alpharalpha

Looking to keep things simple, don't need smart trainer, won't be connecting it to any apps etc. Also don't need super high resistance, mostly for spinning/cadence (I hyperextended my knee so won't be cranking hard.) Durability and good spinning ability foremost. Any that you've had good luck with?

caloso

You said mag trainer in the title, but if you are open to fluid trainers, I can recommend the Kinetic.

cyclist2000

I recommend a Kinetic fluid trainer too. I have one, I use a Wahoo speed and cadence monitor on it to know how far I have ridden.

50PlusCycling

Rollers. Get the type with the larger drums for lower resistance. Nothing improves your pedal technique and balance like rollers, you will feel the difference in your riding after your very first workout. It’ll take a few workouts to get the hang of them, but it’s worth the effort.

tempocyclist

Most of the mag resistance rollers will do the job in that case. You can always increase/decrease resistance by using your gearing. Fluid trainers are arguably quieter and give a slightly better "feel" though if you're open to that option.


Rollers would be quite good for that. They'll have you spinning fast and smooth! I've got an Elite Arion set (the ones with resistance levels, available without also). The dished-shape rollers help keep you centred and make it harder - but not impossible - to slip off the sides.

DMC707

Dont have much experience with different brands, but several variations of Cycle-ops trainers have served me well over the years

Since everyone "has to have" a smart trainer now, -- i picked up a Cycle-ops fluid trainer for $75 not long ago on marketplace (or maybe it was craigslist - i dunno )

alpharalpha

I see the Cyclops fluid2 for sale; How is the resistance on the fluid trainers, can it be adjusted so there's less resistance at higher speeds, or is just set that the faster you pedal the harder it gets?
The reason I mentioned mag' trainers was I thought the resistance could be adjusted lower at higher speeds.
I don't want to put excess strain on my knee but still want to get a good workout by just spinning faster.

(Edit: my other concern with the fluid trainer is the possibility of the fluid leaking.)

caloso

The great thing about fluid trainers is that the resistance increases as the wheel speed increases. Which makes the resistance curve similar to what you'd experience outside. But you can change your cadence by using your lower gears, just as you would on the road. So, drop it into a little gear and spin away.

DMC707

exactlcaloso said

"The great thing about fluid trainers is that the resistance increases as the wheel speed increases. Which makes the resistance curve similar to what you'd experience outside. But you can change your cadence by using your lower gears, just as you would on the road. So, drop it into a little gear and spin away."

But regarding leaking fluid - got my first one in 1996 and it rode around in the back of my pickup for years as i used it for pre-race warmups almost exclusively. After thousands of cycles of heat and cold, i gave it to a friend and purchased some rollers . The 25 year old Cycle-ops is still in regular service and i got tired of messing with rollers so purchased another Cycle-ops (&75 craigslist deal i mentioned) a few years back and it too is going strong --- but mine only gets used maybe once a week now -- but that i know of neither unit has ever leaked

Road Fan

I don’t know if this is a problem for any dumb trainers but thought I would air it anyway, My Wahoo Snap will not latch into wheels on frames with OLN narrower than 130 mm. I have a few decent frames which are 126 and even 120. I use them on my early Kurt Kinetic, but I’d like to use them with the Yahoo.