bike trainer

If the Angry Badger deal is still good at Bike Sports Michigan I would get it. I've put tons of miles on mine and love it.

Kurt Kinetic Road Machine is what the deal is (or was 2 years ago) I think its about $249

I love my nashbar mag (aka Minoura mag). I also have the fluid. Both are inexpensive, and have lasted years and years. They are quiet enough to watch TV with, as well. My mag was $75, and my fluid $125 (they are a bit more now, but still good deals).

I ride my trainer a LOT...yes, even in the summer sometimes 2-3 times a week, and I've never felt the urge to spend more $$ to change. I have ridden others, Kurt Kinetic, Cyclops, etc...and they are fine, sure, but not (to me) worth the extra $.

Examples:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1028777_-1_23000_20000_23010 (I think you can save an extra 10% off now, too...making this about $140 and change) (I have an older version of this one)

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_501258_-1_201453_10000_201454
(Promo code on nashbar's page will give you 10% off, making it $90 code:SC5264)
(I have the older version of this one as well)

Get a fluid trainer! The resistance is progressive, which basically means that it will be a lighter load at low speeds and increasing as the speed increases; same as it is in real life on the road. Plus, they are pretty quite.

I really like our CycleOps Fluid trainers. Just very sturdy, always works great and there's no way for either me or my wife of overpower them (good up to 2200W! basically over Boonen power). I would also recommend getting a trainer specific tire, they make all the difference in the world; eliminating slip, no rubber dust all over the living room, quite, etc. and cheap way not to destroy your road tire...