dgasmd

Given I live in south Florida, "needing" a trainer is not a real issue for the most part most of the year. I haven't needed one yet, but they do have a significant benefit when time is an issue or the weather decides that the small time window you have on the day for your ride does not coincide with its plans.

In any case, I would like some opinions on the benefits vs downsides of the different trainers out. Fluid vs fan? Gel? Magnet? Geared/variable resistance or not? Brand and models? Anything and everything about it would be helpful. How about the ones that are connected to a computer to ride along videos and such? Which?

By the way, don't bother with the roller recommendation. Not happening!

dgasmd

I can't believe with as many people in this forum nobody has replied yet.

ridethecliche

Just get a Kurt Kinetic, 1Up, or Cyclops fluid 2.

They all work.

dgasmd

Why those? What set them apart from others?

Jed19

I am also considering a trainer. I live in SoCal, so weather is not the reason for my consideration. I ride only on weekends, but I am determined to ride a trainer weekdays after work.

From my research thus far, it seems most knowledgeable users prefer the fluid trainers. Kurt Kinetic and the Cycleops trainers are highly recommended. The most common advice I have gotten from three trusted cycling racers/mechanics I know is "Don't buy a cheap trainer"

Goodluck.

pdedes

'cause you didn't use the search function.

AEO

if you have the money to spare, you should just get the KK, 1up or cyclops2.

gsteinb

OMG, you are all idiots, just anwser the question you highy messed up freaks!!!!

Carbon Unit

If you read enough reviews you will notice that the most popular trainer is the Kurt Kinetics Road Machine. It is the best fluid trainer because of the way it is designed makes it impossible to leak. Fluid trainers are suppose to give the most road like feel a trainer can have.

I bought a demo unit from Kurt for half price and it looks like new. I have heard they still have them but they no longer put them on the website so you would need to call.

The next best deal is this one which is said to be a KK. I would call and ask though.

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/sho...roductid=16371

eminefes

I have a 1UP. It works great, but riding on a trainer is boring as can be. I haven't used it in months, but I'm sure I'll use it more in the future.

fauxto nick

Necessary evil.

fauxto nick

Oh and Kurt Kinetic FTW.

Avalanche325

There are basically three kinds: Magnetic, Fluid, or centrifugal clutch.

Magnetics can be noisey. (If you don't run a slick, they are all noisey)
Fluid can leak. Newer models may be better than they used to be.
Centrifugal may need to be cleaned once every year or two.

Some trainers cause severe tire wear.
Some trainers require a block, or phone book, for the front tire.
Some have a resistance lever. I hate the idea of a resistance lever. I want to use my gears like I do on the road.

I have a 1upusa that is now 5+ years old. It is quiet, sets up in seconds, is a little harder than being on the road (perfect), and does not cause much tire wear, no block required. I have cleaned the clutch three times in five years for about 30 minutes each.

I had a problem with it after 9 months or so. They paid shipping both ways, replaced the clutch, and even upgraded a couple other pieces that had been redesigned. Outstanding customer service.

That's my 2 1/2 cents.

fatdad

This is what I have and I live in New England so it gets used a lot...

https://www.kurtkinetic.com/road-machine-p-35-l-en.html

Fluid trainers are quieter and feel more realistic than other types I've tried. That being said, they can be tedious, you'll probably want to get some training videos though you will end up despising Chris Carmichael https://www.trainright.com/folders.asp?uid=19 and Coach Troy https://www.spinervals.com/.

grolby

Oh, and why not? Rollers are fantastic, and if you are serious about training they are extremely good to have. However, they do not serve the same purpose as a stationary trainer. You can do all of your indoor riding on rollers, but they're really better suited for speed work than building fitness.

As for trainers, they pretty much all equally unpleasant to ride, but my understanding is that fluid trainers feel somewhat more realistic or natural. Unfortunately, there is no stationary trainer that can solve the realism problem of standing still and being surrounded by four walls.

jrobe

The guy wants to be given an education on trainers but doesn't want to spend any time at all looking at the other 2000 posts here that discuss this thoroughly.

These kind of posts drive people crazy - ie. please take time to spoon feed me the knowledge so I don't have to waste any of my time.

I enjoy sharing information but most people won't respond to a post like this.

dgasmd

First of, I did do a search. Like many things one can search for in this forum, they don't entirely answer the question.

Second, I am so glad my need for "spoon feeding of knowledge" and "wasting of your time" has made you compelled to waste my time by having to read your post. Stellar contribution You could always contribute nothing as no answer is an answer in itself.

Thanks to the others. I have had a trainer in the past (many years ago), but can't remember the type. Many types and models have come in the market since. I know about the boredom of riding them too, but it will only get used infrequently. Rollers won't serve the purpose I intend for those work outs, hence why I am not considering them. Thanks again.

Tortuga!

^^^What he said^^^

I've been running a 1Up for 5 years now. KK is the way to go if you can find a demo.