Bike Trainer SUggestion

With that budget you should be able to pick up a Cyclo ops fluid pro or a KK machine either one will serve you very well for years to come.
I use a Fluid Pro and love it but the KK machine is every bit a good and may have some advantages given the isolated fluid system it uses.

+1 on the CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro.

I have been using a KK Road Machine for several years now. My wife bought it for me when the kids were younger so I could train at home. Although I prefer the open road, the KK trainer was one of the best investments made in relation to tri gear.

The Fluid 2 and the Fluid Pro are 2 very different Beasts The PRO has a much broader power band and is very consistent thru out its range at least that's been my experience with it, given the choice between a Fluid pro and a KK I would take the fluid pro hands down, if I had to chose between and a fluid 2 and a KK on the other hand I would take the KK without hesitation.

If you are referring to only fluid trainers then yes I believe thats fairly accurate. The magnetic ones that I have had in the past were horrendously loud and I regularly annoyed my family with them until getting a Cyclops Fluid2 trainer. My trainer is in the basement and I can ride and not be heard on the main floor.

I bought a used Kurt Kinetics Road Machine two years ago on eBay, and I have used it weekly with no issues at all. Highly recommended.

It also works really well with Trainerroad and virtual power.

I can't recommend any specific trainer, but I did just get a mailer from Nashbar and they have some of those trainers that have been named at pretty good sale prices.

I have the cycleops jet fluid pro I think, it's awesome

I have a Cycle Ops Mag+, it's really loud! I have to put on headphones to hear the TV or Music while training. I'm sure my family doesn't appreciate it, especially when I'm pushing lots of watts! With your budget, definitely look at a fluid trainer.

While a mag trainer might have a little more noise since the it is basically vibrating from every pass of the magnets, there is not nearly the difference that most people claim. I'd bet the majority who say: "My new fluid trainer is so much louder than the old mag" are really just comparing an old worn out piece of equipment vs a new well lubed one. Of course there will be more noise in something that has been in use hundreds of hours.

My old Tri club had weekly spin sessions where everyone brought their own trainer. We had KK's, cycleops, blackburn (nashbar brand) and the cheapo $75 amazon trainers all together. The noise difference from one to the next was negligible.

At $400, you are getting close to KICKR territory, which would be a cool step up in functionality. Otherwise, save the cash here for a PM which again, would get you a real benefit.

I just don't see the value in paying 5X as much for something that maybe lasts twice as long with no other real solid benefits.

(BTW, I have an old cycleops mag. I have no problem hearing over it. I'd guess the tire noise is louder than the rest of it.)

I have one of the cheapo Amazon mag trainers. Even with some hearing loss, I have little problem hearing the TV. Walking Dead is giving me some issues, but there's not a lot of loud going on there anyways.