Looking for a basic trainer! Need advice

[Drtgirl]

Actually my cousin asked me for a basic trainer recommendation. She just bought her first road bike and since she's lives in Michigan, the trainer will be used a lot during the winter.

I personally have a Kinetic fluid, but that's more than she wants to spend. Can someone tell me about some good, relatively inexpensive trainers?

Thanks!

[out_spokin']

For a basic trainer, I'd look at a magnetic resistance unit. The CycleOps Mag gets great reviews, I have the fluid one which is considerably more expensive, but love it.

One option is just trolling her local CL and buy the best rated mag trainer that comes up. That way she can just get a sense of indoor training (not for everyone!) and the relative loudness of the mag (effective, relatively expensive, but loud) before she commits to something new/expensive.

[ridebikeme]

Minoura makes some great trainers, and generally are among the least expensive. I've sold them in the shops for years, and have had great luck. Cycleops and Kurt both offer some great trainers as well, perhaps a bit more expensive... and perhaps some additional features.

[Zen]

My Basic Trainer was known as Drill Sergeant Davis.
He'll get you in in shape

[stephanie1129]

Blackburn mag trainer. I like it more than the cycle ops mag because of the way it holds the wheel and it's quieter. Less than $150

[Bike Writer]

Actually my cousin asked me for a basic trainer recommendation. She just bought her first road bike and since she's lives in Michigan, the trainer will be used a lot during the winter.

I personally have a Kinetic fluid, but that's more than she wants to spend. Can someone tell me about some good, relatively inexpensive trainers?

Thanks!

If your cousin is still looking for a basic trainer and she is in Michigan, ****'s Sporting Goods has this one on sale http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=1764533 for $99.00 I was in the store looking at this very same trainer today. It was sturdy enough and half the price of a cycleops.

I am considering a trainer also, but I know they are boring and don't imagine that I will be on one for longer than 20-30 minutes a few days a week. I intend to swim for winter activity.

[smurfalicious]

I am considering a trainer also, but I know they are boring and don't imagine that I will be on one for longer than 20-30 minutes a few days a week. I intend to swim for winter activity.

That is merely because you haven't played Mario Kart on the Wii while on a trainer! My team gets together at the shop and plays in the winter, it's super fun. It's even funnier watching me make a fool of myself, trying to pedal faster to make my kart go faster. We met another really cool tri club at nationals so we're gonna play online with them. Should be amusing.

[Catrin]

Any thoughts about the Cyclops wind trainer? Are they really as loud as some of the reviews I've read appear to indicate? Was also reading some reviews on the Blackburn mag trainer and they appear to be quite mixed.

I would prefer to just ride outside, but winter is certainly almost here and my leg might appreciated a more controlled environment for a time. Not much money for this though, my Gunnar account has priority ;)

[Bike Writer]

That is merely because you haven't played Mario Kart on the Wii while on a trainer! My team gets together at the shop and plays in the winter, it's super fun. It's even funnier watching me make a fool of myself, trying to pedal faster to make my kart go faster. We met another really cool tri club at nationals so we're gonna play online with them. Should be amusing.

Smurf, no never heard of that but it sounds like a blast! What fun!

[pinsonp2]

Any thoughts about the Cyclops wind trainer? Are they really as loud as some of the reviews I've read appear to indicate? ;)

Yes. I was at an LBS when someone was trying out one. I asked if it was supposed to be that loud and they said yes. If you are in an apartment, or some condos, I think it would be too loud. It would be too loud for me in my basement if my hubby wanted to watch TV upstairs. Just my thoughts.

P2

[Catrin]

Yes. I was at an LBS when someone was trying out one. I asked if it was supposed to be that loud and they said yes. If you are in an apartment, or some condos, I think it would be too loud. It would be too loud for me in my basement if my hubby wanted to watch TV upstairs. Just my thoughts.

P2

Wow, that is loud! I think the spinning bike in my apartment fitness center is looking better & better...

[sundial]

my basic trainer was known as drill sergeant davis.


lol! :d