What trainer do you use?

[Urlea]

Thanks for all of the responses, you guys are great!

I did some searching yesterday and found a Cycle Ops Fluid2 on sale for $350 with free S&H, mat, front tire block thing & cadence sensor. I'm guessing that's probably what we will do.

It still seems expensive to me, but I'm trying to realize it's a treadmill for my bike and that explains the cost. Can't help but think of how that money could go towards my own Garmin or 1/2 of a new snowboard deck though. Oh well, tri gear comes first.

[aicabsolut]

Yeah, it's expensive, but CycleOps takes care of you. If the fluid unit leaks (shouldn't happen on newer models, but sometimes you get a dud), they will replace it for free. In general, their warranties are good. They also have an upgrade program where you can upgrade an older CycleOps trainer with a newer (or better tier) resistance unit for less than buying a whole new trainer.

I have the mat (also got it for free), and it's great for keeping my floor in decent shape. I didn't get the sweat thing because I thought I wouldn't need it, but I think it would be great to have something like that to hold my remotes.

[MauiRockHopper]

Bought a Sportcrafter Aluminum Roller on Ebay for $190 and it got here fully assembled in a few days, amazing for Hawaii. I love this roller although I can't ride it away from a wall or counter top yet. Yeah, it's hard to balance on it but you get the hang of it after 20 minutes. It has taught me so much about steering, balance, and pedal stroke. I really notice the difference on the road and downhills.

I can pedal on it for long periods of time with both hands on my bike, but when I stop I like to have a wall or countertop next to me so I don't have to unclip every time I want to take a break. I keep my water and tv remote control on the counter top too. We did not buy the wind machine which is an extra $100. It has more than enough resistance and I think you'd sweat buckets anyhow even with the wind machine. The floor and my clothes are dripping with sweat after.

This roller is endorsed by Lance Armstrong.

[sundial]

CycleOps fluid trainer

[solobiker]

I have a spin bike. I used to have a wind trainer which worked nice but was pretty loud/noisey.

[eclectic]

Urlea - I have a cyclops fluid also and I paid less than that at our LBS
Who is the local shop in Fargo? Have you tried Scheels?

good luck on whatever you decide on

I like mine too because it is pretty portable and easy to set up.
I have been taking it to a fellow riders house 1x per week where we do a spinerval together - much less pain for some reason even if I am loading my bike/trainer and hauling them around in -20 F weather - go figure
(It is the only time the hammer guys don' t drop me
I ride the spin bikes too but I like my own bike on a trainer better

[ridebikeme]

I have an older trainer... it's a Cateye CS-1000. Although I own others, I still prefer this one. I bought this in 93/94 season and it has been a great trainer. It offers speed, time, calories burned, watts, and the ability to climb between a 1-10% grade. It is a bit louder than some of the newer models, but it's still my favorite.

[Miranda]

I own a Cycleops Fluid2 trainer.

I have really considered getting rollers to work on the balance component you get from that.

I would LOVE to have a Spinning bike. *sigh* I don't think I have been 'good' enough for Santa to bring it though...

Just additional info if you don't know this already...

Rear wheel trainers are notorious for eating up tires. Lots of folks save old tires with a bit of life left in them to switch out for inside. FWIW.

[ASammy1]

DBF just got me the Cycleops Mag+, but I haven't used it yet . I just opened it yesterday!

[fidlfreek]

Thanks for all of the responses, you guys are great!

I did some searching yesterday and found a Cycle Ops Fluid2 on sale for $350 with free S&H, mat, front tire block thing & cadence sensor. I'm guessing that's probably what we will do.

It still seems expensive to me, but I'm trying to realize it's a treadmill for my bike and that explains the cost. Can't help but think of how that money could go towards my own Garmin or 1/2 of a new snowboard deck though. Oh well, tri gear comes first.

If you haven't bought yet Go on ebay! New In Box options (so w/ warranty!) and free shipping you can get the basic fluid 2 (no extras, just the trainer) for $220. They say any throw rug will do with an old textbook as riser...and for $130 I will go w/o the extras....

[IFjane]

1 up USA

DH and I each have one. They fold flat (except for the flywheel) for storage and are quiet and really good.

www.1upusa.com

[Iris616]

Cyclops fluid 2. It's pretty quiet, and I love it! I got mine from Craigs list. Posted a "wanted" ad and had several responses to choose from within 24 hours. The entire set-up cost me $100.
Have fun shopping!

[HoosierGiant]

CycleOps Fluid2.