Bike trainer
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fastdog5 posted 1 year ago.
I got my Cycleops Fluid 2 on ebay last fall for $150, and it works great. If you're patient, also try Craigslist.
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RV posted 1 year ago.
A Cycleops Fluid 2 is a great trainer. That is what I use on the long Wi winters ... Due to weather I just did a 6 hour session on the trainer - they hold up great. Hopefully can find a used one.
Don't buy a cheap trainer - I had a LeMond trainer and it literally blew apart. They replaced it and the second one did the same.
Rollers are an option especially at the $100 range, but not as versatile as a trainer.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
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deedlit posted 1 year ago.
I vote for the Cycleops Fluid 2 as well, it got me through the last winter. Great quality for the price and not too noisy. Don't go for a cheap one.
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Caroline
http://aquabike.blogspot.com/
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Iron Dan posted 1 year ago.
I also agree with the fluid 2. The thing is solid and quiet and will last. Alot of the cheaper trainers will break after alot of use and you will have to get another one. Cycleops also has a good warrenty on their unit. I would look for one on ebay or craigslist.
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PJT posted 1 year ago.
If you're looking used, Kurt Kinetic is also a great fluid trainer.
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Triguy98 posted 1 year ago.
If you cant find a Cyclops trainer used that cheap (i couldn when I was looking) pick up a Minoura 850D mag. Its not loud at all, has 6 resistance levels, and I got it for $105 shipped to my door. Ive had it for 4 months or so with no problems. I use it about once a week.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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JamieM posted 1 year ago.
I've also gotten a used Cycleops, there is flea market at a velodrome in PA every fall and a bunch of riders I know have bought them from the Navigators team at the end of the season. Mine looks used, but have served me well for a couple of years. And I can attest to the great warranty and customer service that Cyclops has, even on a used trainer.
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MNGoldGo4 posted 1 year ago.
From my research, I've learned the following.
There are 3 main types of trainers that use different forms of media for resistance.
Wind: Uses a fan to create resistance. Pro is that they are the cheapest type. Con is that they are the noisiest.
Magnetic: Uses a large magnet to create resistance. Pro is that they are quieter than fans. Con is that they do not have progressive resistance (newer models claim that they've solved this issue) and that their maximum resistance level is limited.
Fluid: Essentially a fan submerged in fluid that produces resistance. Pro: Quiet and has progressive resistance. Con: Most expensive type and there are concerns around fluid leaking from the unit due to constant heating and cooling of the resistance fluid.
In my opinion, if you can afford a fluid trainer, they are the most "realistic" and quiet. However, I don't own one and can't comment on the frequency of fluid leaks. Perhaps others on this forum can comment.
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OzTriGuy posted 1 year ago.
Elite make awesome trainers and the new elasto gel ones don't wear the tires out anywhere as much. try totalcycling.com
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slatkaHRV posted 51 weeks ago.
still doing my trainer research....originially i thought one of the older versions of the cycleops was better because it has a bar mounted remote shifter--however everyone seems to be recommending the cycleops fluid 2. is it a big drawback not the have the bar mounted shifter? i originally thought that was one of the most important components so i can adjust the resistance while i ride rather than keeping a consistant resistant throughout the ride, or of course having to hop off and adjust.
any thoughts?
--you guys are all probably sick of giving trainer advice by now...sorry! (:
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JamieM posted 51 weeks ago.
When using the Fluid2 adjust the resistance by shifting the bike like you normally would. Higher gear = more resistance.
I would like to purchase a bike trainer for the long winter months in Wisconsin (especially if I am brave enough to follow through and sign up for IM!). However, I have done a little homework on it and found them to range in price quite a bit. I can't afford the $300 trainer. I am more at the $100 level, but I don't want to buy crap either. Where can I find a deal or what brand would you recommend?
Thanks.