Cycleops Pwer Tap series vs. Fluid 2

Well with the Fluid2, the resistance is based on wheel speed.  You adjust resistance by changing gears.  It's meant to simulate riding on the flats, the faster you go, the harder it is.

 With the Power series, the resistance is moderately independant of wheel speed.  You can set a desired power and then pedal as fast or slow in whatever gear you want.  Or you could set a desired slope and it will try to simulate a hill.  It has the potential to be a competitor for a CompuTrainer.

 What do you want to do with your trainer?  

Unless you've got money to burn, odds are a fluid2 or a magneto would fit the bill.  Both are reliable and fairly quiet.  The fluid2 would have a more road like feel because of the heavier flywheel and higher resistance range.

 The power series let you simulate riding a course where the computer sets the resistance and you pedal through it.  A useful and neat feature that combined with video can help overcome the monotony of spinning indoors.  

 Personally, I'm very happy with my Magneto and a supply of Spinerals DVDs.  

Thanks for the input. 

It looks like the ones I was looking at dont ship til mid october.  I can't even decide between 2 models the Jetfluid Pro vs. the Supermagneto Pro.  Looks like they work comletely differently.  I should probably get the Fluid 2.  Need quieter than the Magneto in my apt. especially since I train often after the kids go to sleep.

Yes, the magneto and the fluid use two different technologies.  I use the magneto in my apartment after I send my 3yo to bed.  It doesn't disturb him unless my wife is home or he wants an excuse to stay up.  Part of that is acoustics, I place the wheel close to the open patio door and away from the hall leading to his room.

 The fluid will be a bit quieter and have a higher resistance range than the magneto.  There is a small chance of developing a leak, but I have never heard of a fluid2 or a kurt kinetic leaking.  I have been warned to stay away from cheaper brands.