|   looking for recommendations on trainers | AndyE
Mar 6, 2002 11:42 AM | | I need a new trainer for under or around $300 |
| Not an expert on this but | Drewpy
Mar 6, 2002 11:49 AM | | I went through it recently and found a few things.
$340 will buy you the Kurt Kenetic Road Machine. It has a larger flywheel and is supposed to simulate road-like resistance better than its competitors.
$299 in most shops will buy you the Cycle-Ops Fluid 2. Good reviews, quiet, and the leaky seal problem from the first edition has been solved.
From what I know, these are your 2 best options. If you are willing to go to a mag trainer, you could save some $$$. It will be a little louder (not much if you use actual slicks), and has to be adjusted manually. I went with the mag, and it works fine for me.
And of course, someone will tell you to get rollers, or ride outside. Just thought I should cover everyone. |
| Drewpy knew this was coming... | kristian
Mar 6, 2002 11:58 AM | | ...but get rollers instead. Trainers are REALLY INCREDIBLY BORING whereas rollers are tollerable (and almost fun at times). I've owned both (bought the trainer for Jaenette to use, but I tried it too) and there just isn't any comparison--rollers will polish your spin unlike anything else in the world, plus it's impossible to "cheat" on the rollers (you try this and you will fall over).
I've been doing 45min-1hour four times a week so far this year and it seems to really be helping!
Colorado Cyclist has these for $179 which is a steal! |
| Drewpy knew this was coming... | AndyE
Mar 6, 2002 12:32 PM | | I used both a while back, I figured I'd start with a trainer then move up.
The rollers from Colorado Cyclist are a good deal though. |
| Drewpy knew this was coming... | mcd
Mar 6, 2002 1:32 PM | | Bought the same set last year from Nashbar for $119.00, but haven't checked lately, and they are kinda loud. |
| Check the reviews..... | celly
Mar 6, 2002 11:59 AM | | There is one in there that gets consistent 5/5 ratings on not only MTBR but Roadbike Review as well. $300/shipped. Small manufacturer in Podunkville, WI.
I was just looking at them myself, but $300US is about $10,000 CAD these days. ;-) |
| courtesy link | celly
Mar 6, 2002 12:00 PM | | http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Trainer/product_87774.shtml |
| That's Platteville, WI | Spike
Mar 6, 2002 12:04 PM | | NOT Podunkville. Hmph, you just wish you were a cheesehead.
Spike |
| Go Packers! | celly
Mar 6, 2002 12:11 PM | | er, I meant Niners. ;-) |
| Performance trainers are a very good value. . . | Halfnuts
Mar 6, 2002 12:36 PM | | Got one last year, nice unit, good price, good reviews. Usually they are on sale now. |
| can someone advise me on the noise factor? | mindhole
Mar 6, 2002 1:10 PM | | I've been contemplating the trainer vs. rollers thing too, but I live in an apartment, and I need to avoid driving my neighbors crazy. |
| NO knobbies/tread. . . | Halfnuts
Mar 6, 2002 1:54 PM | | or your neighbors will think you set up a saw mill. Even a little tread will make a LOT of noise. Richey Moby Bites are perfect, perfectly smooth, and usually very inexpensive. I've heard wind trainers can be loud, suggest fluid or mag type trainers. |
| i second that | *rt*
Mar 6, 2002 2:31 PM | | go buy the smoothest tire you can find. lots of places sell the super-slick tires (ie. looks like a very wide road tire).
also, fluid trainers are significantly less noisy than other types. if you have hardwood floors, i suggest you get a piece of carpet (carpet shops often have remanents (sp??) or you can always resort to dumpster diving!) to put the trainer on top of. this will kill some of the noise as well. i usually put down a large beach towel on top of my carpet so that i don't sweat all over the floor.
..i live on the 3rd floor (carpeted apt) and my neighbor has yet to complain......though i can't imagine she enjoys hearing the cheesy music of the Spinervals videos blasting at the volume necessary for me to hear it over my pounding heart.
rt |
| go with the Performance TravelTrak.... | *rt*
Mar 6, 2002 2:25 PM | | it's under $300.....actually, since it's getting to the end of the trainer season (at least here in NC) they'll be going on sale soon--i think $179 was the cheapest i ever saw them.
it's a great trainer & has gotten lots of good reviews. it's got fluid resistance, reliable settings, and it's an all around good buy.
rt - wish i had one! |
| re: looking for recommendations on trainers | teb
Mar 6, 2002 6:47 PM | | Go for a magturbo ergo from minoura. I they are around $199 Canadian. If you can't find one at a local shop, go to www.smoothcycle.com and e-mail neil im sure he would send it to you. Here is a pic of mine, it works good and there is good adjustments. |
| re: looking for recommendations on trainers- Tacx basic | ddb
Mar 7, 2002 9:14 AM | | Go look at the Tacx line of trainers the basix is 300 and has all the tools you need , cadence,watts slope and more, go to tacx.nl to check them out and gearlink.com to buy. I have one and i love it. Many of the pro use these.
ddb |
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