Model: "Mag"

OK, I'm pretty sure I assembled this thing properly. But when I seat rear tire onto chrome roller and rotate the trainer's q-release lever it misses the bike's lever by 1/2 inch or so (i.e. it's off-center). I have tried rotating the tension knob, which does not seem to make a difference, and if I turned too far it might fall off the l-screw.

Any ideas???

Is your rear wheel centered between the chain stays?

I also remember them including a longer skewer. Have you tried that. (maybe I'm misreading your question)

isn't there an adjustment on the side opposite the quick release side of the mount?
one side of the mount adjusts outward to catch the skewer
is that adjusted all the way out?

EDIT: I messed w/it some more and finally got it.

Now I am wondering -- is it supposed to squeak so damn much? I guess the tires are sliding on the roller?

After the roller makes contact with the tire I turn mine 1-1.5 times.
Check your tire pressure. Make sure your tire and roller are clean (damp rag).
When you're done with the trainer, back off the roller.

Back the roller all the way off, then mount the bike, then set the roller.

EDIT: Just saw you got it figured out. The squeaking should go away with another 1/4 or 1/2 turn, and as said make sure the tire isn't dirty (won't be for long anyway)

This is off topic, but pricing for these is confusing me.

I thought I bought the Mag model today. The shop "discounted" from $199 retail. However, on the cycleops.com site they list a retail price of only like $159 or 179 for that model. Then mine has a Trek label on it, so don't know if Trek tries to jack the price up, if the shop did, or if I got another model?

CycleOps makes the trainers, Trek slaps their name on them. Don't have the Trek pricing handy so I can't really help you out on that part.

I would revisit the instructions, I think you missed step E, specifically "If you would like the bike centered, choose one of the other holes in the bolt action tube(A)" because there is 2 holes that you can screw on the quick locking lever. See picture attached. Good luck.....

Here is the instructions from Cyclops about Attaching your bike:
A. Insert bolt action tube into trainer (tapered end toward center of frame).
B. Insert quick release handle through slot in frame and through the middle hole of the bolt action tube and screw into place. As the trainer cones are sesigned for use with the supplied skewer,
you must replace your rear skewer with the one enclosed.
C. Lift up bike by the seatpost and position the left side of your bike skewer
into the left cone.
D. Pull down the quick release handle to capture the right side of your bike skewer. Quick release handle must be all the way down in locked position. Adjust fixed cone by loosening lock ring and turning cone-as needed.
E. The bike need not be centered on the resistance unit to function properly. If you would like the bike centered, choose one of the other holes in the bolt action tube(A), and adjust the release lock ring(C). Adjust the left cone accordingly, so that the bike is held tightly in the trainer. Be sure to remember to re-tighten the lock ring. You can now let go of your bike; the trainer will now support the bike on its own.