I've seen some small trainer things you hook a bike up to, are these any good? do they really hold you upright? is it boring riding at the same resistance for an hour?

You've been here since 2008 and have somehow missed all the discussions about trainers?


I use a fluid trainer. I have tried a magnetic trainer, a wind trainer, and an old fashioned style of trainer which holds the bicycle at both front and back wheel. I like the fluid trainer the best.

See examples of fluid trainers here:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/SubCate..._202335_202382

Yes, it holds my bicycle just fine. I also use a riser block to hold my front wheel, but in the absence of a riser block, I have used a phone book.

You don't ride at the same resistance all the time. You can still shift gears like you do when riding outside, or you can snug or loosen the device that rests against the rear wheel as desired.

And, of course, you can do different things with your trainer. When I've used a trainer (a lot, some winters) I've usually varied between:
a) commercial intervals: 30-60 minutes on the bicycle while watching a good show on TV, on a station with commercials. I ride at a more relaxed pace through the show, and ride as hard as I can through the commercial, then recover during the show, and "sprint" through the commercial, and repeat. 30-60 minutes passes in no time.

b) endurance rides: 60+ minutes while watching a good movie, either on TV or rented ... something fascinating that will keep me interested and pedalling relatively briskly.

Trainers work. I have a Kurt Kinetic.

They are also boring. Spin classes are better, IMO.

But what I actually do in the winter is row.
https://www.jamesstroud.com/postings/...sus-waterrower

I've been here since ... well .. a few weeks. lol.

I'm considering a trainer as well as considering a roller. I can only afford one and still haven't made a decision but the weather will force my hand soon enough.

As far as trainers I was looking around at fluid or magnetic trainers as most seemed to dislike the wind trainers.

The sad fact that I'm finding as a new cyclist is that it seems most of these items are so "personal" that it's more your taste as to what you will like more. The only thing I can decide from my research is which brand holds up better or which brand is poorly reviewed. Otherwise the which is better seems to be preference.

Some things I've thought about.

1. I would like an odometer to see how far I've gone. (if I buy a roller my cyclocomputer will do it as the front wheels spins)
2. Internet research says I may want to put a trainer specific tire on if I buy a trainer as they can wear the tire somewhat prematurely?
3. I think I would enjoy being able to see cadence as I'm so new to cycling that I think paying attention to cadence could help my overall performance. Haven't researched any trainers that offer this or if it's possible. (my cyclecomputer is limited to the basics)
4. cost: watch them for awhile. I've seen the nashbar fluid trainer flux from 125 to 179 in the last 4 weeks depending on sales and promotions.

re: "You've been here since 2008 and have somehow missed all the discussions about trainers?"

nah, haven't missed them, just ignored them. it wasn't really 'till this morning that after reading someones reply about another thread that made me think about the instant convenience of something in the house

I wouldn't mind having a Concept II for the winter (since rowing works more muscles and isn't as boring as riding a stationary bicycle), but man, they're not cheap.

I have a fluid 2 from cyclops and enjoy riding it during winter. There are many ways to make it more enjoyable but the main thing is your mindset. Whine or find ways to make it amusing.

You can find them used for about half price. Usually they don't have much wear (mind was almost new)
and at that price they are a steal. Best exercise machine there is. AND not boring. Make sure you
read that review I linked, he says it far better than I could.

expect every year to spend about a month slowly building up to a good sweat.

been considering these:

TACX flow trainer: Found on sale for 350 shipped.

cycleops fluid2 found for 300 plus freight

Nashbar basic fluid trainer with accy pack: 170 plus freight.

I hate to buy a cheaper one and wish it was better but also hate to buy more expensive and find it's not worth it. I'll keep my eyes open for awhile and keep getting opinions.

Adding to my above list of things considered.

5. noise: makes no difference to the house as it's just me and my girlfriend so it would only be if the noise bothered me which I doubt, especially with headphones on.

6. uhm..

Get a set of folding rollers and just put your road bike on them. There is no substitute for the exact same fit and feel that you get with your road bike on rollers. I don't get bored on rollers because I don't ride them for over 2 hours at a time. That's enough. Performance has a set of suitable rollers on sale:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...21_-1___000000

1. You can set up a computer from your rear wheel.

2. I've logged a lot of time on my trainer and have never bothered with a special tire.

3. Get a computer with cadence ... or count it periodically yourself.

4. Mine is an inexpensive Nashbar fluid trainer which has worked well for me.

5. After trying several different types, I found the fluid trainer to be fairly quiet. But you would want to put it on carpet.

here's a link to a similar thread that I have going in the road section. I found there was a considerably higher amount of people viewing that area and being that it's what I ride I figured I'd ask there. Good read for OP for sure.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...9#post16063009

Thanks for all the input. I asked this question in another forum and the user linked me here. I'm going through this same process so I appreciate the input.

I find it really boring. In fact mine collects dust most of the time. It takes me 7 straight days of cold rain before the trainer becomes the lesser of the 2 evils.

Totally boring. I basically only do HIIT on the trainer, total 45-60 minutes on days I can't ride. I'll ride outside down to 32F and as long as the roads are reasonably free of snow/ice.

Just ordered a CYCLEOPS Fluid 2 Trainer. Can't wait until it arrives.

It is an awesome way to practice concentrating. Point it at a wall and focus on your goals.