Trainer Recommendations

[macdaid]

My boss just asked me to recommend a trainer, and I can only give my experience with the two I've got...

Anybody want to chime in on what they're using to spin on?

Cost?
Maintenance?
Ease of use?
Extra-cool features?

He sent me an ebay link with a slew of static, rear wheel lifters like the one's we have here at home, but I also suggested rollers to him (he's the brainy type and gets bored easily).

Good tips will get me er "browny" points... :D

Thanks,

Dave

[DaveG]

My boss just asked me to recommend a trainer, and I can only give my experience with the two I've got...

Anybody want to chime in on what they're using to spin on?

Cost?
Maintenance?
Ease of use?
Extra-cool features?

He sent me an ebay link with a slew of static, rear wheel lifters like the one's we have here at home, but I also suggested rollers to him (he's the brainy type and gets bored easily).

Good tips will get me er "browny" points... :D

Thanks,

Dave


I'd recommend getting a fluid trainer w/ a flywheel. The fluid ramps the resistance as the speed increases and the flywheel makes it have a much better (i.e. road-like) feel. I'd suggest the CycleOps Fluid 2 (what I have) or the Kurt Kinetics Road Machine. My cycleops is nice, has a good road feel and I'm no where near strong enough to overcome the resistance. The Kurt Kinetics is supposed to be one of the most "road like" trainers out there. Both of these will cost ~300 dollars.

Dave

[Buddylee]

I'd recommend getting a fluid trainer w/ a flywheel. The fluid ramps the resistance as the speed increases and the flywheel makes it have a much better (i.e. road-like) feel. I'd suggest the CycleOps Fluid 2 (what I have) or the Kurt Kinetics Road Machine. My cycleops is nice, has a good road feel and I'm no where near strong enough to overcome the resistance. The Kurt Kinetics is supposed to be one of the most "road like" trainers out there. Both of these will cost ~300+ dollars.

Dave

I also have the cycleops. Very nice, very good feel and plenty of resistance. No problems in two years of use.

[dcraider]

I've beat the crap outta mine during the furiously drenching winter here in Belgium. Well, that and I've been too tired from watching all of the Cross races that I can't bear to get myself out into the rain and wind, but I digress.

I have never had trouble with the Kinetic, have had it for a year and through the heavy winter months of Jan and Feb I out about 10 to 12 hours a week on it. it's super smooth and relatively quiet.

Regardless of which trainer is purchased, go the fluid route.

Kris "the relatively unseen part-Belgian roaming these parts" Lindsey

[DaveG]

10 to 12 hours a week on it.

I can't manage more than 6 hours on mine in a week. Of course that's 6 more than the "0" hours I was doing before I got one ;)

[BikerMiker]

Rollers. Scary. It'll keep the boss awake. Plus, if something happens to him... automatic promotion!

mike

[MD Fire]

I picked up a set of Kreitler rollers (http://www.kreitler.com) a few months ago for a great price on Craig’s list. They are the Alloy 4.5 rollers (http://www.kreitler.com/product.php?section=product&item=rollers_4_5) and MAN do they give you a workout! Fiveish miles on those things felt like fifteen on the road. Further, they are like riding on ice so they really help your balance after a short while. However, I still ride them in a doorway because my balance isn't that great and I tent to zone out. I can manage to ride them hands free for 20-30 seconds before having to grab onto something.

There are a few accessories available for them, too.

I have also heard great things about the Inside Ride rollers (http://www.insideride.com/). These come with rollerblade wheels on the sides to stop you from riding off and you can get roller bars on them so you can do standing sprints, something that I tried to do on my Kreitler rollers and ended up riding off of them.

[dcraider]

I can't manage more than 6 hours on mine in a week. Of course that's 6 more than the "0" hours I was doing before I got one ;)

Well, the 10 - 12 hours pass generally fast when you're catching up on episodes of Southpark, Reno 911, Carlos Mencia, and occassionally throwing in a Quentin Tarentino film. I used to use the Carmichael and Spinerval Series, but the workouts were too short, so I burned a DVD that includes 4 consecutive workouts withthe warm-up or cool down sessions.

Kris

[drevil]

I have also heard great things about the Inside Ride rollers (http://www.insideride.com/). These come with rollerblade wheels on the sides to stop you from riding off and you can get roller bars on them so you can do standing sprints, something that I tried to do on my Kreitler rollers and ended up riding off of them.
I was wondering if folks could stand up on their rollers. I can't. I've tried and nearly pooped my pants. Not sure if it matters that I was on a fixie, but still, scary.

Have you tried roller-ing and Wii at the same time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwKuJ9JVJho)? :D

[skillet999]

Having just taken a beating by my 8 year old last night on the wii, only to THEN have to go into the basement for an hour of painful trainer work, WHILE my fixie sits neglected from the night's activities......... I can now see the light!