Quote Originally Posted by runner2
Hi Renee,
What's the difference between fluid and magnetic?
How about the remote? Is it necessary?

Kate
Perhaps someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but fluid trainers will match your power output exponentially, while magnetic trainers are more linear. I have the Cyclops magneto which is supposed to be the only magnetic trainer that has progressive resistance.

Here is the cyclops website...
http://www.cycleops.com/products/magneto.htm

I personally don't think a remote is necessary, but it you have the cash and you want one, then go for it.

My trainer set up:
I have a cycleops training mat, riser block, magneto trainer, sweat net (it catches your sweat which can be corrosive to your bike), fan, stereo, tv that is hooked up to cable and has a DVD player (I like watching interval videos and also various DVD's of my favorite bands), rear wheel computer (so I know how many miles I'm cranking out) and I usually wear a heart rate monitor (especially during intervals). I also have a special "trainer wheel" that I use. It's just an old wheel that has an old tire on it and has the Cycleops skewer on it. It allows me to quickly change my trainer wheel out for my regular wheel....but it's not necessary...it's just nice to have. You can just throw on an old tire to keep things cheap and simple. More importantly, I have funky blue indoor lights in my basement...for some reason, I really like the atmosphere that they create and I find myself on my trainer more because of it...very strange, I know. But when it's winter and your stuck with indoor riding, then you need to gain any psychological advantage that you can.