Training & Nutrition - What kind of trainer to go for

I am looking for a bike trainer to get on my bike dureing this cold season. I am not training for any big race. I have a long bike tour in july. But I just need to get up and getting some miles under me. I want to keep cost down. What is a good one at a decent price. Are there ones that are better. I have read something about fluid ones . Any help at knowing what to buy with out over buying for my needes. IS a roller trainer better. ??????? I just want to get back into shape and work on building my bad knee back up.

A bad knee means some imbalance, which probably makes rollers a bad idea. If you were in our shop, I'd point you towards a good magnetic trainer - most likely the Cycleops Mag for right around $199. Get a good collection of videos and just ride.

This one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KURT-KINETIC-ROAD-MACHINE-FLUID-TRAINER-2009-MODEL_W0QQitemZ300387266831QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45f079f10f

A bad knee means some imbalance, which probably makes rollers a bad idea. If you were in our shop, I'd point you towards a good magnetic trainer - most likely the Cycleops Mag for right around $199. Get a good collection of videos and just ride.

Wouldn't rollers be helpful to fix an imbalance like that?

Wouldn't rollers be helpful to fix an imbalance like that?

Depends.

If there is a fit problem, the extra spinning would mean more wear and tear.

For casual cyclists, a trainer is the usual choice. Since she is just using this
for recuperating and training for a bike tour, I think a trainer is the better choice.

There are all sorts of trainiers out there. Like chain lube, the merits of the various kinds would seem to be a matter of preference. The important thing is that the best trainer for you is one that you use on a regular basis.

For me, I hate the fact that most trainers have no feel of "momentum". That is the moment I slacken off, the trainer slows down. So I very much prefer fly wheel based systems. I am not saying they are the best. I just like them more than others. So in selecting a trainer, I need to look at fly wheel based systems. I am using myself and my preference as an example. Your preference may well be different. I don't know but you might be able to talk the LBS into letting you do a "test spin" or find friends with various kinds of trainers and try them out. For myself, I just used the trial and error system. It is slow but given enough time and persistence, it works.

There are all sorts of trainiers out there. Like chain lube, the merits of the various kinds would seem to be a matter of preference. The important thing is that the best trainer for you is one that you use on a regular basis.

For me, I hate the fact that most trainers have no feel of "momentum". That is the moment I slacken off, the trainer slows down. So I very much prefer fly wheel based systems. I am not saying they are the best. I just like them more than others. So in selecting a trainer, I need to look at fly wheel based systems. I am using myself and my preference as an example. Your preference may well be different. I don't know but you might be able to talk the LBS into letting you do a "test spin" or find friends with various kinds of trainers and try them out. For myself, I just used the trial and error system. It is slow but given enough time and persistence, it works.Uh, that lack-of-momentum bug in trainers and rollers is the whole idea. It's a feature. One gets efficient on a bike by learning to pedal circles, using all the muscles in the legs. Rollers are said to be best for that because they have the least momentum of all the trainer systems.

I'm a roller guy. Spinning is the best way to rehab injuries. Done it many, many times myself. Start off easy and very gradually add force and time. Plus rollers aren't so boring, and as another recent BF thread talks about, they don't make your butt as tired.

These are a good buy that you'll never outgrow:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1028825_-1___

but it you're not sure about your commitment, these are cheaper:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_173072_-1___

As one of the reviewers on Nashbar observed, rollers tend to see more use than trainers.

Edit: saw OP's post in the other current trainer thread.
Here's a video of someone learning to ride rollers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCEY6ZhqQ4
Riding the a doorway is the way to go. Of course I have to criticize: He could mount normally by putting his bike on the rollers and then hooking his fingertips on the top door trim while swinging a leg over. He's also about 9" too far forward in the doorway. You want to be able to catch yourself by sticking out a shoulder, not taking your hand off the bars like he's doing.

There are many, many roller videos on Youtube.
BTW, ignore all the comments on the videos. Most of these people haven't the slightest idea what they're talking about, and you won't know which is which.

Thank you all for your advice and link.. I live in a cold state and weather I like it or not workin got indoors is a part of life. Sick. I will check everything out THANKS

Uh, that lack-of-momentum bug in trainers and rollers is the whole idea. It's a feature. One gets efficient on a bike by learning to pedal circles, using all the muscles in the legs. Rollers are said to be best for that because they have the least momentum of all the trainer systems.

I'm a roller guy. Spinning is the best way to rehab injuries. Done it many, many times myself. Start off easy and very gradually add force and time. Plus rollers aren't so boring, and as another recent BF thread talks about, they don't make your butt as tired.

These are a good buy that you'll never outgrow:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes//Product_10052_10551_1028825_-1___

but it you're not sure about your commitment, these are cheaper:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_173072_-1___

As one of the reviewers on Nashbar observed, rollers tend to see more use than trainers.

Edit: saw OP's post in the other current trainer thread.
Here's a video of someone learning to ride rollers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCEY6ZhqQ4
Riding the a doorway is the way to go. Of course I have to criticize: He could mount normally by putting his bike on the rollers and then hooking his fingertips on the top door trim while swinging a leg over. He's also about 9" too far forward in the doorway. You want to be able to catch yourself by sticking out a shoulder, not taking your hand off the bars like he's doing.

There are many, many roller videos on Youtube.
BTW, ignore all the comments on the videos. Most of these people haven't the slightest idea what they're talking about, and you won't know which is which.

I have watch some videos I think this is the way to go. it will be more of a challange for me to stay n the bike. :) keep it interesting THANK you

or would be nice to get both then I have choices :)

I recently purchased a 1UP and like it so far. MADE IN AMERICA

or would be nice to get both then I have choices :)

For me, rollers are more fun. I've been listening to sections of this 40+ hour audiobook I got every day, about an hour and 15 a day, while riding the rollers. Keeps my mind occupied and entertained, while not taking too much attention away from being on the rollers. To me, trainers made for people who want to ride faster, while rollers are for anyone. Trainers help a rider strengthen, rollers help a rider with pedal stroke and balance. Both will help one, but if you're more worried about distance than speed you might enjoy rollers more.

For me, rollers are more fun. I've been listening to sections of this 40+ hour audiobook I got every day, about an hour and 15 a day, while riding the rollers. Keeps my mind occupied and entertained, while not taking too much attention away from being on the rollers. To me, trainers made for people who want to ride faster, while rollers are for anyone. Trainers help a rider strengthen, rollers help a rider with pedal stroke and balance. Both will help one, but if you're more worried about distance than speed you might enjoy rollers more.

I agree. I have bad eye site so Audio books I listen ALOT. I already do thaton my treadmill and walking. Well when I was. But I am working on that getting back into it all. Thanks for your opinion. It makes sences. Along with all the others. I guess I will be making a order here soon.

I think a fluid trainer offers a number of benefits, they are quiet and relatively small. They cost about $300 and will last a long time.

I like my Road Machine. I have to do structured workouts, as they don't require constant attention the way rollers do, but I like it more than the magnetic trainers (including the Cycleops Mag+). It is capable of more resistance than those.

OP, do yourself a favor...get a GOOD fluid trainer right off the bat. The ones I would consider:

1) Kurt Kinetic (all flavors except the Cyclone)
2) CycleOps Fluid2 or better.
3) 1up (although I've not ridden one they have an impeccable record evidently).

I went a cheap Nashbar trainer and hated it. Sold it this winter and bought a Kinetic...the difference is astounding. No comparison. And given OUR MN winters, you'll use the trainer a lot. PM me and I'll give you a line on a place locally to get a demo KK...I paid $240 for my Road Machine.

I would opt for rollers, you'll improve your balance, strength and spin as opposed to just strength training. Granted the trainer will give you greater strength gains, it is not as versatile.

Where are you touring too/from?

On the advice of many on this board, I waited until I could afford a KK Road Machine and I'm glad I did. I've put a whole bunch of hours on it already (only had it for about a month) and I actually kind of enjoy it!