Opinions Please....
Thinking about owning my very own bike trainer...I have one that's on loan from my swim coach and it's very much low end and loud and yuck...thinking about asking for one for Christmas.
My bike gurus recommend the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine for overall price point vs. quality, and it seems to get pretty good reviews from the tri community. It's listed at MSRP $330 but I've seen it online at a handful of places for $275. I can leave it set up with my bike for the winter so ease of in and out is not of too much concern...nor is weight as I won't be travelling with it. Basically I'm looking for a smooth and quiet ride so as not to annoy myself or the kind folks that live upstairs (not that I think the trainer would be too loud but the TV might be too loud if I have to turn it up to 11 to hear it over the whirrrrrrrrrr.)
Would LOVE to have all you cold weather IRONpeople weigh in on what you spent last winter training on... OH, and Flatman, you'll be my hero if you can find one for less than $275...
posted by Hollyfish at 4:22 PM
14 Comments:
Okay. Here goes. If it were me, I wouldn't drop that kind of coin on a trainer. I know they are good and if funds were unlimited, I might buy one. BUT, are they a couple hundred dollars better than their competitors? Doubtful. I found a better deal on one if you must have this model, but don't make any rash decisions.
You can get a Travel Trac fluid for $129.99 at performancebike, and that is before a coupon.
You can get many magnetic trainers for around $100. That's what I use. Nashbar has a magnetic trainer for $89.00 before a coupon.
Now, you must decide what is best for you. Remember, I don't have to ride mine for 6 months at a time, so smoothness and sound are not as big of a deal to me as they are to you.
Check your mail...
5:58 PM EST
What he said. I have a Travel Trac Fluid from 4 years ago and, while I hate stationary riding, it does me just fine. On the other hand, if you have DOWNSTAIRS neighbors, you are doomed no matter what you buy.
6:32 PM EST
Hey!
My tri club had a hefty discount on a Cyclops Fluid 2...it's very quiet and I really like it.
But Flatman's making you an offer that would be hard to refuse....! :)
7:47 PM EST
I agree with Flatman... that's a lot of $$ to spend. I've only used a magnetic trainer, so I can't say from experience, but many people say the feel and noise from a fluid trainer is superior. I think a rubber mat under the bike would go a long way to supressing vibration that may find it's way to neighbors ears.
Oh... the COOLEST site ever if you are shopping for bike stuff... Qbike.com
You can search for specific items and it will shop all the on line sources for you and show you the lowest price currently available.
Check it out!
I really need to get a trainer also. I'd sure love to win one through RaceAthlete! Hint, hint! :)
9:04 PM EST
A few things:
1. It's all about dollars per use. If your off-season is longer than your on-season, then a good trainer is an excellent investment. Flatman basically said this, although with a slightly different spin...
2. I work at a tri shop and everyone there swears by Kurt Kinetic.
3. Whenever I buy gear that I know I will use consistently, I go for the best that I can afford. I've worked in a mountaineering shop, a snowboard shop, and now a tri shop, and the same rule always seems to apply: you get what you pay for.
10:21 PM EST
Cool thread. I'm looking myself, so the comments here have helped me! I can't offer any advice though, since I am a newbie to these things too.
Good training to you this winter!
7:47 PM EST
That's the one I'm going with. Apparently the drive shaft seal of other trainers (http://www.1upusa.com/kurtkineticnotleak.htm) will most likely leak eventually vs. thier set up which is guarneteed not to leak (http://www.1upusa.com/kurtkineticnotleak.htm). So...I made the decision that if I was going to get a fluid trainer (which is supposed to be quiter) that I'd go with this one due mainly to it being guarenteed not to leak. It is an investment, but since you live up north and it's cold I am sure you will get lots of use out of it.
Anywho...I don't even have mine yet. :-) It's on it's way. I'll let you know what I think when i get it.
9:13 PM EST
Check out Spokane Al's recent post http://spokaneal.blogspot.com/2006/11/performance-bicycle-savings-coupon.html
That's a great discount if you can find what you're looking for there. If you go with a basic mag trainer, it could be under $150!
And other than the link, I have zero advice on this one. I just got a hand-me-down one myself and only now getting used to it! Good luck!
9:34 AM EST
Spence,
I hav eno clue about trainer..I am using a used Cyclo ops 2 fluid trainer. Works for me.
Just want to say...i love that halloween post of the dog in costumes...priceless.
1:49 PM EST
i have no advice.
buy one somewhere at REI? bring it home, if you don't like it, bring it back??
1:39 PM EST
It looks cool! You MUST buy one.
3:12 PM EST
looks like the trainer I use- my is a cylce ops, but very similar- I think you'll like it.
7:48 PM EST
I love Trimama. That IS the one we use. Kinetic. It's awesome because it's both quiet and very responsive. Little more money, but totally worth it. It's very durable and provides excellent fluid feedback.
Don't go to cheap I've heard they don't last long.
Buy it and Enjoy some good winter movies on the Bike!
:) I still long to be a superhero
11:43 PM EST
too
11:44 PM EST
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