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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    184

    Looking for a basic trainer! Need advice

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    Actually my cousin asked me for a basic trainer recommendation. She just bought her first road bike and since she's lives in Michigan, the trainer will be used a lot during the winter.

    I personally have a Kinetic fluid, but that's more than she wants to spend. Can someone tell me about some good, relatively inexpensive trainers?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Nomadic
    Posts
    337
    For a basic trainer, I'd look at a magnetic resistance unit. The CycleOps Mag gets great reviews, I have the fluid one which is considerably more expensive, but love it.

    One option is just trolling her local CL and buy the best rated mag trainer that comes up. That way she can just get a sense of indoor training (not for everyone!) and the relative loudness of the mag (effective, relatively expensive, but loud) before she commits to something new/expensive.
    Sit bones = ~135 mm, saddles that work ~ 155cm/6.1 in wide
    2003 da Vinci (custom road/all-rounder)/Terry Butterfly Ti
    1994 Gary Fisher Nirvana (vintage MTB/commuter)/Terry Butterfly Chromoly
    1991 Terry Symmetry (NOS frame/fork, project in progress)
    1973 Raleigh Super Course (project in progress)

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Maine
    Posts
    959

    Looking for a basic trainer

    Minoura makes some great trainers, and generally are among the least expensive. I've sold them in the shops for years, and have had great luck. Cycleops and Kurt both offer some great trainers as well, perhaps a bit more expensive... and perhaps some additional features.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Limbo
    Posts
    8,769
    My Basic Trainer was known as Drill Sergeant Davis.
    He'll get you in in shape
    2008 Trek FX 7.2/Terry Cite X
    2009 Jamis Aurora/Brooks B-68
    2010 Trek FX 7.6 WSD/stock bontrager

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    bay area, ca
    Posts
    30

    blackburn

    Blackburn mag trainer. I like it more than the cycle ops mag because of the way it holds the wheel and it's quieter. Less than $150

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Whitmore Lake, Michigan
    Posts
    920
    Quote Originally Posted by Drtgirl View Post
    Actually my cousin asked me for a basic trainer recommendation. She just bought her first road bike and since she's lives in Michigan, the trainer will be used a lot during the winter.

    I personally have a Kinetic fluid, but that's more than she wants to spend. Can someone tell me about some good, relatively inexpensive trainers?

    Thanks!
    If your cousin is still looking for a basic trainer and she is in Michigan, ****'s Sporting Goods has this one on sale http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/fa...goryId=1764533 for $99.00 I was in the store looking at this very same trainer today. It was sturdy enough and half the price of a cycleops.

    I am considering a trainer also, but I know they are boring and don't imagine that I will be on one for longer than 20-30 minutes a few days a week. I intend to swim for winter activity.
    Bike Writer

    http://pedaltohealth.blogspot.com/

    Schwinn Gateway unknown year
    Specalized Expedition Sport Low-Entry 2011

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Longmont, CO
    Posts
    568
    Quote Originally Posted by Bike Writer View Post
    I am considering a trainer also, but I know they are boring and don't imagine that I will be on one for longer than 20-30 minutes a few days a week. I intend to swim for winter activity.
    That is merely because you haven't played Mario Kart on the Wii while on a trainer! My team gets together at the shop and plays in the winter, it's super fun. It's even funnier watching me make a fool of myself, trying to pedal faster to make my kart go faster. We met another really cool tri club at nationals so we're gonna play online with them. Should be amusing.
    "True, but if you throw your panties into the middle of the peloton, someone's likely to get hurt."

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    10,889
    Any thoughts about the Cyclops wind trainer? Are they really as loud as some of the reviews I've read appear to indicate? Was also reading some reviews on the Blackburn mag trainer and they appear to be quite mixed.

    I would prefer to just ride outside, but winter is certainly almost here and my leg might appreciated a more controlled environment for a time. Not much money for this though, my Gunnar account has priority

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Whitmore Lake, Michigan
    Posts
    920
    Quote Originally Posted by smurfalicious View Post
    That is merely because you haven't played Mario Kart on the Wii while on a trainer! My team gets together at the shop and plays in the winter, it's super fun. It's even funnier watching me make a fool of myself, trying to pedal faster to make my kart go faster. We met another really cool tri club at nationals so we're gonna play online with them. Should be amusing.
    Smurf, no never heard of that but it sounds like a blast! What fun!
    Bike Writer

    http://pedaltohealth.blogspot.com/

    Schwinn Gateway unknown year
    Specalized Expedition Sport Low-Entry 2011

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Taylor, MI
    Posts
    220
    Quote Originally Posted by Catrin View Post
    Any thoughts about the Cyclops wind trainer? Are they really as loud as some of the reviews I've read appear to indicate?
    Yes. I was at an LBS when someone was trying out one. I asked if it was supposed to be that loud and they said yes. If you are in an apartment, or some condos, I think it would be too loud. It would be too loud for me in my basement if my hubby wanted to watch TV upstairs. Just my thoughts.

    P2
    2018 Trek Silque SLR6 - Selle SMP Glider
    2018 Specialized Dolce EVO Comp - Selle SMP Glider
    2011 Trek Madone 5.2 WSD -Selle SMP Glider
    2013 Giant TCX W - Oura 143

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    10,889
    Quote Originally Posted by pinsonp2 View Post
    Yes. I was at an LBS when someone was trying out one. I asked if it was supposed to be that loud and they said yes. If you are in an apartment, or some condos, I think it would be too loud. It would be too loud for me in my basement if my hubby wanted to watch TV upstairs. Just my thoughts.

    P2
    Wow, that is loud! I think the spinning bike in my apartment fitness center is looking better & better...

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    foothills of the Ozarks aka Tornado Alley
    Posts
    4,193
    Quote Originally Posted by zen View Post
    my basic trainer was known as drill sergeant davis.
    lol! :d

 

 

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