chandltp

So I'm in the market for a trainer for my recumbent. I had one for my trike that I only used once, but that was due to a foot injury.

I'm trying to decide between buying a cheaper one from Nashbar and seeing if I can tolerate it day after day in the winter or just spending the money and buying something like a CycleOps.

So what did everyone else do? Buy cheap and upgrade or go all the way and buy a good one initially? If you bought an expensive one did you have any regrets?

chandltp

Right now I'm leaning toward this one.

Ascent Fluid Trainer

Any down sides?

no sweat

You mean aside from availability in late March?

Check Craig's List. People sell barely used trainers all the time when they find out that indoor training sucks rocks.

Edit: fwiw, I have 900+ miles on my trainer this Winter, so it's not as though I'm out to discourage anyone.

rumrunn6

you never regret buying quality

DirePenguin

Got a CycleOps Fluid2 for Christmas and don't regret it a bit.

If you have something to occupy your mind, using a trainer doesn't suck that much. I have a TV and a DVD player in my basement and I watch DVDs of my favorite TV shows when I'm using the trainer or my elliptical.

chandltp

I think I've seen 2 trainers in my area over the last year, neither of which interested me.

chandltp

I agree.. unless I find out I just don't want to use it.

chandltp

Although you did make me think.. if I buy quality I should be able to sell it pretty easy if I end up not wanting to use it. And I'd still be out less than the cost of a cheap trainer.

no sweat

My Winter 2014-2015 Bike Trainer Recommendations | DC Rainmaker

chandltp

Thanks for the comparisons.

chandltp

I've been throwing around the idea of getting rollers instead of a trainer as well. What about the Nasbhar Reduced radius rollers? Those seem like they get pretty good reviews.

chandltp

So I've been shopping around and my budget won't afford a CycleOps fluid trainer. Of the following, should I avoid any of these? Any one have a personal prefernce? Ascent Fluid trainer, Nashbar Fluid Trainer, Cyclops Wind Trainer, CycleOps Mag, or Kurt Kinetic Mag?

no sweat

Erie, PA? My recommendation would be this: Bike Trainer

Rugged as an anvil, you'll never wear it out.

Edit: plus you can add this https://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Kurt-i.../dp/B00LRAGJQ6

for power info if you have an iOS device.

Fly2High

What is your budget?

I just got a CycleOps Fluid2 from DicksSportingGoods for $259. (saw one in store and was able to use a coupon also for another $10 off). just checked and unfortunately it appears to no longer be on sale (sorry). I did get one and like it. I have been watching spin classes on GCN and whatever youtube I can find so that the workout isn't boring. Seems to pass rather quickly. The only thing I find is that I cannot stand up on the pedals even with a 50 x 11 gearing. Feels way to jerky and am afraid I will do damage. Besides, I can sit down and still do pretty well. Nice and quiet. Not whisper but compared to other types, it is easy to hear a youtube video at 60% volume over the whir sound on a Galaxy Tab 3.

Even at regular price, it would be well worth it. Just a side item, you may want to think about resale should you become disinterested or with the summers decide it didn't get much use. A better one with a good name will be able to be sold at a higher price.

Then again, if you were me, you'll be keeping it.

Frank

chandltp

I'm looking around the $200 price range.

As for standing and riding, I have a recumbent so that's not a concern.

chandltp

I'll give that guy a call.

No need for power info, I just want to keep my legs in shape for long miles

chandltp

So are the fluid trainers that much better than the mag or wind trainers? I'm in a garage with headphones on a computer so noise isn't really a concern.

Fly2High

Look Here:
Turbo trainer buying guide | Wiggle Buyers Guides

Buyers Guide to turbo trainers - finding the best indoor trainer for you | road.cc

Also, I think I have heard that with magnetic trainers some can drop the resistance which could be dangerous for you. Not sure where in BF I saw it but I will post if I can find it.

chandltp

Thanks, I've read quite a few buyers guides, and I just can't seem to reach a conclusion about which one is the best choice for me.

Fly2High

I wonder if a bike shop would put a trainer on a bike for you to try?

Couldn't hurt to ask.

IF you feel no difference and if the resistance is high enough for you then you'll have your answer.

Picking a reputable brand like CycleOps or Kurt Kinetic will also ensure quality.

For me, the CycleOps Fluid2 was right and I got lucky with the price.

IMHO.

Best of luck

Frank

Fly2High

A few links to read:

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post15309842

good comments here in the above thread

Post 31
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...l#post15319189



Someone posted this here:
Indoor Trainer. Advice! - Adelaide Cyclists

I have a (cheap) mag trainer.
The common complaint with mag trainers is that you can overpower them, and the resistance drops off. I've found that does happen, but not often enough for it to be a huge problem. But I did mostly use it last winter, when I was (very) unfit.
I suspect if you are doing a structured program with hard intervals it could be a real issue (and let's face it: if you are on a trainer you probably are doing intervals - sitting on it for long periods of time is pretty horrible).
Wind trainers are really noisy. That's actually a big problem - you'll probably want to listen to music or watch something to survive long periods on a trainer, and the nosier the trainer the higher you'll need to volume.
If your budget stretches high enough, there are intelligent trainers that will give you power feed back, or you can hook up to an phone/computer/internet connection to simulate Strava segments/race other people/ride famous mountains.
Otherwise, get a fluid trainer.
https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/10/my-2012-trainer-recommendations-... is a good place to read more about your options at different price points.


Still looking to see if others complain about magnetic units have issue when overpowered and resistance drops off.

chandltp

That's awesome thanks. My LBS will let me go in and try them, but they want me to do it during the day.

Right now I'm leaning toward expanding my budget and just getting the Kurt Kinetic from Amazon. They have an older model for close to $300.

Amazon.com: kurt kinetic: Sports & Outdoors (it actually went up in the last 15 minutes)

Based on that, I might get the 2.0.

It looks like the Kurt is reviewed a little better than the CycleOps fluid trainer.

chandltp

Really, I'm just looking to keep my endurance up over the winter. I did pretty well on an exercise bike last year, but it didn't translate 100% come spring due to the differing ergonomics. I'd to 2-3 hour sessions on the exercise bike at a pretty stead state with no intervals or anything of the sort. I don't ever really train, I just ride.

chandltp

After reading some of those reviews, it seems the mag trainers might be analogous to the exercise bike. This may be good enough for my intended uses, since I'm not doing intervals or anything of the like.

Need to read some more and think on it.

obed7

I have both the cyclops magnetic and a cyclops fluid trainer...for my personal use, there is not much difference... I use them just to keep the legs going and the wind up... no heavy intervals...there is a slight noise difference, but not enough for me to pay any attention....I also have two sets of rollers, they are where I put in the work if that is what I want to do... the trainers are kept at the office and my son and I use them at lunch time and the rollers are in my bike shed at home and the wife and I use them there.
If you are just looking to keep loose and sort of stay in shape, buy what best fits your budget...and loose the whole I might not like them idea, that is negative and defeatist...