General Discussion Triathlon Talk » mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2013-10-31 3:00 PM


18

Subject: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
Winter is coming. I have a stationary bicycle that I ride, but am not happy w/it, for various reasons. I am considering getting either a trainer, or a spin bike to use at home. Any suggestions? Mag trainer v. fluid trainer, or just forgo all and get a spin bike? Thanks for any help/advice.


2013-10-31 10:29 PM
in reply to: SenseiDenise

User image

Veteran
572
5002525
Hudson Valley
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
I have a Lemond trainer. You remove the rear wheel from the bike and place the trainer in the rear dropouts. No popped tires!!! Shift gears as you normally would. You can coast for a few seconds, and the flywheel will continue to spin just like a regular wheel. Powermeter / heart rate monitor, data collector sold separately.
2013-11-01 8:52 AM
in reply to: SenseiDenise

User image

Master
2094
2000252525
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
Personally I would not even consider a spin bike. To get a nice one is expensive, they take up space and would be unlikely to fit the same as your bike. I prefer the fluid trainers over mag but the mags are significantly cheaper. I have 2 fluid trainers that I really like, Cycle-ops II and Kurt Kinetic Road Machine.
2013-11-01 3:14 PM
in reply to: pschriver


274
1001002525
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
I just bought a CycleOps Fluid 2 and have bought gadgets to pair it with TrainerRoad. So far so good on all fronts. I really like TrainerRoad, takes the hassle out of trying to come up with workouts. It's a virtual coach and for $10/mo I think it is a great value.
2013-11-02 10:57 AM
in reply to: tb1000

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
I would highly recommend a fluid trainer. Exponential resistance, just like on the road. Mag trainers are not bad, don't get me wrong, but if you look at the lifespan of a trainer, you might just as well spend an extra few $ and get something better, the cost per year of usage turns out to be next to nothing…

Spin bikes are great if you have no other alternative, at least will allow you to maintain fitness, but they do very little for your technique (and can actually hurt your technique). You'll be in riding in a different position than on the road, the feeling of the bike will be different than your standard bike. In other words, stick with your own bike if at all possible.
2013-11-04 11:52 AM
in reply to: audiojan


18

Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
Thanks! Have done some research this weekend and have come to kind of the same conclusion vis-Ă -vis the trainer rather than the spin bike. Thanks all for your input!


2013-11-04 12:16 PM
in reply to: SenseiDenise

User image

Expert
2180
2000100252525
Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike

What about rollers?

Cheaper than most trainers and does better job of improving your bike handling.  IMO

2013-11-04 2:04 PM
in reply to: 0

User image

Veteran
493
100100100100252525
Cloverdale, BC
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike

Don't buy a mag trainer.  They are TOO LOUD.  I used to have a Minoura mag trainer and I just hated it.  I had to wear earbuds so I could hear the TV over the noise of the trainer.  I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine (fluid trainer) now, and its so much quieter. 

The other nice thing about a fluid trainer is that resistance is relative to speed. If you want more resistance, you just have to shift the bike to a harder gear and keep your cadence the same.  On a mag trainer you actually need to adjust the resistance on the trainer. 



Edited by ultramike 2013-11-04 2:05 PM
2013-11-06 6:34 PM
in reply to: ultramike

Member
326
10010010025
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
I used a mag trainer for a year (Cycleops Mag+) and just switched to a Fluid2, and I cannot put into words how much better the Fluid is. I'm not the greatest cyclist around by any stretch, but found it too easy to max out the Mag. Spinning the bike at 40+MPH just to get virtual wattage up is just not a good workout.

Looking forward to a TrainerRoad winter with a better training tool.
2013-11-13 3:47 PM
in reply to: SenseiDenise

User image

Elite
3060
200010002525
N Carolina
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
Get a fluid trainer. Nov 15-24 all CycleOps trainers are 20% off at REI.
2013-11-23 12:18 PM
in reply to: SenseiDenise


26
25
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
Get the fluid trainer. I suggest you look on Craigslist first, a lot of these end up on CL when people buy them and they don't work out. I have seen $300 Kinetic trainers go for $100-120. Since the fluid unit has a lifetime warranty on it I don't see why this is not a better idea. Or you can find them cheaper at the REI Used Garage sales. I got a Kinetic road machine for $35 (not a typo) there. Just a bit scuffed up, nothing a bit of TLC wouldn't cure. $10 skewer online and I'm in business.


2014-01-20 12:50 PM
in reply to: sentient.couch

User image

Expert
1068
10002525
, District of Columbia
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike

Love the advice here.

So if you could buy any of them (up to $400), which would you suggest and why?

2014-01-20 3:22 PM
in reply to: evad

User image

Pro
5361
50001001001002525
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike

Originally posted by evad

Love the advice here.

So if you could buy any of them (up to $400), which would you suggest and why?

 

the standard answer to this question, having seen it posted many times over the past few years, is either the Cycleops Fluid2 or the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine.  I like the base design of the Cycleops better.  Both have a very good feel.  The KK RM has the reputation of having a very stable and repeatable power curve, so it works very well with TrainerRoad's virtual power calculation.  So- good for power workouts.  'course if you have a power meter, then it really doesn't matter.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/10/2013-trainer-recommendations.html

2014-01-20 5:02 PM
in reply to: morey000

User image

Extreme Veteran
1001
1000
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
I replaced my thirty year old Wind Trainer with a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine last summer. It was on sale at REI for $300 last year. It was the best $300 that I have spent on Tri gear.
2014-01-20 11:20 PM
in reply to: rick4657

User image

Veteran
267
1001002525
Avondale
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
My wife and I have a couple of KK Rock N Roll trainers, one used and one demo unit, and love them. We are average cyclists at best. I went with these because I am a big guy, 6'6", 240 pounds, and was concerned I might damage my carbon fiber frame if I got a Road Machine. Anyway, they are fluid trainers and they are great!
2014-01-23 11:00 AM
in reply to: SenseiDenise

User image

Master
1811
1000500100100100
Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike
i love the lemond revolution trainer!!!! drive train so save on tires


New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » mag trainer v. fluid trainer v. spin bike Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

Wind trainer vs. fluid trainer

Started by TrapperJohn77
Views: 4458 Posts: 6

2009-12-06 11:26 PM Thrash1

Mag Trainer or Fluid Trainer?

Started by chrisemt
Views: 1901 Posts: 22

2008-10-23 9:01 PM theiframe

Fluid trainer resistance: New bike, BIG change

Started by AcesFull
Views: 646 Posts: 3

2007-01-09 3:13 PM LHablas

Looking for used Cyclops, or good fluid bike trainer

Started by gr8brindle
Views: 804 Posts: 11

2006-07-27 4:25 PM trigirl74

Spinning bike vs. indoor fluid trainers

Started by hoboken1
Views: 2029 Posts: 9

2007-01-13 12:13 AM Vrindavan
RELATED ARTICLES
date : November 28, 2011
author : juliapurr
comments : 0
Bored out of your mind or watching a movie? Amp it up on the bike trainer.
 
date : November 5, 2010
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
Do you struggle to hold your power output indoors versus outdoors? The keys to this problem are due to lack of cooling and the flywheel effect.
date : February 4, 2009
author : mikericci
comments : 0
Here are our most popular questions for training during the off season. Everything from treadmills to heart rate monitors to core strength.
 
date : January 3, 2009
author : Coach AJ
comments : 3
We review the Halo Swim Trainer and how it can help the 'high elbow catch' part of your swim stroke along with your swimming tempo.
date : December 28, 2008
author : mat steinmetz
comments : 1
Tired of your bike trainer already? Here are two indoor bike trainer workouts that you can use to keep things interesting while keeping your cycling fitness up.
 
date : December 3, 2008
author : dexter
comments : 15
What are rollers? How can rollers help your bike training? Learn how to use your first set of rollers without doing too much bodily harm to yourself.
date : December 14, 2004
author : Don Magie
comments : 0
Known for its brutal cadences, nasty sprints and 12-minute hills, the spin class seems to be the perfect substitute for a raunchy ride outside. But is it?
 
date : September 1, 2004
author : TriSports.com
comments : 0
As the Holiday season approaches and temperatures steadily drop, triathletes become faced with a difficult decision, to ride or not to ride.