Training & Nutrition - What kind of trainer?

Well, with the winter season pretty much all but here, there are fewer and fewer days where it is possible to ride outdoors, so I've decided to put a new bike trainer on my christmas wishlist. Can anyone suggest a good, durable trainer that doesn't break the bank?

Originally posted by geofflowery
Well, with the winter season pretty much all but here, there are fewer and fewer days where it is possible to ride outdoors, so I've decided to put a new bike trainer on my christmas wishlist. Can anyone suggest a good, durable trainer that doesn't break the bank?

What kind of bike do you have? I have a Minoura Rim-Drive trainer... there are several versions. I think the cheapest ones go for a little over USD100. I like it because it doesn't wear my tyres and I can use it with both road and mountain bikes.

I use the CycleOps Fluid 2. Bought it on eBay for $200. Very sturdy, quiet, smooth. comes with a QR so that you won't mar yours. I like it as much as I can like riding indoors. Come on spring!!!

Originally posted by hotrod
I like it as much as I can like riding indoors. Come on spring!!!

I last about an hour on the trainer at most. And that's with TV or radio going. I've even tried the Playstation, web browsing and IRC while on the trainer. I've actually dozed off while riding it before. Anyone had success with something else?

Originally posted by khuon


I last about an hour on the trainer at most. And that's with TV or radio going. I've even tried the Playstation, web browsing and IRC while on the trainer. I've actually dozed off while riding it before. Anyone had success with something else?

Nope. Cycling indoors is dull. You can try those training videos where each time you get on is a challenge and these is sprinting and such involved. May help keep things interesting. :)

I also have a Minoura rim driven trainer.. I also like it..

There have been several threads asking for trainer recommendations in the past month or two. Do a search in this forum or go to the bottom of the "Training and Nutrition" forum page and select "last 30 days" or "last 45 days" from the dropdown list. Then click on "go". :)


BTW: I purchased a CycleOps Magneto. Great trainer. :beer:

I actually beat you to the punch. I just figured that out this morning. Thanks for the hint though!

I have a CompuTrainer (See my link below) if you are after an indoor trainer that will allow you cadance, HR, and wattage output monitoring all while racing/training on a simulated course of your design. (With or without an opponent). Just plug into a TV or monitor and yer good to go!

No actual experience yet, but I researched the hell out of the subject recently!! yOU PROBABLY SAW MY QUESTION!!

What I ended up buying is the Tacx BASIC ($330 from world cycling) because of the plethora of features. The one down side (which I decided was acceptable) is that it plugs into the wall. My second choice was the Elite Volare Digital Mag ($375). It uses a batarry, but what I heard from several people who distribute both is that that Tacx is a more solid unit.

Guess I'll find out in a week or so when it gets here!

Best of luck...Later...Bill

i have a nashbar trainer, got for around $100 and have used it without fail for 3 years. i find it to be effective....

I would suggest that you get a set of rollers instead of a trainer. Rollers with a resistance unit will give you as much resistance as a trainer and you get the added benefit of developing bike handling skills alongside your workout. The other reason l like rollers is that they are not as boring as a trainer as you have to keep your mind on what you are doing and therefore it will likely not end up in the closet as quickly as a trainer.

I use Kreitler Rollers which are more expensive but I wouldn't trade them for anything less. They are rock solid and I am getting there too!

Captain Crunch-

Thanks for the advice. I had heard the same thing about rollers from a friend and I think I am going to go that way. Hearing it from somewhat else helps the decision too. Thanks!