Training & Nutrition - Are rim trainers bad?

Good afternoon,

I've been contemplating purchasing a rim-trainer for use with my mountain bike. My bike (Raleigh M80) has stock tires.

I spoke with one person at a bike shop, who said: "Do not get rim-driven trainers, they will ruin your rims!" This seems strange to me, and I don't quite believe him; so I'm asking for opinions here.

Minoura, the maker of all those nice normal tire-driven trainers, also makes a rim trainer.

For example (I'm not advertising here, just showing you the quickest search results)

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=12691&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=


Nashbar also makes one:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=12680&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=


Should I avoid rim trainers? I like the idea of just attaching the bike, and not changing to smooth tires, or not having to deal with loud noise with these tires on tire-driven trainers, etc.

I have however never used a bike trainer, and so don't know what to think about these issues, if they even matter at all. The rim trainers are obviously more expensive...

Additionally, could someone please advise on what the advantages of fluid, vs. magnetic units are?


Thanks for any advice!
Paul

Bump? :)

Please, any thoughts?

well, i have one, and i love it. no need to keep buying tires. It does slip a little on the rim when you first start pedalling, but after the magnet is spinning, this isn't a problem. mine has six or seven levels, and while i like the magnetic just fine, the fluid trianers offer a progressively increasing resistace instead of six or seven pre sets. But i have used my bike on it about 4 times a week for almost a month, and my rims aren't ruined. i hve extra crappy wheels, too. You do need to make sure the wheel that comes in contact with it is aligned right and isn't pushing on the rim too hard, this will eventually mush it out of true. mine's a minoura, but it's a few years old. if you don't wanna buy trainer tires, it's the way to go, but just make sure the two little wheels that come in contact with the rim are aligned right

Haven't seen anyone comment on the Elite brand of fluid trainer. I'm using it and find it to be very quiet. I suppose I am putting up with some tire wear since it isn't a rim drive. My LBS had 2 rim drives on display but suggested I order the Elite.

I have this one. I have probably only spent 5 hours on it since i got it last month. I had never ridden a trainer before. I am very pleased with this trainer's appearance and quality so far. It is very stable and was easy to set up.

I am SO GLAD that i got a rim drive. I have found that riding a trainer pretty much sucks. It is boring like most people say. If i had to take the time to mount up slicks to put on a regular trainer, i probably wouldn't bother.

I much prefer to ride outside, hence only five hours on it. The only time i have ridden it is when it was raining out. I don't like riding in the cold rain. Every other day, I am out on the streets, roads etc. regardless of the temperature.

Even though a trainer is pretty boring, i still like the option of using it instead of not riding at all on days when it rains.

$119
http://www.nashbar.com/nashbar_photos/medium/NB-RD2.gif


Link (http://www.nashbar.com/profile_moreimages.cfm?category=123&subcategory=1087&sku=12680&brand=)