Expensive Trainers vs cheap
 

I have always bought the cheap stuff - Performance rollers and Fluid trainer. (actually I did have Kreitlers years ago) Are the $300+ trainers worth the extra expense?

How does the cheap stuff perform for you? Are you satisfied, or no? Just curious as I am considering picking up a trainer now that winter is soon to be over. Plus I have a friend that has one and doesn't ride, so might get his at a decent price.

I hate riding my trainer, and I can't imagine putting much money into something I loathe so thoroughly.

+1. :)

It performs as expected; however you can't miss what you never had. For all I know a top quality trainer may be a whole new world or more of the same. If it gets me to stay on it an extra 10-15 minutes per ride it may very well be worth it. With my work schedule/commute I can make use of a trainer year round.

My roommate has a cheapo magnetic trainer, which sounds like a jet engine when he rides on it. The resistance is also a little weak according to him.

I use a cycle-ops fluid trainer. Its worked great for me, and its quiet enough so that you don't need to blast the TV to hear it. It also offers plenty of resistance. I'm glad I forked out the extra hundred or so bucks, especially since its been so snowy here this winter.