Trainers?

[orive002]

I don't really know anything about trainers so I'm looking for suggestions.
I'm looking to ride anywhere from 30-90 minutes a day.

I just called my local bike shop and they have the Cycleops. He has the wind trainer and fluid for 150 and 300 respectively.

Theres a few more shops I plan on calling tomorrow. So any advice is appreciated.

 

[lohsnest]

If you are going to use a trainer and bike for 30 to 90 minutes a day, make sure you get the cheapest and most durable tires you can get. Because you are stationary, your tires will burn out a lot faster than if you were riding on a road. Personally, I have an old Giant wind trainer....does the job.

I don't really know anything about trainers so I'm looking for suggestions.
I'm looking to ride anywhere from 30-90 minutes a day.

I just called my local bike shop and they have the Cycleops. He has the wind trainer and fluid for 150 and 300 respectively.

Theres a few more shops I plan on calling tomorrow. So any advice is appreciated.

 

[alienator]

90 minutes a day on a trainer? Man, you need some urgent psychiatric intervention!

First, you'll likely want a fluid trainer, instead of a wind trainer. There's a significant noise level reduction with fluid over wind trainers. That's important, especially as you'll need some music, video, or summat to keep from having a psychotic break while on the trainer for 90 minutes. Of all the stationary trainers, I think the Rock & Roll by Kinetic by Kurt is the best option, as it would at least quasi simulate bike movement on the road better. Kinetic by Kurt has a great rep for quality chit.

Of course, rollers provide the best simulation, and they sharpen your bike handling skills. However, rollers ain't everyone's cuppa.

 

[Powerful Pete]

As Alienator says, if you can do 90 minutes on a trainer regularly you are either a superhuman or braindead. Think 30~60 minutes of very structured training to keep you going.

And consider investing in a fluid trainer, a couple of towels, a fan, and your favorite mp3 player. Oh, you can purchase trainer specific tires that will last a heck of a lot longer than any old clincher and will (usually) make less noise and not slip as much.

Enjoy, if you can. And for the record, I do use a trainer 4~5 times a week during the winter, for about 45 minutes a session. And it is useful, but it really, really sucks.

 

[Yojimbo_]

Ditto on the fluid trainer, fan, towels, music, water, etc.

I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine - very good imo. I was on it 4 times a week in the winter (plus a once a week spinning class). It did make a difference, but I can't stand even looking at the damn thing now the weather is nice.

 

[orive002]

Anyone know anything about the Blackburn TrakStand ULTRA Trainer?

Most places I've looked has it listed at $280-300 but my local sports authority said its only $160.

Its been getting bad reviews according to this site. http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/training/trainers/blackburn/PRD_367799_1663crx.aspx#reviews

In case you couldn't tell I'm trying to spend under 200, I'm just worried about the sound. How bad is the sound on the Cicyleops Wind trainer?

 

[kdelong]

How bad is the sound on the Cicyleops Wind trainer?

Have you ever been one deck below an F-14 winding up for a take-off? It's a little quieter but not by much.