The Chainlink

Trainers

So.... I've been looking around for a trainer to use during the winter and am having a tough time weeding through all the types and models since I have really no idea what I want.

I think what would help me best is to hear personal reviews from you guys...I'm looking to spend under $300.

So what do you own? Would you buy something else if you were to do it all over again? What have you heard... etc.

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Permalink Reply by Kelly on October 3, 2008 at 12:30pm
I got a Blackburn Trakstand Ultra at On the Route last year. Very quiet and smooth.
Permalink Reply by Tommie on October 3, 2008 at 12:38pm
Fluid.
Magnetic is lame and they tend to break.
Wind is loud.

Fluid = awesome.

Kurt Kinetics if you can find one for that price.

Go and buy a trainer specific tire--I think Conti makes one.

Look for something with the biggest or mostist heaviest flywheel you can afford.

OR find a used spin bike and set it up exactly like your road bike.
Permalink Reply by B on October 3, 2008 at 12:49pm
Cycleops Fluid. My first cycleops trainer is still going after 12 years of consistent use (though the fluid is a little thin now).

Also consider finding a friend who has rollers and try them out with their help. It looks scary, but not that bad with a little practice. It will help your form on the bike and reduce the monotony of time riding indoors since a good % of your grey matter is focused on staying upright.
Permalink Reply by Ashley on October 3, 2008 at 12:59pm
Yeh I found some parabolic shaped rollers that are apparently excellent for beginners since the shape of the roller makes it nearly impossible to ride off.


Here is a link to the top 5 rated by Bicycling Magazine - the parabolic rollers are at the top

http://thisjustin.bicycling.com/2006/11/spindoors_a_tra.html




B said:
Cycleops Fluid. My first cycleops trainer is still going after 12 years of consistent use (though the fluid is a little thin now).

Also consider finding a friend who has rollers and try them out with their help. It looks scary, but not that bad with a little practice. It will help your form on the bike and reduce the monotony of time riding indoors since a good % of your grey matter is focused on staying upright.
Permalink Reply by yellow jello on October 3, 2008 at 2:33pm
I saw it at REI this morning for $169 on mega sale. Theyre usually $299 i think. They use this centriforce concept to simulate real road feel. I don't own one but have only heard good things.

Kelly said:
I got a Blackburn Trakstand Ultra at On the Route last year. Very quiet and smooth.
Permalink Reply by Jon on October 3, 2008 at 2:40pm
I use a cycleops which I inherited from my former-tri crazy cousin. It's ancient judging by the paint scheme (black frame, fine. Neon pink and blue logo? eesh) but works like a dream. The only problem is, I hate riding indoors, I'd much rather put on my booties (as masculine as that sounds) and a few extra layers and do a couple of miles in a blizzard. Or sign up for some computrainer classes, which will totally get you going. Did some VQ last year, oh good god. But that's only around January and Feb when the weather is a jerk.
Permalink Reply by Ashley on October 3, 2008 at 2:43pm
And SOLD! It was in that top 5 list I'd posted earlier and was 43% off.

Thanks Willy for the heads up, I knew it was a good idea starting this thread.


Willy Chen said:
I saw it at REI this morning for $169 on mega sale. Theyre usually $299 i think. They use this centriforce concept to simulate real road feel. I don't own one but have only heard good things.

Kelly said:
I got a Blackburn Trakstand Ultra at On the Route last year. Very quiet and smooth.
Permalink Reply by B on October 3, 2008 at 6:03pm
Ashley said:
it nearly impossible to ride off.

*nearly* being the operative word. If your new to it, the lip on the side will help, but start out in a doorway where you have something to lean on.

To my knowledge, these rollers (about 8 bills if you can believe it) are the ones that are ALMOST impossible to ride off of [don't try this stuff on regular rollers if you're new]:

Permalink Reply by Tommie on October 4, 2008 at 8:07am
Maybe in my old age I'm gettin' more crotchety but don't those rollers defeat the purpose of rollers? I mean, rollers are great because they force you to notice every strange thing you do and if you fail to notice them you get launched.

Those of you that ride rollers, money aside, what do you think?

B said:
Ashley said:
it nearly impossible to ride off.

*nearly* being the operative word. If your new to it, the lip on the side will help, but start out in a doorway where you have something to lean on.

To my knowledge, these rollers (about 8 bills if you can believe it) are the ones that are ALMOST impossible to ride off of [don't try this stuff on regular rollers if you're new]:

Permalink Reply by Leah on October 5, 2008 at 4:31pm
Jumping in here a little late, but +1 for the Cycleops Fluid trainer. I've used one for a few years now and I really like it (well, I like it as much as you can like a trainer). What I appreciate about the trainer vs. rollers is that you can simulate things like hills that you can't find in everyday riding.

I'd definitely like to test out a set of rollers, for the reasons Keith mentioned. I'm sure my pedaling and balance could use some work.
Permalink Reply by Tommie on October 8, 2008 at 5:36pm
WHOOOOO! My fluid trainer is leakin' some fluid!!!!

Anyone got a cheap trainer for sale?
Permalink Reply by Ashley on October 8, 2008 at 6:27pm
My new one just came today, yay!

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