Mag trainers...advice?

[eyesroll]

I have an entry-level Specialized hybrid (women's frame), and I live in Wisconsin, so winter riding is usually for the braver-than-I.

I don't want to buy a stationary bike, since that's just one more thing to take up space and gather dust. I've Googled and Amazoned and found a bunch of mag trainers, ranging from $80 to $299. I don't need anything fancy, but I would like something that won't break after the first ride.

Any recommendations? Will I have trouble mounting my bike? What can I expect to spend, realistically?

Thanks.

[BiggJawn]

1. They're pretty much alike.

I can't understand the big spread in prices myself.

I have one of those wind trainers that I rode last winter. Noisy. And, worse yet, it was the kind that you took off the front wheel and clamped it by the forks end and bottom bracket.
After a year in thet service, i read that you should REALLY get a beater bike for that kind of service because the lack of movement in the handlebars does Bad Things to the headset bearings.

Well, I had to replace the BB anyway, so what's a new headset at the same time?

I now have a mag trainer that grabs the rear axle, so it shouldn't pound the bearings to death this winter. Haven't gotten it set up yet, but I've read the cautions about sweating all over the bike lest it ruin the bearings (again?)
I've actually been holding off, hoping to find a $15 thrift store beater to condemn to hamster wheel hell.

[stop the bleeding]

2. I just came across you request - it just so happens that I have been

cruising the net and this is what I found.....

After a prolonged hiatus, I certainly wasn't ready to tackle the streets of Sydney straight away. It wasn't an issue of strength - I had slowly been rehabilitating my degenerated leg muscles during that time - but more to do with confidence on the road one takes for granted. The rollers weren't an option either - there was still a huge muscle imbalance between my left and right legs, so the only scenario left was to buy a fixed-wheel home trainer. I decided to bite the bullet and get one of the best my money could buy, the CycleOps Fluid2.

I was attracted to the Fluid2 for three reasons. First, I live in an apartment, so noise disturbance, or more precisely lack of it, is vital. After a short test ride on a few models at the LBS (local bike shop), the Fluid² was, by some margin, the mousey-est of the lot.

Accounting for my current physical condition, I also figured the relationship with my home trainer was going to be a close one for the next six to twelve months, so I needed a machine that could go the distance. The Fluid2's fully-sealed resistance unit, the quality of components and the simplicity of set-up provides every indication that this machine will go the full nine yards and more.

Last, and common to all my big-ticket purchases, the CycleOps Fluid2 simply looks mighty fine. While the sight of me half-naked in my cycling shorts, grunting on the balcony in full view of the residents living on the opposite side of the road, is enough to turn a hunger-starved individual off eating forever, at least my equipment looks good.



read more here:

CycleOps Fluid2 home trainer-Smooth as silk-cyclingnews.com-

[Kolesar]

3. We have the Kinetic Road Machine

http://shop.cyclingnews.com.au/Cyclingnews/catalogue/c33/p239

This feature was an important development and a prime selling feature when it was purchased: the sealed fluid chamber with magnetically coupled driveshaft. I didn't select the product, I received it as a gift.

The product works excellently. I don't know how I could compare it with other trainers, since it the only one I have used. I have a hunch the maximum power and the power vs. speed comparison on this product are great. I don't use it a whole lot because I have been going to the fitness center and using the stair machine in the off season.

[Kolesar]

4. Nashbar 2006 Fluid Trainer discounted $130 now--Reg $209.95

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?sku=15409

Nashbar’s basic fluid trainer includes many features found on more expensive models - like progressive fluid resistance.