Trainers- I am clueless!

[han-grrl]

We have a few bike forums around here, and people are frequently upgrading their trainers. perhaps you can post a "looking for" ad somewhere in your bike community.

[ribbit_zap]

I just purchased a Cycleops Magneto online for 200 (including the block) and the shipping was free. It is a 2006 which is why it was cheaper (they are now pushing the 2007 model) The cheapest places tend to be online. I looked at bike shops and they were all way more expensive...around 70 bucks more expensive and when you are trying to cut costs 70 bucks makes a huge difference. Good Luck!

[han-grrl]

you can also check ebay

[Aggie_Ama]

Mak- Have you had any problems with the Cycleops leaking? I found one on Craigslist for $175, I was thinking of seeing if he would take less.

Nancy- Do you recall which site you used? I have found several but am concerned about using one I am unfamiliar with.

We have a brand new Performance here, one of the first in Texas. I was thinking of checking them out this weekend. All this cold and rain is killing my fitness. When I lived in an apartment I had the fitness center to fall back on, now I am just sitting on my butt.

[makbike]

AA, I've not any problems with my trainer leaking. I've logged over 1,600 miles on since I picked it up last year. It was "lightly" used, whatever that means. No matter what it means I know I've gotten my $150 out of it and I've been able to maintain my fitness level.

Good luck in your hunt.

[EBD]

I just bought an Ascent magnetic trainer from Performance for $89 (sale). It seems very sturdy - but it is a little noisy. I had to crank up the TV a few notches. It has 3 resistance levels - the medium one is a good workout for me, using my toughest gears, but my BF was disappointed that he can't get enough resistance to stand up on the bike. I bought a block and sweat guard but not a mat - just use an old yoga mat with a towel on top (on carpet floor).

For what it's worth, my BF asked the bike shop guy what the difference was between an $89 trainer and a $269 trainer, he basically said the differences are at the margins - that cheap trainers have gotten better in the last few years. So a more expensive one will probably be quieter, more stable, maybe more resistance . . . but a cheap trainer isn't dangerous or anything.

But then, I'm still an amateur cyclist looking for a winter workout, and definitely not a racer.