Two cheap trainers-Worth it?

[Kalidurga]

I'm not looking to do serious training with hours and hours of indoor intervals, so I really don't want an expensive trainer. I just want something to help me keep up my fitness level during the winter and maybe practice riding at a higher resistance. I've found two magnetic trainers at really good prices. They've got pretty good reviews, but before I take the chance with one I thought I'd check whether anyone here has ever tried either of them:

Ascent Adjustable Mag Trainer $100 through Amazon, though it's also on sale right now at the Evil Empire (Performance) and I got a 20% off coupon in the mail for this weekend's sale.

Bell Motivator Mag Trainer $80 and free shipping.

Think either of them is worthwhile?

[HillSlugger]

Have you look for a used trainer on Craigs List or Ebay?

When I bought my trainer 3 years ago it was my conclusion that fluid is better than magnetic. I haven't kept up to know if that is still the thinking. They do tend to be more expensive.

[Kalidurga]

I have to admit to a certain amount of paranoia in buying used stuff. You've seen how easily I got over my car paranoia on road rides, though, so I could probably get over this, too, and check out those options.

My thinking in going cheap is that, realistically, I'll probably only use the trainer 1 or 2 nights a week through the winter. Once it's too cold to ride outside, I'll be hitting the woods to hike and the trainer will be an after work thing alternated with other sorts of workouts (I make it sound like I get a ton of exercise, don't I? That's always the plan, but it never really happens that way ) So, magnetic would probably be fine for my purposes, as long as it's quiet enough to hear the tv or music over it. I've read differing opinions on the merits of fluid vs magnetic, but it's certainly worth considering a fluid if I can get a used one at a good price.

And that means I've opened myself back up to dithering over too many options...

[HillSlugger]

And that means I've opened myself back up to dithering over too many options...

I didn't mean to open you to dithering. Sorry

I went with a fluid trainer (Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus from Performance) and use it up to 5 times a week; it seems to be holding up pretty well. If I was shopping for a new one I'd probably go fluid again, but consider a rim drive type.

[mtbdarby]

MD, I have the same trainer. I use it 2-3 times a week in the winter and I think it's PLENTY loud when trying to watch TV. I can't image how loud a mag trainer would be. But then again, my living room is small so maybe I have poor acustics

[HillSlugger]

MD, I have the same trainer. I use it 2-3 times a week in the winter and I think it's PLENTY loud when trying to watch TV. I can't image how loud a mag trainer would be. But then again, my living room is small so maybe I have poor acustics

I put the TV up pretty loud to hear it over the trainer. Are mags noisier?

[madisongrrl]

I have a CycleOps Magneto. It isn't a fluid trainer, but it is unique in that it offers progressive resistance. I'm a pretty strong cyclist who does lots of racing and this trainer can kick my butt. It's not too loud while watching tv either.