Originally Posted by
HerrKaLeun
I think the comparison to used prices is unfair. You could then compare this Aldi trainer when used to a used brand name trainer.
The same argument is made when comparing cars, or any other good. Yes, used is always cheaper. Aldi isn't gonna sell used stuff, so they compete with other places that sell new things. And new compared to new, this is a good price. Is it a good trainer? Probably not for someone serious about training, but probably as good as a new $100 trainer from somewhere else.
With that said, the best trainer has two wheels and can be used outside to get from point A to point B. Resistance settings mimic exactly the wind, grade and speed conditions of the actual ride.
Just curious, do you have any experience with trainers? I've had everything from cheap fluid trainers to now I have a Cycleops Hammer. It is totally fair to compare new to used when even new the product is so inferior to what can be had for not too much more brand new for an exponentially better experience, the kurt kinetic road machine can be had used for maybe $150 and is so far beyond this. With a cheap trainer, the moment you stop pedaling, the wheel comes to a stop, whereas with a good fluid trainer, you can stop and flywheel inertia keeps the wheel moving. It's a much more natural experience. My goal is to not have people waste their money on something that's just going to end up on craigslist when it turns out it's a bad indoor riding experience. I'm all for saving money (I ride an entry level 8 speed road bike because it works just fine) but with trainers, quality matters.