I'm looking to purchase a trainer preferably under $200. I did a search and did not find the information that I was looking for. I have looked on Amazon and camer across a Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Trainer for $159. Does anybody own one of these? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
What other trianers under $200 do you recommend? Also, do you guys recommend getting a trainer tire? I need a 700x28 but have been unsuccessful in locating one.
I have the red Vittoria trainer tire and have put 1800mi on it since last year. Running at 130psi it hasn't shown any obvious signs of wear and doesn't leave any residue on the trainer roller. I don't know if the trainer tire is any quieter than a normal tire. I have a dedicated bike on the trainer so I don't need to deal with switching tires/wheels (or mounting a bike).
I have very little experience on trainers other than the Kinetic fluid I have (I tried a Cyclops mag and didn't like the mag resistance at all). The Kinetic seems bulletproof and wouldn't hesitate buying one used (especially if the lifetime warranty goes with it), though I don't know if they get to sub-$200. My only complaint with it was the green color, but I'm long passed that.
I have a Kurt Kinetic and would recommend it. I think you can get it new for a little under $300. Lifetime warranty and their support is outstanding. I only use it 10-20 times/yr so don't bother with a dedicated training tire. I've never noticed a problem on any tires I've used. I think if you have a trainer with a smaller diameter roller it might be harder on tires.