Juan Foote

So, I picked up a Cycle Ops Fluid2 trainer last year. Been getting a bit of use out of it. Just added a screen to the area in the garage where it resides, and am looking for another trainer. I like the Cycle Ops aside from one glaring issue, and would like to get some feedback on that in regard to selecting a different one.

I have found that the CO F2 is designed for a road bike and it's axle spacing. When we got it there was a steel skewer included made for "road bike" spacing. I had to order an additional longer one to fit my wife (and my) hybrid bike. I have found that in use loading the road bike in and out is fairly easy. Loading either of our hybrid bikes in it's really difficult to get the lock set due to the extra width and tension on the spring inside that mechanism. I have considered even having a longer lock handle made just to facilitate the process.

Is there a similar trainer made that is designed with the wider rear axle of hybrid/MTB in mind to where clamping it down in the trainer is as easy as getting a road bike spacing is in this current model?

02Giant 

You have adjusted the non-locking side to it's widest setting?

I am assuming yours is like the one in the link.

Mine is several years old, it has a threaded insert to allow for different rear spacing. That would be obvious.

Juan Foote

It does indeed have an adjustment for various widths....

sdmc530

I have a Kurt kinetic fluid smart and it will accommodate very wide axles. I have had my mtb bike on it just for the fun of it. I would bet I could put a fat tire bike on it if it was not super wide.


sorry your having this trouble!

02Giant 

https://www.cycleops.com/product/fluid2

I failed to attach the link earlier, was on the way out the door to pick up my pizza and rings...

It doesn't have enough adjustment built in?

Juan Foote

It will clamp down on a wide axle bike. The issue is the force required to do so is becoming beyond my diminishing strength. I can load and unload my road bike with ease. For the Hybrids I practically blow a vein trying to put the lever in the lock.

02Giant 

Is yours like the one in the link, I eventually posted?

Juan Foote

Yes, that appears to be the one I have. On the non lever side it has an adjustment on the cam where you can make it wider or more narrow. I have it on the wide setting and it's still really hard to lock the lever side. I am needing a second trainer anyway, so hoping to find one that is a bit easier to use.

02Giant 

I have an older version of the same trainer. The non-lever side has a threaded width adjuster. There is a wide range of adjustment available. In the locked position there is up to 7.25" or 184 mm.
If you like the CycleOps, look for an older version.

honcho

I have a lot of experience with Cycleops Fluid and Fluid2 using many different bikes and what you're describing just doesn't sound right. Are you using the right style of skewer, the style with rounded chrome ends? There's plenty of adjustment for all the common spacings. Unless your trainer is damaged, I just can't imagine experiencing the type of issue you've described. I suggest reviewing the instructions available from Cycleops.