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.