Trucker_JDub

Winter is killing me. I want to ride. I want to exercise(<-- not sure I have ever said this last one before and meant it like I do now). I started seeing good changes from my rides and now we are into our storm season so I'm shut down for a couple months.

I see a lot of threads saying what they like better but nothing with a price limit. I have a couple requirements for my $275 though:

1. must have adjustable tension preferably simulating hills changing as I ride
2. fit a MTB (will out fit with trainer/road tire in rear)
3. quiet. It doesn't have to be completely silent but I will be using it in a garage and I don't want to bother the person sleeping in a bedroom on the other side of the wall.
4. I want to be able to zone out on a TV or music most of the time, so a roller would need a fork stand.
5. built in computer (time, calories, cadence, exct.)
6. easier to mount and dismount the bike from the trainer the better.
7. handle my weight (340lbs)
8. must be new

I would be willing to go a little higher on the price if I would gain some great advantage. There are so many different types, brands, and qualities I just don't know what really will give me the most bang for my buck. I have been looking on Performance and am just lost.

flip18436572

If you are going to get a fork stand because you want to zone out. Buy a trainer. If you want to work on your riding skills get rollers.

CliftonGK1

1. must have adjustable tension preferably simulating hills changing as I ride
2. fit a MTB (will out fit with trainer/road tire in rear)
3. quiet. It doesn't have to be completely silent but I will be using it in a garage and I don't want to bother the person sleeping in a bedroom on the other side of the wall.
4. I want to be able to zone out on a TV or music most of the time, so a roller would need a fork stand.
5. built in computer (time, calories, cadence, exct.)
6. easier to mount and dismount the bike from the trainer the better.
7. handle my weight (340lbs)
8. must be new

Most fluid trainers with variable resistance (Travel Trac models on sale at Performance) will fit the bill for all but #5. That's going to be the dealbreaker. Stationary bikes have these features built into the console. Stand-alone trainers that you attach your own bike to typically rely on you to supply a computer for the bike, unless it's a very expensive trainer system (like the Elite) with wireless readout to your home computer.

Trucker_JDub

I thought about that after I posted my list, I guess it wouldn't be a problem to buy a stand alone unit for the bike. I need one for it anyway. that one could be disregarded as a must have. I was just thinking about ever thing that I would want and just started listing.

CliftonGK1

That being the case, I'd go with the Travel Trac Millenium what's on sale at Performance right now. Only $4.00 over your stated limit of $275.00, and it has a progressive fluid damped resistance unit with 5 stage variable resistance via wired thumb-shifter unit.
I know that $12-$20 will get you a front wheel chock to level the bike when it's on a trainer, but I find that the free phone books I find at my doorstep every few months work just fine.

Trucker_JDub

I was wondering about that. I have a bit of wood around the garage and figured I could rig something up just fine on my own.

Also unless you are seeing something I'm not The TT Millennium V Fluid Plus is the one your referring to. (sale price 249.99) Thats the one I was looking at I just wasn't sure of the product quality compared to the other companies.

I'm guessing the the Continental Town and Country's I'm planning on ordering would probably work just fine with this setup?

Thanks to every one for the advice. I know I ask a lot of questions but when your on a limited budget sometimes it helps to learn from others mistakes and good experiences.

Trucker_JDub

Placed my order for the TT Millennium V Fluid Plus and the tires so in a few days I'll be back in the saddle rain or shine thanks again for all the help.

surfjimc

I have a OneUp and I love it. Very adjustable and easy to set up and use, as well as quiet. It was just a bit more at $299 delivered.

CliftonGK1

Conti T&C's will work fine. When I was riding my trainer a lot, I just went with buying a big stack of the cheapest 'house brand' tires I could get. Nashbar and Performance both have some $6.00 and $7.00 tires that make for great trainer tires. For $7 I didn't care if I burned through it in a month on the trainer.

Trucker_JDub

I will have to keep that in mind. Having never used a trainer before I am going to have to see just how fast I go threw tires. In the future there is a good chance that I could end up doing just what you say and buying cheep house brand tires. Thanks for the tip.

CliftonGK1

Cheap tires are fine for a trainer because you're not worrying about cornering grip or puncture protection. Buy the cheap-o tires and run 'em down to the threads. Trainers, especially those with a spring-loaded roller, tend to wear through tires pretty quick when compared to outside riding.

Trucker_JDub

Looks like there is finally a use for those cheep tires at Walmart. I may just set up a second rear rim. just for the trainer. I have a Sunrims CR18 with a broken axle, looks like I'll be getting that fixed, then I'll just get a cassette that matches the bike I will be using on the trainer.

Trucker_JDub

Well, my trainer arrived about noon along with a couple other little goodies like my Conti Town and Countries and a computer. I spent a little time putting things together swapping tires and such. Was just re-mounting my rims complete with new road tires and was planning on a quick ride to see the difference between them and the knobbies I had before when the heavens opened up in a hard down pour so that will have to wait until tomorrow. So I swapped the back rim for one I have set up with a cheep generic road tire and mounted the new trainer. 10 miles later I'm sweating like I didn't know I could (getting a fan). After that, I played around with the resistance and gears like a kid with a new toy. I learned the hard way that if you feel like you can go for ever just set it to high drop into a high gear and peddle with everything you've got. That was something I'm not doing again until I have a fan on me and nothing to do for the rest of the day. Thanks one last time for all the great tips. I'm very pleased with my new trainer.

flip18436572

Glad to hear you like it. I don't use a fan on the rollers, but I like a good sweat when I am working hard. I put a towel under my rollers and have at it. Good luck and enjoy the good workouts.