Training & Nutrition - Trainer purchase advice

Hi there,
I have decided to purchase a trainer I can fit my bike to so I can quit with my excuses of not riding because of the weather and whatnot.

I have tried searching for other threads without success, so apologies if this has been covered before.

I'm basically after idea of what features to look for and any significant differences between certain brands and models. And what benefit I will actually find for these features. Oh and also what to stay away from too.

Is this something that is suggested to purchase from a LBS? I would rather buy online to save a bit of money.

I don't have access to Performance or Nashbar where I am but I can try and find a similar model if you suggest one.

From what I have read I suppose I would like a magnetic trainer, because the wind ones are a bit noisy, and the other variations would be too expensive. I think I would also prefer one with adjustable resistance. Would you agree with these conclusions? Price wise I would like to go as cheap as I can but still get something that will do what it is designed for and not fall apart.

Some shops I may buy from...
http://www.cellbikes.com.au/c_55_Turbo_Trainers
http://www.riders.com.au/index.php?cPath=8_52&osCsid=8ac77a9496be428af04cb9808f0d7be7
And of course Ebay...
http://sport.shop.ebay.com.au/items/?_nkw=trainer&_sacat=7294&_fromfsb=&_trksid=m270.l1313&_odkw=&_osacat=7294

Any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Thankyou.

I would go with fluid over mag if it's not too expensive. I've had both and like the feel of the fluid much better. The mag one that I had seem to decrease resistance with increased cadence. Most of the fluids are the opposite, which is more correct if you want a better road feel.

Go with an adjustable trainer if you can afford it. I have a Kurt Kinetic trainer right now, which is not adjustable. I find that the resistance is a bit more difficult than I find comfortable. Being able to decrease that would be nice. (Although it's a very nice, solid trainer that I like overall) You don't really need "on the fly" adjustability. That's what gears are for.

http://www.aussiebikeshop.com.au/products/KINETIC-Road-Machine-Fluid-Trainer.html

http://www.aussiebikeshop.com.au/products/KINETIC-Road-Machine-Fluid-Trainer.html

Thanks.
I didn't really want to be spending that much though.

kurt kinetic and dont look back. later.

I have the non-remote version of this (http://www.deanwoods.com.au/store/prod2466.htm) and quite like it. I've never quite understood the whole point of the remote myself...need more resistance? get in a bigger gear. I was able to get mine for under $200 USD.

Kurt Kinetic seconded LOVE mine.

I saw on Kurt Kinetics website that they have demo units of the road machine for $199.00. sounds like a steal to me, full lifetime warranty.

HDK

I have the Kurt Road machine and it does everything I need it for. Billy

You get what you pay for....i had a cheaper fluid trainer and the shaft seals started to leak after a winter and a half of steady use. I now have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine; double the price but it'll last a lifetime and you'll never outgrow it

I currently use the BlackBurn Trakstand Ultra:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000BNTY30/ref=nosim/coffeeresearch106117-20

I've ridden 1000+ miles on it since Jan 1, 2009, and have not had any issues with it. In fact, I really dig it. I have read of some others who have had issues, but I have not had any to date, so YMMV.

Also, the Blackburn is based on the 1Up trainer:
http://www.1upusa.com/bike_trainer.html

I am not sure what are the differences, if any, between the two. I just post it in case you are interested.

I am so glad I saw the Kurt Kinetics demo info... just ordered mine before they run out.

I've got this one:

http://www.1upusa.com/bike_trainer.html

It's very solid, quiet, quality, etc. It folds up nicely, also.

AND

with only 15 minutes left today, I can say it made me into Superman.

-A. Fool