Looking at a magnetic trainer...
 

I won't be shy about it, I've gained a few pounds. It's time I lose it. I've set a goal for myself to do some hardcore biking and drop some pounds. I figured due to the insane weather we've had (so darn cold!) that I'd get a magnetic resistance trainer and use it with my mountain bike in the garage for an hour a day or so.

Thing is, I know nothing about these trainers. I was looking to spend no more than 100 dollars, which limits my options. I want something basic to get a darn good workout in, but I'd like it to last a decent amount of time as well.

While ebaying around, I came across the Minoura 500D trainer. What do you folks think of this? It's in my price range and the very few reviews I read spoke highly of it.

Thoughts?

personally I much prefer a fluid trainer, which I have.
look at Nashbar's.. especially their closeouts/returns section for good deals.
craigs list has a number of them listed for $80-100 as well.

pic related

http://www.glasswolf.net/misc/nashbar.jpg

Why do you prefer fluid trainers? Is it just from a noise standpoint?

I just need something that's doing to be durable and last while costing the least possible. Chances are I'll have the sound system cranked in the garage, so unless it sounds like a mac truck with the engine brake on, I doubt I'll mind a slightly louder unit.

I bought one at the Performance store f0r $89.00. They seem to be always on sale. Work like a trainer should.

I only have one bike shop in the area for about an hour's drive, and they have a very poor supply. They carry 2 models, both of which are 200+. No thanks...

Is the 89 dollar one you got a magnetic one? How is it?

noise is one thing, but a fluid trainer has progressive resistance so it mimmics a real road ride more closely, and good ones have a variable resistance level as well (mine has 5) as well as a wired or wireless cyclometer feature that measures things like calories burned, distance ridden, time elapsed, and so forth.


mainly I prefer the progressive resistance of a fluid trainer to the static resistance of a mag trainer.

I don't have a reference, but having been on the Fluid2 just once, it really makes you feel like you are on the road.

Here's a couple of places where it's on sale:
http://www.all3sports.com/product_in...4237b227fb8bca (10% coupon + 16% off + $6 shipping)
http://www.treefortbikes.com/177_333...iner-2008.html

I'm going to have to go with the others. Save your money longer or look for a better used one. If you go cheap you will only be cheating your self in the long run. I payed $270 for mine fluid/mag combo.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120

Now if you look around you will find killer used deals. Here is a link on craigslist to a trainer for $75
http://oregoncoast.craigslist.org/bik/590707323.html

Now here is the same trainer on the performance site for $330
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120

Thats a savings of $255 and the used one in the picture looks like new. Just my opinion, don't go cheap because if it doesn't feel good your not going to ride it. Its hard to get on it some days as it is. You will thank us if you take our advice. We have been in your shoes.

The 500D trainer I was looking at has 5 levels of resistance as well. My thing is, I'd like to order it and not have to deal with searching around for deals. I work 16 hours a day (the life of a full time worker in college, love it) so I'd rather just hit buy and use it in between jobs when it gets here.

I'm not looking for something top notch. Just something that won't break on me if I decide to use it more than 2 days in a row.