Originally Posted by
prooftheory
Is there a big difference between high-end and low-end rollers as well?
Stick with rollers with metal barrels. Larger barrels have less resistance. Skinny rollers have more resistance. I'm not sure why but that's how it works.
Originally Posted by
T34418L3one
Yeah I figured feedback wouldn't be exceptional. For my budget I'd say $150 max. I'll check my CL before making the decision for sure.
From what I've read on my search is it a good idea to stay away from "fluid" and "wind" trainers? Stick with mag, right?
1) Spending $100 or $150 on a bad trainer is not a good use of your money.
2) Both fluid and mag trainers can be good and bad. They work in different ways. Mag trainers provide constant resistance based on what level you select on the resistance unit. Fluid trainers provide exponential resistance similar to (or exactly like) wind resistance outdoors.
3) The key is to get a trainer with a good flywheel (the big metal disc on the side). Generally speaking, the bigger the better. This is so that when you stop pedaling or back off from pedaling, the wheel keeps turning as you would expect. On cheaper trainers with lighter flywheels, the wheel stops very quickly. I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine with an 8lb flywheel (pretty big) with the optional 12lb flywheel addition (HUGE) for 20lbs total. Using my road bike, I can stop pedaling, get off the bike, go to the kitchen and get a glass of water...and the rear wheel will be still spinning. Basically, it mimics the momentum that we gather when riding on the road.
4) I'd stay away from wind trainers.