DavidPT40

I'd like to get an indoor bike trainer for these long dark cold winter months ahead. Preferably the type that mounts through the axle of my rear wheel. However I see that there are two different types, magnetic resistance and hydraulic resistance. Can anyone fill me in on the basics on the pros and cons of the different types? Or if you have a trainer that you really like, what type is it?


Thanks
David

HkC01

Here's a good read - My Winter 2015-2016 Bike Trainer Recommendations | DC Rainmaker

Script

Check out SportCrafters Omnium trainer....I got one to replace a resistance trainer. It is portable enough to set up just about anywhere. You remove your front wheel and the rear sets on rollers. it's about $450 and is made in America. No, I have nothing to do with the company.....just a customer who is very happy with a product. I have a carbon fiber bike and have had no problems. I just attach my Garmin, cancel the satellite search and have all the info I need for a ride....speed, cadence, heart rate....and I can actually hear the TV while pedaling!
Yes, my bio says Seven...it's titanium..... but my old Trek Pilot is the one I use with the trainer.....

Jim

SpeshulEd 

If you're spending $450 on a trainer, buy a smart trainer.

Stratocaster

Wow, I can't really imagine spending $1,000+ for a trainer. I'd much rather put that towards a nice bike.
But that's me.
I'm thinking about splurging for one of those $100 deals.

yooperbiker

Those indoor bike trainers are about the only thing in the world that make spin classes look attractive.

SpeshulEd 

Tacx T2180 Vortex Smart Trainer, Trainers/Rollers, TRAINERS / ROLLERS

$354 with free shipping and you turn your bike into a video game.

Frreed

I have the Elite Qubo fluid trainer. It is not smart (That's okay, I am not all that smart either.), but it seems to be solid, has good steady resistance and is quiet. Fortunately we have had decent weather this fall so I only have a few sessions on it. It was $190 at Performance and came with a riser block and sweat guard.

tedder

I love my $1000 KICKR. TrainerRoad+The Sufferfest gives a fantastic workout, it lets me do high-quality training all winter. Not for everyone, though.

wheelsmcgee

Nashbar fluid trainer. Closer to $150, but they do 20% off all the time. I've had mine most of this year and have put over 2500 "miles" on it. No complaints. If it broke tomorrow, I've got more out of it than my typical running shoes on a $ per workout basis.

I suppose it would be nice if it had a power meter or whatever, but I can't justify the cost for my level of interest/use of that sort of info...I also would prefer spending the extra money on a bike.

alcjphil

I bought one for my son as a birthday present. He really likes it for several reasons. It provides a realistic training experience, fluid trainers get harder the faster you go just like riding on the road. It is very quiet. It is easy to take the bike off the trainer and put it back on. You don't have to fiddle with setting up the tension adjustment so that the tire doesn't slip, and the trainer design allows you to rock the bike when you are out of the saddle as you would while riding on the road

rolandk

I bought a Travel Trac Comp Fluid trainer at Performance Bike a couple weeks ago for $120. Only used it once so far because the weather is still good enough to ride outside but it seems like a solid trainer and has great reviews.

DavidPT40

So for a budget of around $200, what is the consensus on the best fluid trainer? I'll be using my Nashbar TR1 as the training bike.

dpd3672

I'm very happy with the Nashbar Fluid trainer. They're very reasonable, and if you keep an eye on the "returned items" section, I've seen them as cheap as $100 (although rarely).

Generally speaking, Magnetic trainers are cheaper, but louder. Fluid is a bit quieter, but a bit more expensive as well.

Wittyname

+1 for the Elite Qubo fluid trainer, it's a bit loud but there's a volume knob on the TV for a reason

$160 this weekend w/ the riser block and sweat net on PB's site. Spend the other 40 on a good box fan