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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Best Bike Trainer under $200

okaypatrick

Oct 22, 09 11:03

Post #1 of 18 (616 views)

Best Bike Trainer under $200	Can't Post

I'm looking for a good trainer to spin on during the cold winter months. My budget is $200 max. Does anybody have any recommendations for any good trainers?

I found a Cycleops Mag trainer on eBay that I'm interested in, but I don't know if the model or brand is reputable.

Johnny99

Oct 22, 09 11:12

Post #2 of 18 (603 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have been using a Performance fluid trainer for several years. It has lasted a lot longer than the various magnetic types that I have had. Mine was a bit over $200 but had a bunch of electronic stuff (speed, power) that has since crapped out. I'm pretty sure they have some under $200.

P2SLowry

Oct 22, 09 11:15

Post #3 of 18 (602 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Don't know if it's the best but I've been happy* with my Performance Travel Trac. It's bumping against the $200 mark.

*As happy as one can be while riding the trainer.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Go that way, really fast. If something gets in your way, turn." - Charles De Mar

rockfish

Oct 22, 09 11:47

Post #4 of 18 (572 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Another vote for the performance fluid resistance units labeled travel trac. I had one from performance for 7 years then got another one which was the same model from nashbar with a wattage meter on it since that and have had it for 3 years. Both ened up costing below $200. Watch both performance and nashbar's websites their prices will fluctuate with sales and discounts. Also you can generally find a 10% + off coupon posted on roadbikereview.com in the hot deals forum as well.

Peace,
RF

grosso27

Oct 23, 09 5:32

Post #5 of 18 (473 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Bicycle Outfitters Indy stock the newest model Kurt Kinetic Road Machine demo unit for 299, and if you do some internet research, you can easily find a 15%-20% coupon w/ free shipping.
I just got a setup from them recently, and am thrilled with the purchase. KK Road Machines seem to get rave reviews here on the board, and I like it so far.
And there was nothing whatsoever wrong mechanically or cosmetically with this 'demo unit.'

JohninMadisonWI

Oct 23, 09 6:00

Post #6 of 18 (462 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Used Cycleops mag or fluid2. lots of people buy them with optimism and then realize they hate riding it.

Check Craigslist too. Here's one in my vicinity for $125 (it's not mine!):
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1432301700.html

Here are some more:
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1429312418.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1429224030.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1420530180.html
http://madison.craigslist.org/bik/1420528095.html

And that is just in Madison in the last week!!!

(This post was edited by JohninMadisonWI on Oct 23, 09 6:03)

ride2eat

Oct 23, 09 6:05

Post #7 of 18 (456 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have the Trek labeled CycleOps Fluid 2 and just love it. Talk about bomb proof....tens of thousands of miles, easy to set up and never had a single issue. For my experiences on wind, mag and fluid.....there is nothing closer to road feel.....not even my Compu Trainer feels as good.....close, but different. I actually did some tests with it b/f I bought it from my buddy. Did 1 hour on the trainer and then immediately took it off and hit the road...same feel.

WillyMFire

Oct 23, 09 6:31

Post #8 of 18 (436 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [JohninMadisonWI] [In reply to]	Can't Post

+1
I picked up a nearly new cyclops mag trainer last year for $75

okaypatrick

Oct 23, 09 7:35

Post #9 of 18 (398 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [JohninMadisonWI] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Some additional thoughts/questions, but I would like to hook my P3 up to the trainer that I purchase. However, I am concerned about the wear and tear it could potentially put on the frame of my bike. Does hooking your bike up to the trainer put additional stresses on the frame? I would like not to kill my P3 as I've only had it for about 6 months.

JohninMadisonWI

Oct 23, 09 8:14

Post #10 of 18 (374 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Lots of threads on this. One just last week. Bottom line - some people have a trainer bike. Most don't. I use my regular bikes with a crappy wheel, cassette, chain, and will switch those out in the spring when I get outside.

SeasonsChange

Oct 23, 09 8:15

Post #11 of 18 (367 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

travel trac inertial trainer, 199 plus 10pct off.

nickwhite

Oct 23, 09 8:19

Post #12 of 18 (371 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I use my P3C on the trainer. Just be sure you get a trainer skewer. Personally, I just use the big metal one off my mountain bike. The important thing is that the clamping mechanism on the trainer does not touch your bike frame. I've been riding for about a year on my Cyclops Fluid2 trainer. It's a decent trainer but here are my issues:

1) Resistance is way too hard on my unit. 19MPh = 300+ watts. I am always riding uphill. The faster you ride the more resistance you get on a fluid trainer.
1b) Though I do credit this trainer for -really- helping improve my bike fitness. I don't pansy around when I ride it. I want to be done ASAP as riding a trainer sucks.
2) The metal resistance unit gets really really hot. It will burn you if you touch it after an hour. But hey, with my FTP of 400, what do you expect?
3) The clamping mechanism is so much better on a KK trainer. I've scratched the top of my RD because of this.
4) I picked it up used for I think $180. VERY happy with it considering the price.

-NW

bermudabill

Oct 23, 09 8:47

Post #13 of 18 (347 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I'd recommend you also look at used spin bikes. especially if you can get one from a gym dumping them. low maintainence and designed to take a beating. don't forget on the trainer you have to figure in a new tire, possibly a wheel and you have wear and tear on the chain and cassette. And the hassle factor if you are taking it off and puting it on over the fall and spring.
good luck

Marc I

Oct 30, 09 19:23

Post #14 of 18 (258 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [bermudabill] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Not to hi-jack but what's better............magnetic or fluid in and/or around that range?

(This post was edited by Marc I on Oct 30, 09 19:24)

IKnowEverything

Oct 30, 09 20:09

Post #15 of 18 (239 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Spend that $200 on some tights and a jacket and HTFU :)

Onetimepad

Oct 30, 09 20:26

Post #16 of 18 (232 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [nickwhite] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have the same Fluid2 model. Had a Blackburn before that and I could easily overpower the resistance. The Fluid2 was and still is a totally different experience. I don't love riding the trainer anyways but this thing kills me. The resistance is very strong on mine. Plenty of rides I don't even see the big ring. 17 mph on it seems to be the equivalent of 20 outside. The one thing I do really appreciate that for is climbing. Our club has a spin group in the winter where we bring our bikes and trainer into a large warehouse. I see folks spinning out on climbs and I'm in my smallest gear in the back I can barely average 60 rpm. I think I paid about $200 5 years ago. Never had a problem.

ADW

- Not sponsored but proudly fueled by Miller Lite (PM), Diet Coke (AM), Skoal Long Cut Mint and Buffalo Wild Wings

RChung

Oct 30, 09 21:51

Post #17 of 18 (200 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

I'm looking for a good trainer to spin on during the cold winter months. My budget is $200 max. Does anybody have any recommendations for any good trainers?

Hmmm. $200?

I'm not terribly fond of indoor trainers. I think they have their place and that place, in general, is either at the bottom of the closet or the back of the basement.

The first rule of indoor trainers: borrow a trainer from someone who has one in the closet or the basement. This sort of makes specific recommendations of brand moot.

Second rule: if you decide to buy a trainer, buy it used and make sure it folds nice and small. This will come in handy when you need to put it at the bottom of the closet or the back of the basement.

Third rule: get a huge fan. Alternatively and preferably, hire an attractive girl to wave a palm frond over you while you pedal. Be sure to budget for this expense. Another reason not to spend too much on the trainer.

Don't pay attention to all the weird claims people make about realistic road feel. None of these things has realistic road feel.

sailnfast

Oct 30, 09 22:37

Post #18 of 18 (183 views)

Re: Best Bike Trainer under $200 [okaypatrick] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

While it's a little more than you want to spend, Tri-Zone.com has a deal going on where you search for the key word "workouts" and get 20% off all items that come up, one of which is a Kurt Kinetic Road machine. They also ship for free so your "out the door" price is only $255 (+ sales tax if you live in CA like I do). If I hadn't just picked up a used one of these last week I'd be all over this.

Fred

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." -- T. S. Eliot

Off season = lots of riding!

(This post was edited by sailnfast on Oct 30, 09 22:39)