.

His was a little less expensive and looks well made. The Kurt adjusts by turning the two sides, whereas the Ops has a bolt like thing you tighten down.
The quality of both seems solid. The Ops flywheel and cooler vent is a little heavier.

Here is a quick side by side picture of them (not super quality).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/1834152140_c657636b61_o.jpg

I should add that mags are cheaper yet, but the ride quality is said to be less pleasant. I like that we do not have to do anything other than change gearing for resistance.
latelatebloomer
11-03-2007, 10:19 AM
Warped, I am. My first thought was, tall, dark, handsome, good at coaxing through a hard workout, and a graduate of massage school. Didn't know you could buy 'em, I thought we could only rent!

OH, THAT KIND OF TRAINER! :p
bmccasland
11-03-2007, 11:15 AM
Warped, I am. My first thought was, tall, dark, handsome, good at coaxing through a hard workout, and a graduate of massage school. Didn't know you could buy 'em, I thought we could only rent!

OH, THAT KIND OF TRAINER! :p

ooooh, I like your TRAIN of thought. Do you think we could share? Work with you one day, then me, then back to you?
latelatebloomer
11-03-2007, 01:01 PM
Ok, it'll keep the neighbor from catching on. (Actually, they can't figure out why I'm the only one among them who sticks to her gym program year after year....;)

ok, end of hijack
Mr. SR500
11-03-2007, 01:59 PM
Kurt Kinetic! Best fluid trainer, and will not leak.
Starfish
11-07-2007, 12:59 PM
I have a Cyclops Fluid II. I read a lot of reviews before I bought, and it does seem like some of them must have a leakage problem, but there were so many other happy customers that I decided to go ahead.

I've only had it for 2 seasons now, but so far, no problems, and I love it. It's easy to hear movies and videos and stuff while riding, and it is nice to set it once and then just shift to change resistance.
SnappyPix
11-21-2007, 04:06 AM
Have the Tacx Flow. Love it. Has power and cadence output, as well as incline settings.
Great for doing focused workouts (ie hill work, power workout and cadence sessions). Nice and quiet. Sturdy construction.

I've had it a year now and it's great for short structured workouts, as well as being a godsend when the weather's pants.