Sorry if this has been discussed before (I tried searching) but Im looking to buy a trainer between $100-200. Between magnetic, fluid and rollers which is better for resistance training? Also looking for some recommendations but would like to keep it under $200, cheaper if possible.

Anyone?

keeping it under $200 sort of limits your choices. Also, depending on who makes the trainer resistance settings vary.

For the most part, fluid trainers offer the widest range of resistance. I have seen fluid trainers that offer 3,000 watts of resistance - which is more than anyone can crank out. Fluid trainers also offer the most realistic road feel, as the fluid itself increases resistance the faster you try to go.

Magnetic trainers are also decent. They offer varying settings as well. They fall short of a fluid trainer however.

Rollers are good in the sense that you do not need to attach your bike to anything. There is a roller under the front and back wheel. Pretty much you have a treadmill for your bike. The downside is that you can fall in your own home, which would be hysterical to put on YouTube should someone capture it on video. Roller trainers also take up a lot of space, so if you are short on floor space then this is a problem.

Fluid and magnetic trainers sometimes have resistance settings you can control from the bike - rollers do not. At least not that I know of.

And now for the fun part! Not all trainers are created equal. Although for the most part fluid is better than magnetic, I would rather have a good magnetic than a cheaper fluid.

As with everything else in the cycle world, you really do get what you pay for. Google "bicycle trainers" and there is all sorts of wonderful information you can wade through.

Thanks for the info. I was looking at this one https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...3_20000_400133 at my local performance shop. They have one left.

If it is at a local store, see if they will let you try before you buy. Of not, find out what the return policy is. From what I gather, there are good trainers and then there is crap.

Oh yea, nobody really likes them - they should be viewed as a necessary evil for some cyclists. Those who have long cold winters, frequent poor weather, time constraints, etc. Actually riding - even if it is around your own block 100 times, will always be better.

I had bought a Schwinn mag trainer at crappy tire here in Canada figuring that it was a good name in bikes. Paid $150 cdn, never really new when it was tight and after a while looked like the frame was bending. Tried to take it back for a refund, 7 day limit my flying patoot. Bought a Blackburn Trackstand Mag 3 trainer($175), only has 3 resistance levels but it locks up rock solid, basically becomes one with the bike.

As far as fluid trainers go I've heard that eventually they all leak, even Kurt Kinetics. Something to due with the fact that the silicone fluid that provides the resistance will find the tiniest gap and work its way out.

The Nashbar fluid trainer has been on sale.

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...1_10000_200416

There is also a code to get an extra 20 bucks off on the home page.

Im leaning towards the kirt kinetics, mainly due to their lifetime warranty. Im just debating on the Road machine, Pro Trainer or Rock and Roll. This is for a carbon fiber frame so I have to choose wisely.

I believe KurtKinetic suggests the Rock and Roll for carbon frames because the ability to rock side to side should reduce "abnormal" stresses on the frame that it may not be designed to take. Alternatively, I would look for a low-cost used steel frame with geometry similar to the carbon frame, put the same seat on it, and mostly leave it in the trainer.

You may also want to get a dedicated trainer tire/wheel for minimum noise and not wearing out good road tires. Conti makes the Ultrasport Hometrainer tire, Tacx the Trainer Tire. Neither is intended for use on anything but a trainer and the Conti can be a job to mount, hence a low cost dedicated trainer wheel can be a good choice.

The KurtKinetics and the 1Up trainers generally have the most favorable reviews here (just do a search). You might try to get one used (since trainers are not for everyone) on your local CraigsList, eBay or just posting a "wanted" notice in local paper/CraigsList/bike shop.