General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Blackburn Bike Trainer Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-11-08 12:58 PM

User image

Member
74
2525
Pittsburgh
Subject: Blackburn Bike Trainer

Winter is fast approaching and I am seriously considering buying a bike trainer to continue riding once the cold and snow come.  I have been reviewing all the post regarding trainers and it appears that the fluid trainer is the best.  I’m not ready to pay the $250 - $350 for a Cyclops or Kurt Kinetic trainer just yet.  I have found some lower priced Blackburn trainers.  I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with these trainers, good or bad. Any and all information is greatly appreciated.



2010-11-08 1:04 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
I bought a Blackburn trainer a few years back and after one season (lots of hours...), it started to really show wear... the resistance unit started to make noise, a small crack started to appear in one of the welds...

I broke down and bought a CycleOps Fluid... after which I wondered why I ever bothered wasting my money on something else... There's a reason why the CycleOps (or Kurt Kinetics for that matter) are expensive... they are well-built and will just last for many years.

So yes, you can save some money and buy something less expensive, but at least in my case, I would've saved money if I didn't waste my time the first time around...
2010-11-08 1:43 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Pro
6191
50001000100252525
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
Check Craigslist and the BT classifieds for deals on trainers. I picked up a 1up USA for half of retail on here, and it runs great.
2010-11-08 2:51 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Pro
5011
5000
Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
I hated my Blackburn mag. Loud, not enough resistance, and sort of shoddy.

OTOH, I love my nashbar mag trainer, and have used it consistently for 7+ years.
2010-11-09 1:08 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Regular
78
252525
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
We have a blackburn and it is ok. it is my 2nd trainer and this seems to eat my tires more than the last trainer.. not sure why. but i suppose for the money it is decent. I liked my old trainer better but something broke on it but i got that one on craigslist for 50 bucks and it lasted a season or 2 for my husband and i.
I would buy something else if i could afford it. maybe someday but at least i can use my own bike and sometimes i feel like i get a really good workout.
2010-11-09 3:04 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Member
74
2525
Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
I really appreciate the advise and information.  It looks like I may have to search around a bit more or decide to increase the amount I'm willing to pay.

Thanks.


2010-11-10 11:35 PM
in reply to: #3201190

User image

Master
2372
20001001001002525
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
ratherbeswimming - 2010-11-08 1:43 PM Check Craigslist and the BT classifieds for deals on trainers. I picked up a 1up USA for half of retail on here, and it runs great.


Whatever you do don't get the Blackburn Ultra - the 1up USA clone.  They stopped making them for a reason.  They ended up replacing mine with the TechFluid.  Good machine once it warms up (it vibrates a bit until it gets to temp).  No complaints whatsoever - it is serving me well.
2011-08-31 8:32 PM
in reply to: #3205973

Veteran
120
100
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
sand101 - 2010-11-11 12:35 AM

ratherbeswimming - 2010-11-08 1:43 PM Check Craigslist and the BT classifieds for deals on trainers. I picked up a 1up USA for half of retail on here, and it runs great.


Whatever you do don't get the Blackburn Ultra - the 1up USA clone.  They stopped making them for a reason.  They ended up replacing mine with the TechFluid.  Good machine once it warms up (it vibrates a bit until it gets to temp).  No complaints whatsoever - it is serving me well.


The blackburn trakstand ultra is not a good trainer? I have an older cycleops fluid that I bought used with ??? miles and have no problems, but was looking for another trainer.
2011-09-02 9:50 AM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Master
1811
1000500100100100
Nashville, TN
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
i have blackburn fluid also, no issues
2011-09-04 11:51 AM
in reply to: #3201068

New user
2

Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer
I too am looking for my first trainer.  Definitely going fluid.  NB has an adjustable fluid trainer, is that necessary?  Would I need one with a power meter or do I just use my odo and time?
2011-09-12 2:54 PM
in reply to: #3201068

User image

Pro
5011
5000
Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Blackburn Bike Trainer

We had a Blackburn mag and I wasn't real satisfied with it. It was loud, cranky, and didn't have enough resistance. Our other trainer at the time was a Nashbar 5-level mag... nine years later, we still have the Nashbar (we have a couple, in fact--fluid and mag). The Blackburn we gave to a friend.

I love my nashbar, and it was cheap. Far cheaper than the Blackburn, actually.



New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Blackburn Bike Trainer Rss Feed