What trainer should I buy?

[Drtgirl]

I will need to buy a trainer for the gloomy winter months. Fluid or Magnetic? I don't want to spend a ton, but I'd like get a few years out of it too. Any recommendations would be appreciated

Thanks!

[indysteel]

After trying both, I went with the Cycleops Fluid. I thought the difference in feel between the two was significant enough to warrant the extra $$$.

[HoosierGiant]

I second that! We love our CycleOps Fluid!!

[michelem]

Third!

[Running Mommy]

I know this is prolly out of ALL of our price ranges, but I saw this dandy at Interbike and I LOVED it!

http://www.kurtkinetic.com/

(the rock n roll model that is).

[ehirsch83]

I fourth the fluid!

[Kano]

Thank you for asking! I have been contemplating this same question myself!

Karen in Boise

[OakLeaf]

I'm a fan of rollers myself. Not much resistance, but helluva way to work on your form.

[onimity]

FWIW, I'm no fan of the Fluid. I tried both and preferred the Fluid, but after a bit of use one of the plastic bits on the edge started melting, separated and dumped my sister and her bike on the floor.

Needless to say I returned it. Fortunately everything was OK, but the repairs to the bike still weren't insignificant and it could have been a *very* expensive mistake.

Anne

[7rider]

I'm a fan of rollers myself. Not much resistance, but helluva way to work on your form.

Second the rollers.
I picked up a pair of "cheater" rollers off Craigslist with a resistance unit (Performance used to make them, but stopped for some reason). "Cheater" rollers are what I call the parabolic rollers - they have a flared end so you can't ride off them! But they are GREAT for working on your form.

[Beane]

Does anyone have any experience with the blackburn trakstand? It is a fluid trainer but seems to be more affordable than the fluid2. (we registered for a fluid2 for the wedding at REI, but alas, did not get it)

[Mr. Bloom]

I bought the Blackburn Trakstand Ultra last week. I've very pleased with it...my primary need was "quiet" and it is. It cost me about $300 at the LBS...

http://bikegarage.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=529

[tygab]

I got mine first, and got the CycleOps Fluid, love it.
my husband got his second, and got a kurt kinetic fluid. I have never ridden his, and I don't think he's ridden mine so we don't have input there.

His was a little less expensive and looks well made. The Kurt adjusts by turning the two sides, whereas the Ops has a bolt like thing you tighten down.
The quality of both seems solid. The Ops flywheel and cooler vent is a little heavier.

Here is a quick side by side picture of them (not super quality).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2050/...57636b61_o.jpg

I should add that mags are cheaper yet, but the ride quality is said to be less pleasant. I like that we do not have to do anything other than change gearing for resistance.

[latelatebloomer]

Warped, I am. My first thought was, tall, dark, handsome, good at coaxing through a hard workout, and a graduate of massage school. Didn't know you could buy 'em, I thought we could only rent!

OH, THAT KIND OF TRAINER!

[bmccasland]

Warped, I am. My first thought was, tall, dark, handsome, good at coaxing through a hard workout, and a graduate of massage school. Didn't know you could buy 'em, I thought we could only rent!

OH, THAT KIND OF TRAINER!

ooooh, I like your TRAIN of thought. Do you think we could share? Work with you one day, then me, then back to you?