Planning on getting a new trainer and was wondering if you guys had some recommendations regarding what I should be looking at. I’d love a computrainer, but its really too pricey for me.
Right now I’m on an older Cyclops fluid trainer (5yrs), and I think its time for an upgrade. With my work schedule its tough to get out the door sometimes, and its easier to do some of my interval workouts on the trainer as I have to ride about 30min just to get to a road without stoplights.
FWIW, I’ve got a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine which I’m a big fan of. Its pretty similar to Cyclops fluid trainer you’ve been riding for the last five years. Kinetic has two higher end models - the Pro Trainer (dual fly wheel) and Rock 'n Roll, which apparently allows side to side motion for improving handling skills. I’ve been happy with the basic model. Sturdy and does what its supposed to do.
I’d get the pro model KK or move up to rollers. F-computrainer…get an SRM if you want to spend some money and then just grind it out to spinnervals, sportscenter, etc.
I went from an older Cycleops Fluid 2 to a KK just this past winter… They’re pretty similar, but the Kurt is definitely a slight upgrade. Can’t beat the ‘angry badger’ deal here, either.
my $0.02: I agree that the KK is a slight upgrade from the Cyclops. However, I can’t say enough about the eMotion rollers. They’re pricey, but if you spend significant time inside, they’re awesome. It took me a while to before deciding to get them, but they’re worth every penny.
Check out the new CycleOps SuperMagneto. I recently picked one up in place of my Fluid 2.
The adjustability of the 4 settings is useful and works well if you want to do some higher resistance low cadence workouts. They have also improved the frame with an adjustable leg. I also now prefer the resistance of the magetic to the fluid, as I think it provides a little more “road like” feel vs. the fluid which spins. I feel like I have to keep engaged more with the magnetic vs. the fluid.