pakossa

I'm currently using a Cyclops fluid trainer, which I've had for years. (Had a couple parts replaced under their lifetime warrantee.) Still works fine, but the one thing I don't like is there is not nearly enough resistance for doing any kind of "muscle tension interval" type workouts. (Even in a 53 X 12, I can go about 30 MPH at a Z2/endurance pace. And I'm no doped-up Armstrong, either!) So, adjustable resistance would be top priority. Second would probably be durability, with ease of use a close 3rd. (Seems the "better" and more high tech something is, the sooner it breaks and the more problems I have using it. Had a Trax trainer awhile back. While I loved using the built in power meter, the thing didn't even last me 3 winters!) So, having a power meter would be nice, but it's not essential. And I suspect I'll have problems with the "smart" type trainers, so I'm leery about those. (Unless there is one that's honestly and truly "easy to use.") Don't want to spend a ton of money, either. (Up to about $300.)

unterhausen

I think I would stretch a bit and go for a zwift hub or similar.

Atlas Shrugged

Smart trainers are transformitive and are a must have if planning on riding indoors. I started on rollers in the 70’s and suffered for decades on dumb trainers and a smart trainer is one of the essentials in my life.

PeteHski

You need to get over your fear of smart trainers if you want to make this easier and more enjoyable. They have the adjustable resistance you crave and are generally reliable with good warranty cover. Your $300 budget is a bit under-par, but you could get something like a Wahoo Kickr Snap. A Zwift Hub would be a good call as mentioned in the above post.

La Tortue

Zwift hub and Apple TV is a great economical way to enter the virtual training world. ( Arguably the best option).

Black wallnut 

You could buy a Kurt kinetic for about $350 or spend a bit more and get a Swift Hub for $500. Had the former for years, recently upgraded to the later. smart trainer as others have mentioned do what you are looking for and are a whole new experience. If the big spend is too much for our budget Zwift has a payment plan.

So far the only downside is on days that I want active recovery and an easy spin Zwift's routes nearly all have hills and I feel them and you will too, just like in the real world, unless you live in Flordia.

PeteHski

You can choose to "flatten" the hills by adjusting the Trainer Difficulty setting. For active recovery you could set it to zero and then everything will appear flat. Your avatar still slows down for the hills, but the trainer resistance stays constant.

Black wallnut 

Thanks for that. I am aware of this but honestly have not figured out how to do it yet. My thoughts are the OP if he went the smart trainer route might be tech-averse and not willing to change settings between rides.... and not having used that features yet myself I refrain from commenting on their functioning.

I might just have to do a small bit of researching the settings.

PeteHski

It is just a simple slider bar on the settings menu. Slightly odd naming it Trainer Difficulty, but 100% is realistic gradient simulation and 0% is flat. The default setting is actually 50% so gradients are effectively halved. I set mine to 100% for the most realistic sim.

La Tortue

Next month, Zwift is going to add a new Scotland world and a boatload of upgrades many of you have wanted. For instance, the ability to ride in any world. GCN has released the first two rounds of The Zwift academy for the Pro contract. I find it interesting, you can see it here.

tempocyclist

I'm not sure about smart trainers in that price range, that may take some Googling. They're "mature" tech now and will not give you any troubles.

If you can up the budget a little and get the Zwift Hub or another similar priced direct-drive smart trainer you will not regret it. A wheel-on one will probably do you fine too, but direct-drive is super nice.

I've ridden 1000's of miles on my Tacx NEO (yes, aware that's a different price bracket) with zero issues. Jump on, ride, jump off. Simples.