Sorry if this has been posted before, but I’m looking to buy my first trainer and am not sure what to get. I don’t need anything fancy like a Computrainer…just something I can park in front of the tv when it’s cold or raining out. My limited experience with trainers has only been with ones that seem really, really loud. Are there any quiet ones out there? Any advice as to which type is better?
Of those three… get fluid. Fairly quiet, good power curve.
Mag trainers are “choppy”, they suck. Wind trainers are loud.
wind will be the loudest. mag is nice because resistance can vary with a computer program or any other control (thats what a computrainer is). most feel that fluid is the best in that it is pretty quiet and has the best “feel”. This is of course if you dont want to “ride to a program”. I have a Kurt Kinetic, as do many here. Demerly is giving a great deal on them right now (217) (I think I paid $300). Heres the link http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/shop/product.php?productid=16371&cat=0&page=1&featured
Its a top shelf trainer with a 5year warranty (maybe more) its a little pricier than the cheapo models at Nashbar or Performance, but I think that its worth it…
good luck
I have to 2nd what **synchronicityII ** said.
I’ll third that sentiment. Fluid all the way.
Jodi
Thanks for the advice…now for one more question. Which brand?
just to hijack a little…do you think a computer is important to have with a trainer?
My wife got me the KurtKinetic Pro over Christmas. It’s an upgrade from a Cyclops. I’ve noticed a big difference. Much less noise, much smoother, much closer to the road feel (ie harder), option to add a heavier fly wheel. I had a hard time keeping my HR up on the cyclops, thought it was just a trainer thing. But with this Kinetic, I can control my HR much easier, thus making workouts much more efficient. And… lifetime warranty, no questions, including wear and tear. Crash replacement (like if a kid throws it out the window) policy gets you a new one for $25. So, I’m pretty happy with it.
I think I get a great workout without a computrainer. But you have to be very disciplined. If you just blindly spin away in low zone 2 you will be largely wasting trainer time. I have 4 different workouts that I do Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun. As long as I stick to the plan I get quality training in. Sure, a computrainer is better and keeps you focused, but it’s also about 5-7x the cost of a fluid trainer. Music, TdF videos, and spinervals help, too.
Jodi
Have you ruled out getting a stationary? I find I use mine a LOT more than I ever used my fluid; too much of a PITA to get the bike in the house, change the skewer, clamp it in, and then the ride just never felt right.
My LeMond trainer, though, takes up a fraction of the space and is ready all the time.
Just a thought.