I'm a swimmer, but I've been trying to get into triathlons. Right now I have the option of buying either a Garmin Forerunner or a Kurt Kinetic trainer. Which should I opt for, considering I currently have only 2 days a week available for cycling (I'm a student, don't have much time)? Please, give me your suggestions! Any input appreciated.

NOTE: I already posted this on the Triathlon forum, but the 41 gets more traffic, so... yeah.

As a student you should have plenty of time, just wait til you have a full time job!

I would get the trainer if that allows you to ride more a week, need at least 4 days to get solid gains.

Garmin's are awesome though, so would recommend that if you like stats and training!

Yeah, you'd think I have plenty of time... I have to go to school at 7 AM, and I don't get out till 3 PM. I'm a swimmer, as I said above, and my team's practice starts at 4 PM (dry land training), and then 5 PM normal practice. That's all week, except Wednesdays, which I could use for cycling. Saturdays I have to swim in the morning, and maybe I could go for a ride later during the day, but I'm usually pretty tired. Sundays are the other days I can ride with no issues, but all other days are pretty much full. I'm looking at 3 days per week, max, unless I get the trainer to ride before school.

Oh, by the way, I can't really ride out of my house very early in the morning because it's pretty dangerous where I live, so even if I wake up early (4-4:30 AM) I wouldn't go out.

However, I think the Garmin would also be very useful for tracking my progress with both my run and bike skills. Perhaps I could get the trainer now, and the Garmin for Christmas

If you are disciplined, a trainer can really help your training. I spend ~ 8 hrs a week on it during Dec-Mar (when daily HIGH temps are around freezing... low, you don't wanna know) and it really helps me peak for early-season races. The GPS is pretty cool though, with a nice "geek" factor for processing data.

I would go for the trainer. However, i wouldn't push yourself too hard (doubling up a swim workout and bike ride on a week night). I would save the biking for weekends. It sounds like you are pretty dedicated to swimming - So I would run it by your coach and see what advice or suggestions he can give you. As a swim coach, this time of year I would encourage any cross training, especially a good cycling workout. I know my college coach encouraged us to ride. However, when it gets close to championship time (both SCY in the winter - and LCM in the summer) - He may want you to back off a bit for a true taper. I guess it all depends what is more important to you.

So... I guess the trainer is the better option then! Do you have any advice on a specific trainer? Is the Kurt Kinetic one good?

Semi jack...Do miles on a trainer count for monthly totals?

Wow, it only took 7 posts for a guy to start trolling... I don't know if they count for monthly totals, and don't care, because I don't track miles (or kilometers, which would be my case). So there, end of topic.

Thanks for taking time and responding, though. As I said, any input is appreciated.

the best ones you can get are KK fluid and 1up.
they're still torture devices, however.

also, don't forget to get a trainer tyre with the trainer.

Get the trainer. Right now what you need to focus on is getting time in on the bike (road or trainer) and running. Just concentrate on putting in time and building a solid base plus your swimming. You can later focus on specific training in the three legs.

Wasn't meant as a troll post. Just a question that was inspired by your post.

Another vote for the Kurt Kinetic. There's a reason why we replaced every trainer in our fit department with them (and it's certainly not because they're the cheap option).

i vote for rollers. cheaper, way better than a trainer, you'll improve your bike handling skills too, easier on your bum, and they take up less space (as a student i'm guessing you dont have a huge apt).

i LOVE my rollers. i previously had a $300+ CycleOps Fluid trainer and the DAY i first tried my rollers i was in love and dont understand why anyone would ever ride a trainer! i sold my trainer on CL and have been much happier ever since. Rollers FTW.

Thanks for all the responses I really appreciate all of your input. I'll try to get the Kurt Kinetic one, since that's what you've all recommended. And I do know it can get boring (most threads about trainers say it), but it's really the only way I can get on my bike more than twice a week, so I'll have to be disciplined and HTFU, I guess.

Also, regarding transamman1999's post: I thought rollers didn't provide as much resistance as trainers. From what I've read, they seem more fit for improving bike handling skills and stuff, and I'm looking to get stronger on my bike.

I'm not saying the only reason to get a trainer is if you live in a climate with cold winters, but since you live in a very warm climate you should take advantage of it. Get something other than a trainer. As someone said above the Garmin makes it very easy to track progress and I guarantee you will start making more time to ride.

When I started to not be able to have time to bike after work anymore, I began commuting to work on my bicycle, 19 miles, 38 round trip. Maybe you should look into bicycle commuting to school to get some extra cycling time in. Just a thought.

Yeah, but as I said above, I have a time issue, and going very early in the morning is dangerous around here.

I live less than 1 mile away from my school :/