+1 on a Fluid Trainer. Cycleops Fluid 2 or Kurt Kinetic are as close to replicating resistance on the road as you'll get, and are solid units that will last a long time.

I'd strongly prefer fluid to a magnetic resistance unit, to the point that if they are above your budget, I'd buy a used one, before I bought a new Mag trainer. If you go used, look for a Kurt Kinetic. Very early Cycleops fluid trainers leaked, and you wouldn't readily know if you were gtting one with the updated seals.

Also, the fact that fluid trainers are not adjustable is a positive, not a negative. Resistance on a fluid trainer rises geometrically with speed, like wind resistance on the road. To increase resistance you simply pedal faster, or in a bigger gear.


Rollers could be a good option, particularly for a new rider to develop a smooth pedal stroke and balance. However, you can't just hope on rollers, zone out to TV, and get a workout. They require some concentration, particularly at first. And unless you go with small drums, or a fan unit, they may not have enough resistance for many workouts.