Indoor Trainer Recommendations
 

I am interested in buying an indoor trainer to use this winter and have looked at several models of magnetic and fluid trainers. Can anyone offer any insights regarding which type is better?

Kurt Kinetics all the way.

Corsaire

I have a 1-up, i would call it a friction trainer which is nice, it is quite and there is no hot liquid like a fluid trainer (the drum does get very warm) and it added resistance on more accurate curve www.1upusa.com

I have a cyclops fluid(2) and am very satisfied with it. The thing I really like
about the fluids (include Kirk Kinetics here) is that it is a progressive load (resistance)
and isn't preset 7 loads etc. Cyclops also has a progressive resistance magnetic
unit.
My cyclops leaked (early model) and they were VERY responsive, sent replacement
resistance unit sight unseen and paid shipping to return the defective unit.
Their customer service is superbe.

Marty

I have a blackburn fluid trainer and love it. It is smooth and quiet. If you are getting a trainer I also highly recommend spinervals videos. They give you a great workout, and help prevent boredom....

I was looking at getting the Kurt Kenetics, the 1upUSA or the CycleOps Fluid 2 for my winter trainer. All of them are very nice fluid trainers and have excellent reviews. The thing that cinched it for me was the price. For $223 shipped insured I bought a new 2005 Fluid 2 with CTS TT DVD on ebay from Bikerman59.

Here's the link, should this forum allow such things ...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...107928954&rd=1

I'm not in any way affiliated with CycleOps, Bikerman59 or Carmichael Training Systems.

Couldn't agree more. Fluid trainers are smooth and quiet and have progressive resistance. Want more resistance - pedal faster and / or shift up a gear. Fluid trainers have a weakness in that they eventually leak. The Kurt Kinetic being the exeption because it uses a magnetic coupling and there is no seal around a rotating shaft that can leak - ever. I don't know why the kurt kinetic is not more popular. They clearly have a superior product to any other fluid trainer.

Awesome, I just ordered one from him as well. It was an awesome deal. I'm glad to hear your happy with yours. Mine should be here tomorrow! I can't wait!

Glad to help.

Just got one too.....thanks for the hook up...

Thanks from me too, add me to the list of happy buyers! I was hesitant about going over to the LBS to pick up a trainer, but this post pushed me over the edge. With a few clicks from PayPal I still won't realize I spent the money :p.
Hopefully everyone who ordered recieved it in a timely manner, I had a bad experience with UPS this week and their "3-day Select" shipping getting to me in 8 days :(

Is it fair to say the Kinetic might be the best but the Cycleops might be the best value ? If you could have either one for free, what would you choose?

Kinetics hands down. The thing is a tank. It can absorb over 3 times the effort the Cycleops can. Using the thing is work. No stops signs,
just steady resistance that has my legs screaming in minutes.

Yep, these are expensive but have a lifetime warranty. Had mine about a year and love it. The reviews don't lie.
http://roadbikereview.com/Trainers/1...5_1663crx.aspx
Get a couple Spinerval DVDs to complement which ever trainer you decide on.

CompuTrainer. Costly but sturdy.

I've owned one since '96. It motivates me where other indoor eqpt doesn't.

www.computrainer.com

- Dan

I know, i know, this is a trainer question. But... get some rollers.

I wonder why I never seem to hear Elite mentioned.