Road Cycling - Fluid or Mag Trainer

Which is better?
I want a quiet realistic feel.

Here are 2 that I am looking at:

Nashbar T6 Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=123&subcategory=1087&brand=&sku=10056&storetype=&estoreid=)

Tacx CycleForce SWING (http://www.gearlink.com/enter.html?target=dept_281.html&lang=en-us)

Short answer: Go with fluid.
Long answer: search Training and Nutrition. It's been discussed at some length several times.

For opinions on those specific trainers, you might check RoadBikeReviews.com.

Thank you

if ure on a budget....go with fluid over mag....Fluid increases resistance as you down shift and the wheel spins faster....Mag resistance is changed by you, and is not affected by the wheel speed... If you got some money....look into computrainers....they are unreal! I ride one at my freinds house :-)
www.computrainer.com

I have a CycleOps trainer which is really nice quality...

Cyclops makes a model the magneto which is variable
resistance. Kind of muddies the water a bit. I believe
the price is about $70 less than the Fluid2 (MSRP).

Marty

Yep, I bought one of the CycleOps Magneto trainers last winter. I think I got it for about $100 brand new on eBay. When I was trying to decide which one to get I read about too many problems with the seals leaking in the fluid trainers. That sorta sent me looking for something else. I'm sure this problem mostly just shows up on very high mileage fluid trainers but I decided against them anyway. I love the Magneto. The faster you spin, the more the resistance. I have never been on a fluid trainer so I can't really compare the two as far as noise, but the Magneto is SUPER quiet. I mean you can hear it, but I doubt it's much louder than a fluid type....and certainly is much quieter than a wind resistance unit. The Magneto is a good option and I would highly recommend any CycleOps trainer. Good stuff. :)

I am in my third season with CycleOps Fluid2. No problems. Fully recommend this as it is smooth, quiet, and the faster you pedal the more resistance you feel. For me, it's about a two gear difference. No switches to mess with, not noisy. Best in the market.

They make two mag trainers...the mag has a resistance switch, the magneto has the progressive resistance like the Fluid2, but the Fluid is quieter and smoother. Better balance with the flywheel. And it stays cooler which saves the tire.

I had 2 Fluid2 resistance units go bad on me.
One after using about 4 or 5 months, called Cyclops
and they replaced it. Second unit leaked after 2 or 3
weeks. Called Cyclops back and they shipped new unit
same day paid shipping and prepaid shipping for old
unit. That was 2 years ago and no problems since.
Highly recommend Cyclops just for the service they
give.
Marty

I had 2 Fluid2 resistance units go bad on me.
One after using about 4 or 5 months, called Cyclops
and they replaced it. Second unit leaked after 2 or 3
weeks. Called Cyclops back and they shipped new unit
same day paid shipping and prepaid shipping for old
unit. That was 2 years ago and no problems since.
Highly recommend Cyclops just for the service they
give.


I second that. I had one go bad and it was replaced"no questions asked"

1Up. Their trainer is awsome!!! It is not fluid or mag. It is a system that is mechanical. It gives you more resistance the faster you go. It is very realistic. Very quiet too.

It is not cheap, but mechanically it is a work of art.

http://www.1upusa.com

I definitely recommend the Fluid2. Never had one come back to our shop with a problem, though I've always had great service from CycleOps as well. They're good people that stand behind good products. Also, as was mentioned previously, the little fan does a great job of cooling the resistance unit (with the added benefit of helping your tire out a bit as well). Their Magneto or regular magnetic trainers might be better for you in terms of price. I'd also consider shipping costs and warranties as you look around.

I have a Kurt Kinetics trainer. It's good, but I have never used any other trainer so I don't have a basis for comparison. Usually you get what you pay for....