Michael00910

I've started doing research on Indoor Trainers in preparation for the Winter, but I'm far too much a noob to trust picking one out myself. If price wasn't an issue, I'd pick up a CycleOps Fluid 2 and be done with it but I'm always interested in saving some money.

I'm still very much open to purchasing the Fluid 2 as well as the CycleOps Magneto but if there's a good less expensive option, I'd consider it.

Do I need to purchase a climbing block? Or would something like a phone book work? Do I NEED a $25-50 mat to put underneath or is a towel good enough?

My LBS has a Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer on closeout for $128 which seemed amazing until I read the overwhelmingly awful reviews.

Performance is most important as I want to get a good workout. I was hoping to get one on the quiet side as I think it would be helpful to watch TV/Movies while riding but if it's noisy I can simply listen to loud music/headphones to offset.

Basically I'm looking for the best economical trainer and would appreciate some opinions. If you think I should shell out the money for a top tier one, let me know. I also looked on craigslist and found a lot of good priced ones but nothing quite in my area.


***SHORT VERSION***

1. Looking for Indoor Trainer, noob rider.

2. Most important: Performance, Quiet, Cost.

3. Are the accessories necessary? Climbing block, mat, etc.?

4. Please recommend specific products. Especially ones you have personal experience with.

Thanks!

ian0789

I was looking at trainers for the winter but said to my self I just couldnt freaking bare to think that I would pedal in place on my bike mindlessly for any amount of time. I am one that cant do anything indoors when it comes to cardio. Sooooo I went with a set of rollers and it was the best freaking thing I ever did. I am a noob as well but I will say that it took me about 45min if that to get them down pat and now I can do 30-45min rides on them with out losing my balance and just blast music to kill some time.

The rollers help improve your cycling skills as well and are not that hard once you get the concept down. I have yet to ride them for more then an hour because the weather is amazing right now but when the winter and snow comes I will be happy to jump on them. It also helps with making time fly because unlike the trainer you are using your own balance to ride and it gives you an amazing workout. You can add resistance as well with using different gear combos.

I got the Nashbar rollers and I think it was $120 thats about the same as most trainers I looked at and they also were rated on the cheap side. And like I said rollers are fun as heck!

lopek77

Don't forget about indoor cycling trainer videos. There is some free ones you can use while riding your bike. I always ride in front of TV or computer, My favorite music is playing, and I'm using some fan to move the air, cool me down and create outdoorsy feeling.
Some good YouTube list I'm using for my trainer rides:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...ature=view_all

Good luck!

laxpatrick

1up USA. Made of real stuff in the USA. No fluid to leak.

Michael00910

I'm really not interested in rollers for a variety of reasons, looking exclusively at trainers. I'm not considering videos as accessories right now since there's so much stuff on the internet for free. I can't really find the 1up USA anywhere but Ebay for $299, is that about right? I can get the Fluid 2 for $290 after tax from my LBS. Are they comparable or is one better? I'd probably prefer to buy from my LBS if price is equal.

Is there a trainer in the $100-$200 range I should be looking at? Is the climbing block necessary? Mat necessary or will a towel be enough?

Appreciate the replies.

Cyclist0084

Can't really speak to the trainer issue. The one I use is about 10 years old and produced by Bell. I think I paid right around $100 for it. It's a piece of junk, but for now it (still) does what I want it to do.

I do use a block to elevate my front wheel; a block of wood that is. A piece of 2x4 about a foot long specifically. And as for a mat, an extra thick, extra large towel should do just fine. Haven't had the wife complain yet that my dripping sweat has stained the carpeting.

Good luck with your trainer search.

Cyclist0084

Awesome videos, especially the two of the Tour de Shore. It goes thru my old hometown (Hammond, IN). I know what playlist I'll be visiting this winter.

dpeters11

If the trainer doesn't come with one, get a training skewer. It can also be beneficial to use a cheap tire for the rear, you tend to go through tires pretty quickly on a trainer.

Michael00910

Most of the models I'm looking at appear to come with a skewer. I'm gonna need to consult my LBS on hooking up my bike to one of these cause I'm totally clueless.

NaBlade

Trainer = boredom. Trust me, riding it will become a chore by the 3rd week, if not sooner.

dynikus

Have you tried used? I was able to pick up a cycleops fluid 2 for about $90 off craigslist. Came with the climbing block too.
Just wondering, why do you guys recommend getting a training skewer? I understand the tyre thing. I got some cheap $8 tyres from performance that should work well.
As far as when I'm using it, I just put a towel underneath, and throw a towel over my bike. I'm too cheap to buy a bike thong. But you'll sweat profusely, so some kind of towel or something is a good idea.
And riding it, yeah it can be pretty dang boring. I just set up with my computer in front of my so I can atleast watch netflix while I ride.

Michael00910

Trainer may be boredom but it'll be the only option during the winter for me. There were enough days lost to the rain that I actually wish I had gotten one months ago. I'm not rushing into this decision as I think patience will pay off price-wise. I've been all over Craigslist and they have a lot of reasonably priced options but not within an hour drive. The Cycleops Fluid 2 is the leading candidate right now as I think a more quiet trainer would be best if I want to watch TV during.

Machka 

Regarding accessories ...

-- A phone book will do, but I prefer the block.

-- And I've never used a towel, mat or anything under my trainer.


Regarding the trainer ...

-- Go with a fluid trainer. I've got one from Nashbar that has been good for many winters of indoor cycling, and we picked up another one a Fluid fluid trainer in Australia as well. I don't think it is quite as good as the Nashbar one, but it is decent.

redcon1

I burned up a cheap Blackburn magnetic trainer after 3 years. I replaced it with a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine, a fluid trainer that comes well recommended. It's fairly quiet... MUCH more so than my Blackburn.

https://www.kurtkinetic.com/road-machine-p-198-l-en.html

I do have an exersise mat underneath... nothing fancy, purchased at Dick's Sporting Goods... not for the noise but to catch the sweat.
I sweat like a fiend on it, even in the winter when the ambient temp of my basement is only 58 deg F. .
I also ride with a large towel draped from the hadlebars over the top tube, to catch the sweat before if drips onto my frame and drivetrain.

Watching the TV is a must, to stem off boredom. I've seen all the seasons of Breaking Bad, Sons of Anarchy, all the episodes of Band of Brothers and The Pacific... etc. All while on the trainer.

I would spend a few bucks more now for a quality trainer. But remember, no matter what you get.. you gotta ride the thing!