Originally Posted by kini62

I'm on my 3rd Blackburn Tech Fluid (the new for 2010 model). The first one was clearly defective as it howled like a banshee.

The 2nd one was quiet, but like the first one, it starts out cold with little resistance, spinning at 20mph pretty easy and then at about 7-8 minutes in the vibrations started. Short bursts progressing to constant vibration by 11-12 minutes in and then gradually subsiding and going away by 16-18 minutes. During the period of vibration the resistance increases and steadies off after the vibrations stop.

The 3rd unit is similar. Little to light resistance when cold, but this unit seems to heat up faster as the vibrations kick in sooner at about 4-5 minutes in, progress faster and go away quicker. But I still have about 5 minutes worth of vibration.

The resistance on the 3rd unit is noticeably greater than the other 2 and much higher than being on the road. I can hit 20mph on this 3rd unit but only for a couple minutes whereas on the road 20 mph on a flat road is light cruising.

My LBS contacted Blackburn about the 2nd trainer and they told him that the period of vibration was "normal". After complaining again they credited the LBS and he gave me this 3rd unit.

I'm not happy with this one either as it still vibrates and the resistance is off (compared to the others).

So is this vibrating and light start off resistance "normal" for a fluid trainer or does Blackburn have a design flaw or manufacturing issue?

Thanks for the help.
Gene