Quote Originally Posted by Aggie_Ama View Post
DH and I want to get a trainer, but we are both clueless. The max we can spend is $200 (with the blocks and all). Can we get a decent one for that? Since we are in Texas it isn't looking at being a high use item. Mainly, weeknights during the winter.

I have seen magnetic, fluid, hybrid. I have heard you all talking about spinervals. HUH? Can someone please educate me? Thanks!
The difference between magnetic vs. fluid trainers is the resistance curve. Magnetic trainers' resistance does not increase with increased power to the pedals so if you're in a hard gear but you get the pedals going, you can find the groove and the trainer almost "keeps you going".

Fluid trainers, on the other hand, provides resistance proportionately to the power you're pedalling at. The faster or harder you pedal, the harder and harder the trainer's resistance is on you. Its basically exactly like you're out on the road. If you're riding up a steep climb so that you're pushing super hard at a cadence of 60 rpms, at that moment you feel like if you slow your cadence down to 57 rpms, you're gonna slow down and fall over because of the "resistance" of the road. The fluid trainer has the same feel.

That's the difference between the trainers and more than likely the difference in price.