Doug,

I don't have any experience with fluid trainers, but have used a magnetic one for several years. It will do what you want it to do. What you might look at is the noise factor. I used to use a wind trainer prior to the magnetic and the noise was deafening. I couldn't hear the radio or anything else for that matter. The magnetic does make some noise, but it is acceptable. I don't know if all magnetics are equal in the noise department, but it might be worth asking about.