Indoor Trainer
#26
Senior Member


Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,201
Likes: 289
From: Vancouver, BC
KK makes a solid trainer that comes with excellent customer service should you ever have a problem. They are very well designed so the fluid cannot leak out (uses a magnetic coupling). Other fluid trainers have had issues in the past with fluid leaking so something to consider if you're buying used. Like others have mentioned, plan on getting the largest fan possible as you'll definitely miss the 20mph wind you normally get when riding.
#27
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,222
Likes: 30
From: South Bend IN
Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.
Hi Everyone - I am new to road biking...only been doing it for a few weeks. So far I absolutely love it and I am dreading the coming winter. I am looking at getting a indoor trainer so I can ride during the winter. Are there any that you all recommend? I don't want to get something that is really expensive, but I also want to get something that will last. I appreciate any insight you guys have. Thanks for the help.
Please though, August is the WRONG time to be talking about trainers. Closed this cursed thread now.
#28
Custom User Title
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 11,239
Likes: 35
From: SE MN
Bikes: Fuji Roubaix Pro & Quintana Roo Kilo
I rode my trainer for an hour yesterday even though the weather was perfectly acceptable for riding in. I was checking fit with my new stem so I did Sufferfest - A Very Dark Place.
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 83
Likes: 3
From: Baltimore, MD, USA
Bikes: 2014 Jamis Icon Pro, 2013 Jamis Allegro Elite
CycleOps Fluid 2 is what I've been using. It's easy to use the gears on your bike to increase/decrease resistance – some of the other types require you to put a separate control on your handlebars to accomplish that. Definitely a fan is a requirement even in the dead of winter with the windows wide open. One thing about using a trainer is that it's REALLY BORING!!! Set it up in front of the TV and watch replays of last season's grand tours on YouTube or something. For me about 30 minutes on the trainer seems like an eternity. Drape a small towel over your top tube to keep your sweat from dripping on the frame.
Another cool use for them is as a workstand if you don't have a dedicated one of those. And they're a great way to help analyze your fit and posture if you set up a still or video camera. Good too for working on your cadence and pedaling technique. I've been curious about using rollers as they allow you to better duplicate the feel of riding on the road, but the ones I've seen take up a lot of room. My CycleOps fits neatly under my living room table, out of the way but ready to go any time I want to use it. But yeah, nothing beats a real ride unless the streets are full of snow and salt.
Another cool use for them is as a workstand if you don't have a dedicated one of those. And they're a great way to help analyze your fit and posture if you set up a still or video camera. Good too for working on your cadence and pedaling technique. I've been curious about using rollers as they allow you to better duplicate the feel of riding on the road, but the ones I've seen take up a lot of room. My CycleOps fits neatly under my living room table, out of the way but ready to go any time I want to use it. But yeah, nothing beats a real ride unless the streets are full of snow and salt.
Last edited by Atakuweh; 08-17-14 at 01:53 PM.
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 13
From: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
I DID get wetter after I stopped. But I wore a regular cotton tee shirt and had noticed it was getting sweaty while still spinning. I am still surprised at how much fun I had on the trainer.... I didn't really expect that. My Midwest winter should be a better place this winter.
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville, NC
Bikes: Scott CR1 Team
I bought a Cycleops Fluid 2 off of Craigslist last winter for $200. Also came with a climbing block, pad, and a couple of DVDs. It's still running strong and I probably rode over 100 hours on it last winder. I'm planning on getting a Wahoo Kickr this fall.
#34
New to Cycling
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: Federal Way, WA
Bikes: 2014 Specialized Comp Carbon
#35
I have a Lemond Revolution which IMO is the best, true to road feeling trainer, I've had mag and fluid trainers which don't feel anything like riding on the road IMO.. I also use rollers once in a while during the winter. I'm planning on picking up the wahoo kicker this winter, a teammate has one and absolutely swears by it.
#37
Consider a fluid trainer.
Like the Nashbar fluid trainer, for example. I have an older version of that one which I purchased about a decade ago ... and it's still going.
Nashbar - Trainers
Like the Nashbar fluid trainer, for example. I have an older version of that one which I purchased about a decade ago ... and it's still going.
Nashbar - Trainers
Nevermind winter ... I'm looking forward to having our trainers set up year round again. Soon ...!!!
I used to have my trainer set up in the corner of my living room year round, and it was so convenient. If I came home late, after a night class or something, I could hop on the trainer for 30 min ... if it was pouring rain one evening and I didn't feel like getting wet ... hop on the trainer for an hour.
I used to have my weights equipment set up in the dining room year round too ... so I could do a quick weights workout while waiting for my dinner to cook or whatever.
I was a lot fitter back then.
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My fave photo threads on BF
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My fave photo threads on BF
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Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
#38
Does anyone here have an experience with this
"Elite Arion Folding Rollers with Mag Resistance by Elite "
https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Arion-Fo...roller+cycling
I had the Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer for about a week and promptly took it back, I sounded like a jet taking off in my living.
this time around I am thinking about getting rollers that allow resistance, this is for the bad weathers day here in the North East.
"Elite Arion Folding Rollers with Mag Resistance by Elite "
https://www.amazon.com/Elite-Arion-Fo...roller+cycling
I had the Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer for about a week and promptly took it back, I sounded like a jet taking off in my living.
this time around I am thinking about getting rollers that allow resistance, this is for the bad weathers day here in the North East.
#39
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 13
From: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Still raining here. So besides inside cycling I've played with my setup a little. I downloaded a couple training videos to my tablet so no buffering time wasted... and GREAT resolution. And I mounted the computer part of the wireless bicycle computer... right on my trainer stand. That keeps it well within the 2 foot radio distance. The wired computer is connected to the front wheel.
So now if I train (on the trainer) the miles, time, as such data automatically logs on the wireless rear wheel mounted computer. But if I grab the trainer/rain bike to take it outside... the miles and such log on the front wheel mounted computer. No lost data... no duplicated logs.
So now if I train (on the trainer) the miles, time, as such data automatically logs on the wireless rear wheel mounted computer. But if I grab the trainer/rain bike to take it outside... the miles and such log on the front wheel mounted computer. No lost data... no duplicated logs.
#40
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
Bikes: Trek 5500, Santa Cruz Superlight, 2015 Lynskey Sportive Disc
e-motion rollers are the way to go if you have the cash for them. I absolutely hate riding indoors but after going through a couple of mag stands found these that are bearable. They really do feel like real riding in terms of pedal stroke, body positioning and balance. You can also stand up, sprint and work on general riding skills in addition to fitness. Takes a bit getting used to. I still have them next to a work bench to assist mounting and dismounting.
Inside Ride
Inside Ride
#41
e-motion rollers are the way to go if you have the cash for them. I absolutely hate riding indoors but after going through a couple of mag stands found these that are bearable. They really do feel like real riding in terms of pedal stroke, body positioning and balance. You can also stand up, sprint and work on general riding skills in addition to fitness. Takes a bit getting used to. I still have them next to a work bench to assist mounting and dismounting.
Inside Ride
Inside Ride
These are the only trainer I can tolerate.
They are also great for building core strength.
#43
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Ultegra Di2
Another vote for Rollers. Quick to set up, no messing about changing the quick release or wheel with trainer tyre. They will improve your core strength, as well as keeping you awake
Last edited by UltraMonkey; 08-23-14 at 04:55 PM.
#44
Endangered Serotta Rider
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
Bikes: 2005 Serotta
I’m new to trainers and want to move into one for the coming winter---which is an issue in my area ~200 mi S of Montreal. I’m doing my homework early so I’ll be equipped and ready to get into it when the weather here goes bad on me.
My apt bldg has a mini health club with a couple of those upright-configured, sit-bolt-upright-on “exercycles.” The look awful and I’m guessing they’re exactly what they look like. From what I’ve read here, a smart move would be a Kurt Kinetic, a Cycle Ops Fluid 2 or rollers. Is the “exercycle” even worth messing around with or should I just put the hit on a CC and buy something decent?
I’ve read enough about the rollers vs. rear wheel trainer quandary to get the sensation that it’s another of those “never-ending debate”/“unsolvable quandary” things. I’m an arthritic 68 y/o looking to get into condition for a >1,500 mi self-contained solo tour (hospitable river valley terrain, lon-lethal daily mileage done at my pace) next summer. NO racing training or racing for me---EVER. Any suggestions on the rollers vs. rear wheel trainer quandary for my situation?
Any insights and help will be much appreciated. Thanks.
My apt bldg has a mini health club with a couple of those upright-configured, sit-bolt-upright-on “exercycles.” The look awful and I’m guessing they’re exactly what they look like. From what I’ve read here, a smart move would be a Kurt Kinetic, a Cycle Ops Fluid 2 or rollers. Is the “exercycle” even worth messing around with or should I just put the hit on a CC and buy something decent?
I’ve read enough about the rollers vs. rear wheel trainer quandary to get the sensation that it’s another of those “never-ending debate”/“unsolvable quandary” things. I’m an arthritic 68 y/o looking to get into condition for a >1,500 mi self-contained solo tour (hospitable river valley terrain, lon-lethal daily mileage done at my pace) next summer. NO racing training or racing for me---EVER. Any suggestions on the rollers vs. rear wheel trainer quandary for my situation?
Any insights and help will be much appreciated. Thanks.
#47
Administrator

Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,655
Likes: 2,707
From: Delaware shore
Bikes: Cervelo C5, Guru Photon, Waterford, Specialized CX
#50
Endangered Serotta Rider
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,009
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
Bikes: 2005 Serotta






