lindrone

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking here for quite a while now.. absorbing the wealth of information as best as I can... anyway, all of you guys have helped me out a whole lot. Just got my new mountain bike about a month ago, still need to do some tune-up and changing tires and such.. but it's been a great experience so far, no less because of the wealth of information here.

Now the rain season is starting here in San Francisco, I'm thinking about getting a trainer for my mountain bike... I saw some trainers at Sportsmart made by Bell, for $99... of course there are some I can pick up at the local REI. I'm trying to stay under $200.

So the question is, what's the difference in quality between the $99 trainer versus a $200 trainer? What should I be looking for? What's the difference between fluid and magnetic trainers? Are there other options I should look into?

Thanks

twahl

Not an expert on trainers, so I will offer only what my limited experience tells me. First, fluid trainers are quieter than magnetic. Second, I would suggest getting a smooth tire for the rear for trainer use, and make sure the adjustment is only tight enough to prevent slippage.

Beyond that I bought the base model fluid trainer from Performance and am happy with it, but I don't have more than a few hours on it yet and it's my first experience on one so don't take that as a serious recommendation.

SAB

I've been using a ciclosimulator made by CatEye for a couple of years. Has both magnetic and fan units (the noise really is no problem). The magnetic resistance unit is adjustable. It's super stable because you hook-in your front fork so you can stand and sprint, etc...

seely

Cyclops just introduced the first Magneto trainer w/ progressive resistance (almost like a Fluid) for 2005. Lifetime warranty, Carmicheal training video and $159.99... no stupid resistance remotes or anything. You can't go wrong.

pdxcyclist

I just bought a second trainer, and my research led to the same recommendation as Twahl made. The base level fluid trainer from Performace is about $150, and its construction seems fine.

Our first trainer is a Blackburn fan model from about 10 years ago, and it's holding up fine, but the fan puts out so much noise it's almost painful. To listen to music while training almost requires blowing out the stereo speakers. Thus, we're moving to fluid just to save our ears.

As for "remote tension adjustment" on the more expensive models, I don't know why they're needed if you can just shift gears on your bike. I think the extra $50 is better spent on a heart rate monitor.

lindrone

Would I have any problem fitting a mountain bike tire on these trainers instead of a road bike?

pdxcyclist

No, but the noise from training with knobby tires could be quite loud. Depending on the width of your rims, spring for some Perfomance 26" x 1.25 road tires. 1.5 if you have wider rims. Don't forget you'll need a smaller diameter tube to go with the tire.

twahl

They actually have a current catalog where it was listed at $129, and they matched that for me. That was maybe 2 weeks ago?

lindrone

Hmm.. so what would be the best place for me to get a trainer? The Performance base level fluid trainer seems to be a very good deal.

froze

Best depends on how much money you want to spend and most importantly what skill level you’re at or want to obtain.

Like you, I too about 12 months got started researching trainers on forums such as this one. I found consistently that the Cyclops brand was mentioned the most and the Fluid 2 was the preferred model. So I went to an LBS and tested 4 of their models, and one Minoura with the rim drive.

The cheapest Cyclops was the Wind, which I immediately did not like due to high noise and unnatural road feel, plus the max work out watts level was low at around 150. The next was the Magnetic, again a bit loud, did not feel natural and the max watts level was around 250. Next was the Magneto, this one was quiet, felt very natural with excellent wattage ramping the faster the rear wheel goes, and was rated a 450 watts max; this is a best buy model for most riders. The next and most expensive (excluding the computer trainer) is the Fluid 2, same results as the Magneto but with a max wattage rating of 750. Keep in mind that Lance Armstrong can do about 705 watts consistently for up to an hour, just to put things into perspective for you on this watts thing. I opted for the Fluid 2 (but probably should have gotten the Magneto), thinking that I could eventually grow more into it then I would with the Magneto. The Minoura I didn't like the feel of if as much as the Magneto or the Fluid 2...but better than the Wind or Magnet, and if I recall correctly it was a bit louder then the Magneto or the Fluid 2.

If you’re not training for racing and just want to maintain your physical shape when you can't ride outdoors, I strongly recommend the Magneto, it cost about $210 whereas the Fluid will cost about $260. If you do a web search you should be able to find them cheaper by at least $50.

All Cyclops have a lifetime warranty, comes with a spare skewer (so you don't mar you good one), and a training video.

You may have to buy a front wheel stand but they only cost $15. The wheel stand allow the front wheel to be more stable PLUS you can put it on top a concrete block set your wheel into it and simulate hill climbling. And you'll need a fan to simulate wind and to evaporate sweat; and you'll need a TV or music because this sort of thing is BORING!!!

mirona

My Cyclops Magneto is coming in today so I'll be sure to let you guys know how it goes. Expecting a week of cold, miserable, rainy days so I'll have plenty of time on it.

:edit: BTW, I paid $170 (with shipping) for it at Performance and saved $40 with this coupon.

bg4533

Are you referring to the Cyclops Magneto that can be found at Performance and other places or is this something new that isn't widely available yet? If you are referring to the regular Magneto, where can you get it for $159?

I am trying to decide between the Cyclops Magneto and Fluid2. I am in college and money is tight, but since I have a roomate noise is a big concern. Is the Magneto much louder than the Fluid2?

Thanks.

mirona

I forgot about this thread.

Well I got the Magneto and it is pretty quiet. This is my first trainer so I have nothing to really compare it to though. My brother lives in the room below mine and he said the only time he could hear it was when I was sprinting at 45mph. I can easily watch tv without having to turn the volume up.

I have a big fan set up to keep me cool. The fan is 10 times louder than the trainer.

It came with a DVD for Time Trial training from Carmichael Training Systems. I've done the routine a couple times already and it's pretty intense.

hi565

I got the performance Century Fluid trainer for 130$. I love it it works fine for me. It would fit a mountain bike perfectley. OH also you dont need something that has a little switch to change the tension that is just extra money that is not needed. This trainer is at PerformanceBike.com. If you dont lie this one definetley get a fluid trainer

hi565

I agree with what other people say. Get a smooth tire for the trainer. Knobby tires make to much sound and they dont fell that good on a trainer.