5 mph

The trails are muddy now. The days are shorter and darker. More layers, more lights, more precautions , more rain. shorter tempers by drivers,.
Does anyone e recommend a specific model for a bike trainer?

sdmc530

Wheel on or direct drive? Price range?

I have the Kurt Kinetic smart for my winter trainer with bike on set up. Love it. Works perfect for me. I zwift now more or less until April 1st.

sarhog

Try here.

Thomas15

If you are really looking for recommendations I would urge you to consider getting a smart trainer. Something like the Wahoo Kickr Snap at the minimum. You might not think that you would be interested in something like Zwift but Zwift makes the tedious chore of riding a trainer somewhat interesting and it only $15 a month. You probably spend more than that getting your bike to the local trail. Note that a wheel on trainer doesn't like knobby rear tires.

I personally use the Kinetic Road Machine with InRide3. This is supported by Zwift. Took my first free month on Zwift last Nov and have over 4000 trainer miles to date, almost 5000 miles in 2020 including outside. Prior to that I would ride about 700 miles a year. The trainer/Zwift combo has changed my life.If you are buying new skip the Kinetic and get the Wahoo.

jpescatore

Look here for thinking through what you want in a trainer and comparisons of brands.

dmanders

Wahoo Kickr is pricy but absolutely fantastic.

5 mph

The biggest reason is safety. Another consideration is time. Dealing with muddy clothes, washing down the bike, cleaning up, repairs .. it all adds up.

Ed Wiser

I just bought a new Kickr bike which is fantastic really is great riding Zwift let’s me ride my bike set up just like my road bike. Without getting more wear on my bike. It’s set up just like my bike gears and shifting.

Troul 

I use the Saris Cycle Ops & turn on the TV while racking up miles. In an hour I am cranking up the fan & getting the move on that'll require a towel change out.

oldwinger14

I have a Wahoo Kicker Core smart trainer and love it. A bit less expensive than Wahoo Kickr but has just about the same functionality. I use it with Rouvy software and ride virtually all over the world during the winter months.

5 mph

I am looking at the recommended trainers . Sure are a lot of options .One of my regrets is that Biking is a lot of fun , really great, but it sure takes time and money away from the family.
I’d like to buy something rugged, simple and a bit smart. I guess in the middle range. At one point my favorite bike was a Langster Fixed Gear because of that.
.I turned down my daughters request for Netflix, so I would feel guilty buying Zwift, it wouldn’t be right.

Troul 

2 points; The adult over the child doesn't owe justification or reason to the child. The cost to support exercise for improving health is small. Paying for entertainment that doesn't engage exercise isn't justifiable.

5 mph

lol