Need Suggestions for Good Trainer

Binge said:

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a good trainer for the winter and need suggestions. I'd like one that has speedo/power output built in to it, with adjustable resistance without having to get off the bike or stop riding.

Does such a thing exist, or should I just get a nice set of rollers? All the trainers I've found online are rear-wheel resistance only, with no feedback on power or speed.

Oh, and are there any "bad" brands to stay away from?

Any links/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks!
B

The CycleOps Electronic trainer will do exactly what you want and it works well. I would however not recommend the "Plus" version will comes with computer interface software at an extra $200.00. Here is a link:

http://www.cycle-ops.com/products/electronictrainer.htm

If you wanna save money then this is a good enough trainer -- Performance® Travel Trac® Mag Force+ w/ Electronic Display $259.99

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19269&subcategory_ID=4120

I have last year's model with a metal roller. This year's model is improved with a gel roller.

It gives power, speed, averages, maximums, distance, time, and has adjustable resistance without getting off the bike. It's magnetic resistance - so it doesn't have the feel of a fluid trainer. Its feel is a steady resistance feel.

I'm not a serious enough biker to get a Tacx I Magic or Computrainer, but these product do the same thing and more at more expense. (But I have biked 1789 miles this year).

I second the suggestion for the Performance product. I was a little worried when I first got it (just because it wasn't expensive). The product has performed really well however.

It has 5 levels of resistance, but I usually stay on one level and just change the gearing on the bike.

John

Just my two cents,

CycleOps also has two trainers (Magneto Trainer and Fluid 2 Trainer) that are lower priced, 219 and 299 respectifully, that offer variable reistance that is based on how hard you are pedaling. As a low end trainer, it may be a good choice to look at. In addition CycleOps have a rather interesting quick release I like a bit as it makes mounting/unmounting very very easy.

I haven't taken a look at the CycleOps Electronic (and Plus) versions and while a computer interface is niffty, I think I would really pause to see if that's necessary. I've got a Cateye Astrale 8 and it's got everything I really need (cadence, avg speed, max speed, distance, and a timer).

It's my recommendation to go to various stores and look (and test) various magnet trainers. Brand name might be important, but look at what you need and what the product delievers. Oh and why magnet trainers? Wind ones are too noisy IMO.

-Chi

Binge said:

Hi all,

I'm looking at getting a good trainer for the winter and need suggestions. I'd like one that has speedo/power output built in to it, with adjustable resistance without having to get off the bike or stop riding.

Does such a thing exist, or should I just get a nice set of rollers? All the trainers I've found online are rear-wheel resistance only, with no feedback on power or speed.

Oh, and are there any "bad" brands to stay away from?

Any links/suggestions appreciated.
Thanks!
B

After reading lots of reviews from various magazines I decided against a fluid trainer. Anything that has seals/gaskets is bound to leak. EVERY person that had a Cyclops MAGNETO (do not confuse this with their Mag or Mag +) loves it-and so do I. It provides real road feel when changing gears, is very quiet, easy to set up and I paid about $210.00.

Bought it from the REI Online store and had them ship it to my local store to save shipping costs. Plus as an REI member I saved 10% which put the price about $10 more than the lowest Dot Com site. And with REI if Iam not satisfied with it for any reason they will give a full refund!

If my wife wants her own trainer you can bet we will get another MAGNETO-its great!

I have a CycleOps Fluid 2 and have been using it for about 1000 miles since I purchased it last Fall. Although I like it very much and it is quiet, it has a small leak. I tightened the torx screws down that hold the unit together but I doubt this will actually work.

For my next trainer I would like to try something like the Travel Trac Mag Force+ that JTE83 has suggested. The two main reasons are 1) no fluid that can leak, and 2) I'm more interested in training by power than HR these days.

I don't know how accurate of a trainer the Travel Trac is but the reviews have been good from what I've read. Of course, they've been stellar for the Fluid2 as well.

The Kurt Kenetic is another fluid trainer that is worthy of consideration. Supposedly it puts the Fluid2 to shame but I can't vouch for this.

Edit: Here's a link for the Travel Trac. I just noticed that the price was reduced to $200. If you topped that off with a 20% off Coupon code of 6001215 (expires: 6/7/2005) you would get it for a pretty decent price.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19269&subcategory_ID=4120