any recommendations for basic indoor trainer that you put a bike on

magnetic or fluid resistance?

Looking at a couple of basic Saris models

I am looking to get one as gift for my brother, who's doctor suggested he get one. As he is too busy working and taking care of family I know he won't do it him self, but will have no choice if an amazon box shows up

thanks

I'm very happy with the Wahoo Kickr SNAP I bought (yeah, Amazon) a few years ago. Not sure those're still being sold in this country though. I'd look at Saris were I in the market. Or Garmin, for a few dollars more.

Maybe a little less basic?

You can get a lot less basic without any trouble whatsoever. Simple rollers'll suffice but I know folks find those less than motivational.

We have a WaterRower rowing machine, pretty basic yet engineered for fluid resistance. I'm as yet unaware of a bicycle trainer with similar engineering unless maybe home made?

I guess I should have first inquired what kind of biking does the OP's brother prefer? What kind of bike(s) does he have presently?

Check Craigslist. People who have bought smart trainers often list their previous non-smart trainers for sale cheap. Here are some listings in San Jose.

Basic magnetic or fluid resistance trainers are also available for not much more than a hundred dollars new from Amazon, Walmart, etc. Magnetic might be better, if only because there's no potential for fluid leaking out of the resistance unit.

Smart trainers have been dropping in price. Here's one on sale at Amazon for under $250 that is compatible with Zwift, MyWhoosh, etc. Immersive smart trainer resistance software like Zwift, etc., makes using a trainer much more engaging. It's like POV video gaming, but with sweat.

If you don't already own a bike trainer, maybe set up the one you buy for your brother in your house so you can familiarize yourself with it before presenting it to your brother. Unless he lives far enough away for that to be impractical, in which case, consider sending links to videos that explain how to use whatever equipment you end up choosing for him.

Look up your local bike co-op - our local co-op is literally giving them away

The Saris wheel-on is super cheap and works with Zwift for the once-a-weeker. A wheel-off trainer is so much quieter that it makes a real difference to me. Kickr Core is a darn good trainer.

squirtdad ,
Whatever you decide upon, make sure it matches the axle type of your brother’s bike.
Some only permit use of QR and don’t support use of thru-axle.

Barry

I'm a rollers guy myself so have no suggestions. But hidden in this comment is a serious question as to whether the unit will actually get used. I suggest a serious discussion with your brother before you spend the money. Such purchases are most notoriously used for clothes drying racks.

Will he be motivated enough to use it more than a few times before it becomes a valet for clothes and jackets hung on the bars?

I just can't motivate myself to use them often enough, though I have both a very old stationary bike and a very basic wheel on trainer. Sometimes watching bike races, like cyclocross or the various tours and monuments take my mind off the boredom of pedaling to nowhere. But not enough to get me on either regularly.

Rouvy or Zwift might make it more interesting. And obviously for many, it does. So maybe consider at least a trainer that can make effective use of those virtual worlds if it's found out the incentive is needed.

I have a very basic mag trainer, and a better quality fluid trainer. They are both fine for getting in pedaling time. The fluid trainer, IMO, is more like actually spinning on a bike, on the road. I boughtt it from a steep clearance sale. I never would have paid the msrp $270.
I have had the mag trainer for many years, a friend is presently using it to train for a tri race in May. He says it is fine for his need and use.

My wife, who is not hard core, but gets on it almost daily likes this:

I got a bare bones fluid trainer maybe six years ago. IIRC the brand is Ascent. I don’t love it, but it works ok. I distract myself listening to policy or historical commentary.

I struggled in previous years to stick with it and switched almost exclusively to running during the winter. This year I’ve maintained a mix through this cold season. Probably due to a saddle that suits me better than I had in prior years.

Otto

Good points above about whether he'll use it. But since his doctor suggested a trainer, there's at least that motivation.

I'd ask the brother to ask the doctor for some guidelines: how much time riding per session? How many sessions per week? What intensity level?

For the last question, if the brother will be using a conventional trainer without smart software features, a pulsemeter/heart monitor would be a worthwhile purchase.

Also, for motivation, there are plenty of workout videos on the Global Cycling Network (GCN) YouTube channel and other channels with a bunch of riders and a sessiion leader that he can work out to.

Edit: some examples of indoor cycling workout videos.

I just checked Facebook Marketplace, just for Wahoo Kick'r products, and holy hell, there are a LOT of trainers for sale out there!

My experience with dumb trainers is that I would be mentally exhausted from trying to keep myself going long before my legs got tired. I'd suggest getting a Smart trainer - a cheap, used but working one - because it's possible he'll end up wanting one relatively soon and there's no sense buying twice. A Smart trainer can be used like a dumb trainer but the opposite is not true.

If your brother is too busy to go get one himself, I imagine he is too busy to set a bike up on it and then too busy to use it. Around my area a Cycle Ops Mag Trainer in good condition with little use goes for 50 bucks. I have two of them used, one for my wife and one for my daughter. They use them on a regular basis and simply listen to music and get a 20 minute spin.
I have a Wahoo Kickr and it rides like a bike, but I only use it to spin.

Audio books down loaded to my phone makes the time go pretty fast. I often spin a little longer when it's a good book. Libby app is free and has a lot of books. It is connected to the Library system.

Bit too busy and a bit not talking time for himself, he is a good dude. I am hoping this showing up will give him the little nudge, I have already looked up Bike coops in Bozeman and know some people there from Cino (that he knows also) who I can enlist to help him find a used bike we will see

Performance Bicycle's got a sale on now for Wahoo Kickr Core 2 that might interest you.

If I weren't already invested in wheels & trainer tires for my collection of bikes, I'd be interested in this myself!

For decades I've been reading books and magazines and listening to music while riding the rollers. We've got a reading stand so don't use audio books. Gets two things done at once and makes the time pass much more easily.

Update: He got it and it is going back to Amazon. LOL you gotta try

But he promises to put a new tire into the single speed huffy he saved from the dump and ride at lunch time at work.....we will see

You are on to something. When Warren Buffet learned longevity was hereditary, he bought an indoor trainer for his mother. In your case it will benefit your nieces and nephews

Mike

The magnetic ones work fine if that's what is in your budget range.