I'm thinking of picking up a trainer so I can get my rides in during the harsh CA winters (or at least after the kids go to bed) - thought I'd run it by the group and see which ones to buy and which ones to avoid - ? Thanks!

I have a Kurt Kinetics.

A lot depends on your budget, and your goals.

I'd skip most of the cheap ones.

Thanks - after i posted that I did some more research and realized that one could spend $100 to $10,000 on a trainer... I'm looking at a CycleOps that is about $400 - I'd like to be able to grind out 1 hour plus rides that simulate a variety of terrain so that I can feel like I am getting a decent "road" type ride in even when I can't get out of the garage. Thanks!

The most common and possibly the best basic trainer to get is the Kurt Kinetic road machine. I believe the CycleOps is right up there with it in terms of quality.

For a little more you can get a KK "Rock and Roll" trainer that sways/rocks to more accurately simulate riding.

Trainers can be horrendously boring. Be sure to budget for the appropriate sweat protection (i.e. CycleOps "Bike Thong" or similar, rubber mat for floor), cooling (fans blowing air past you), and have a position in mind that includes entertainment (TV with cycling DVDs, movies, whatever). Strongly consider a "trainer wheel" (cheap wheel, low-grade cassette with the same number of cogs as your road wheel, cheap road or trainer-specific tire) if you're going to ride a lot. Also consider rollers - excellent physical and mental conditioning.

Kurt Road Machine with Fluid. Quiet and stable, but not exciting. That has to yet to be engineered into it.

The Cyclops Fluid 2 is not as quiet or smooth. I had both and sold the Cyclops. If I need another for my wife I'll get her another Kurt.

The Road Machine does not come with software that can simulate the road. Armed with a good book of training exercises, you can use your gears to control the load and effort just like on the road, but of course it is not the road.

The Computrainer is by far the best trainer I've ever used.

Does anyone have experience with the Kurt Kinetic 'Rock and Roll'?

I have a Rock and Roll and like it, if only for the comfort of not having the bike so rigid on the trainer. I don't stand-up and sway back and forth with it, but it does add comfort.

I bought a couple of trainers from 1UpUSA - based in Wisconsin, locally made, lifetime warranty. Love them, VERY well made, great product. Got a couple hundred miles on mine and really pleased with the purchase.

Had a CycleOps Fluid that leaked.

LAX

Exactly what I'd say. I have a Kurt Kinetic and rollers