indoor trainers
 

Does anyone know a good place on line to get a decent indoor trainer? I've seen different kinds but I don't know anything about them, or what's a good one...

I got my cycleops fluid 2 trainer at www.pricepoint.com. It was way cheaper than going to places like performancebike.com and nashbar.com for the same trainer.

Koffe

First of all, you have two basic options: a trainer or rollers. If you want to improve your "peloton" skills and work on cadence while getting a workout, give rollers a try. However, if you want to get a good workout while, say watching the tube or trying to read, go with a trainer. A moment's inattention will send you crashing to the floor on rollers.
Whatever you choose, think about protecting your bike against all the sweat it's going to have to endure while you're riding. No speed-induced wind, so you'll heat up quickly.
I have a Blackburn Mag trainer which works pretty well. But then again I haven't used it in years!!!
MTB/Road review might provide some insight.

Might want to visit RoadBike Review to get an idea of what trainers are out there and what the opinions are of them, particularly since you've said:

Also do a search here in Bikeforums as there are, I'm sure, a few threads on various indoor trainers.

The CycleOps Fluid 2 has been great for me. I picked it up in the fall of '04, and it helped me through the winter here. It isn't the lowest priced trainer out there, but generally, you get what you pay for.

Contrary to the previous post (Koffee Brown), I found the best deal through Performance (http://www.performancebike.com). They go on sale periodically, and if you can find a coupon code (i.e. 20% off), you can get a very good deal. I paid $212 shipped. I am not a Team Performance member either.

Thanks for the inputs guys...

I like the Cyclops 2 also, but good luck finding PB coupon codes - they have been few and far between this spring. $20 off any order over $100 was the last one I saw ... last year they were running them 20% off codes non-stop.

I got a Kurt Kinetics at https://www.gottaridebikes.com. $275 minus a 20% coupon for first time orders. I love the trainer and got a great price on it, too boot.

It's not like you can't take your trainer and put it in the driveway and use it ;)

I am an advocate of rollers. I recently tried out a friends CycleOps Fluid 2 and was not impressed at all. Obviously they are not as smooth as rollers and I really didn't like that.

I have the Kreitler Dyno Myte which I would certainly recommend. I also tried out the Travel Trac Technique PRO Alloy Rollers from performance and IMO they are right up there in quality with the Kreitler for less than half the price. I would definitely recommend these. http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4121

Get a Kurt Kinetics. You'll be much happier with that purchase than a set of rollers.
You can do so many more things with a trainer.

I could see that... but there really aren't any performance 20% off coupons these days. Some are reserved for members, which I periodically get, but nowadays? I don't think so. In that case, you can get the cyclops cheaper on pricepoint. It's even cheaper if you get it out of the brochure, and they don't charge for shipping, and they don't charge tax. I guess you could always wait for performance to get off being so stingy and have a 20% off sale, but you may be waiting longer than you'd care.

Koffee

my friend has a 1up trainer and its the best thing i've ridden on. Its really expensive but its awesome. If you can shell out the dough, go for a 1up.

www.1upusa.com

On the flip side buy a cheap mag trainer... then ride outside more. :) Ask around and you will find many unused trainers. Might be good idea to buy a used one.