Can anyone give me feedback on non-computer hook up trainers?
CycleOps Fluid2, Kinetic Road Machine Trainer, Tacx Flow Ergotrainer, Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer
There is a 15% off sale at Trisports http://www.trisports.com/trainers.html
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I used a cycleops once and (my friend’s) Very nice but nothing compared to the 1up trainer I have now. The 1up has a nice heavy solid freewheel.
I think they are comporable in price.
But my friend witht he cycleops has been very happy with his and it has lasted without any problems…
Doesn’t change the fact that stationary trainers are as boring as dirt.
I have a fluid2. Very high resistance curve compared to real riding. You need a tightly spaced rear cassette to find the right resistance with the right cadence. I always feel like I’m grinding away or spinning really easy so it’s good for those big gear interval workouts. 90 minutes is the longest session I’ve ever been able to take.
I’ll give another vote for 1up. Much quieter than the Cyclops, more realistic feel (the heavy flywheel gives more “coast”), and no worry about leaks (my 1st generation cyclops develped a leak soon), more solid design. You can get them off ebay or direct from 1up.
1up is also the quietest trainer I’ve tried. Plus, they have great customer service if you break it or need help with it.
I use my Kinetics 5x per week and have 20,000 miles on it - no leaking or other problems
No experience with the other trainers you list, but reccomend the Kinetic highly, go with the Road Machine 6lb flywheel option
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I have the kurt kinetic road machine. Very smooth and feeld pretty close to riding outside. Best $300 I have spent on a trainer. I had a Blackburn mag trainer before and also a LeMond wind trainer. The road machine is far superior to anything I have ever ridden. Makes working out indoors a challenge and a very enjoyable experience.
Gary/medic - have you guys ever bent the frame on your Kinetic trying to eliminate wheelslip? I bent one and had it replaced, and then bent the replacement the first time I used it. The company is great with the replacement policy, but I no longer have an LBS that sells them, and shipping that heavy-ass mofo would likely break me.
What are you doing differently? Am I just a meathead?
PS - the bent frame does not affect the ride, and aside from this I have zero complaints about the machine or the company. I own the “road machine” model with the 6lb flywheel (which is likely why I have to tighten it so much to try and get rid of wheelslip)
I assume you mean the bracket, and yes, mine is really bent
I guess it is the cost of doing business, however Kinetic says I overtighten it, but I know better
One note is that my tires las FOREVER on the Kinetic, thats always good
I have been through two of the tightening knobs and have worn a groove in the roller, but it keeps truckin’ !
Another vote here for the Kurt Kinetic. Go for the heavier fly wheel- great “road-like” feel, quiet, smooth…well worth the money!
Thanks for the feedback.
I am coming off a mag trainer and don’t quite understand the fluid “features” of progressive resistance that some advertise. It would seem that you would want a single resistance and simply use your own gears to change the resistance.
Can you explain how that works for different levels of effort?