My husband used an inexpensive performance trainer from the late 80s to the early 2000s. He propped the front tire on a 2x4 to compensate for the added height of the trainer to the rear tire. Now I see many trainers come with a prop for the front tire.

The reason he quit using the cheap trainer is because he was given an early model Reebok spin bike from a gym he was working on when they upgraded their stable. He loves the geometry and it is a rock solid piece of equipment. He loves that he can stand and hoss on the pedals and feel perfectly stable. It is a real Plain Jane model and shows its age. I found a company that sells replacement parts and have purchased a new friction pad but otherwise it has worked great for about 6 or 7 years. He loves that he doesn't have to set it up and down all the time like the cheap trainer. It is also much quieter.

You may want to be open to a spin bike if you find a deal.

I would do research on the Bell trainer. Google it and see if it is a substandard product or a quality item.