Minoura Wind Trainer bought on eBay - HELP!

Hi everyone, I'm new here....

I recently bought a Minoura wind trainer (I think that's what it is) on eBay for about $50. It seemed like a good deal, but then I found out it came with no manual and there's no serial or model number on it. I've never used an indoor trainer before, so I'm not sure what to do. I've been reading up about trainers, and have discovered that using a roller is bad for tires - and I have a mountain bike with knobby tires on. Do I assume correctly that this would be a bad combination? Will I need to swap my back tire with a slick tire for use on the trainer? I've searched and searched for some kind of manual or instructions for using this trainer, but there seems to be a black hole out there where the information has disappeared to. The Minoura website doesn't even have information on this thing! Okay....I guess buying it was a mistake before I did research, but the auction was about to end and it seemed such a good deal! Oh well...any help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I understand that any trainer is better with slick tires. Quieter and smoother...

I have heard that they are hard on tires, so buy a cheap one for the winter use, and trade it out in the spring. (I am assuming that your primary usage is winter training)

I think the main problem with tires on trainers (from what I have heard, since I haven't used mine much) is that they form a flat surface. This makes sense because you don't experience the turns of a real ride, nor the miniscule leans that those of us that aren't as smooth as the pros experience even in the straights.

Enjoy the ride.

get a cheap tyre as slick as possible and run it at as high a pressure as you can - road bikes use over 100psi minimum on the rollers .
tyre wear is greater on the trainer than the road - nature of the beast .
do be a bit carefull how you ride on the trainer as you frame is not designed to cope with the stresses that an A-frame trainer can cause to the seat and chain stays so try and avoid moving from one side to the other ( rocking ) when training . remember to put something under the front wheel to bring the saddle leval - phone book works well .

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