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2013-07-28 5:56 PM


4

Subject: Trainers
Hello my fit friends,

Does anybody have any suggestions for some cycling trainers? Preferably in the $200-300ish range? I constantly check nashbar and there are always solid deals there, but just trying to get some more input before I invest in one.


2013-07-28 5:57 PM
in reply to: jj2456


4

Subject: RE: Trainers
So far I'm leaning toward Mag over Fluid...
2013-07-28 7:43 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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Expert
2192
2000100252525
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Trainers
i'd search around for a kurt kinetic road maching (fluid trainer). you can definitely find them in your price range if you check ebay and maybe even your local craigslist if you want to go the used route, which a lot of people do.
2013-07-28 9:06 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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New user
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Subject: RE: Trainers
Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.
2013-07-28 9:11 PM
in reply to: DJBurton65

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Regular
5477
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LHOTP
Subject: RE: Trainers

Another vote for KK Road Machine.  Love it.  Haven't had to use their customer service, but I hear it's awesome.  On sale, you should be able to get one just under $300. 

May have a few other expenditures with the trainer--mat, stand, thong (bike thong now--though a towel works), possibly a trainer tire (depends on if you're putting your tri bike on and off or using a different bike on the trainer, or if you have different wheels, etc.) The only things that I feel are really necessary are a mat and a stand. YEMV.

2013-07-28 9:23 PM
in reply to: DJBurton65

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Master
2563
20005002525
University Park, MD
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by DJBurton65

Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.


This is exactly what I did. I love the KK, and use it for 98% of my riding. Now that my wife has started riding more, I may need to get a second. The KK also has a very reliable resistance curve, which makes it effective for use as a pseudo-powermeter.

As for additional stuff, the front wheel stand can be faked (though I bought the KK one, and like it). I use a beach towel on the floor, and Saran wrap on the top tube in place of a bike thong. The main additional thing that you'll need is industrial strength fans. On a hard ride in the summer on my porch I have (i) window AC unit on full blast, (ii) ceiling fans on full power, (iii) big Air King fan blowing in my face, and (iv) smaller Vornado fan blowing from the side ... and I still get drenched in sweat. Without the fans, it's pretty much hopeless.


2013-07-28 9:37 PM
in reply to: 0

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Pro
15655
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Subject: RE: Trainers
We have a KK and a Cyclops.....both fluid.  I'm 6'2" and about 190 and my kids are smaller.  I like the KK and they like the Cyclops. My son swears that the KK slips.....he's full of crap.  I think the KK feels more sturdy, my son says I'm full of crap.  Both have held up well with a pretty good amount of use.  I'd recommend either one.

Edited by Left Brain 2013-07-28 9:38 PM
2013-07-29 1:52 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Expert
4624
20002000500100
Middle River, Maryland
Silver member
Subject: RE: Trainers
Yet another vote for the KK Road Machine.  The single best training investment I've ever made.  Ditto on Colin's comment about fans. 
2013-07-29 2:52 PM
in reply to: colinphillips

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Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Trainers

Originally posted by colinphillips
Originally posted by DJBurton65 Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.
This is exactly what I did. I love the KK, and use it for 98% of my riding. Now that my wife has started riding more, I may need to get a second. The KK also has a very reliable resistance curve, which makes it effective for use as a pseudo-powermeter. As for additional stuff, the front wheel stand can be faked (though I bought the KK one, and like it). I use a beach towel on the floor, and Saran wrap on the top tube in place of a bike thong. The main additional thing that you'll need is industrial strength fans. On a hard ride in the summer on my porch I have (i) window AC unit on full blast, (ii) ceiling fans on full power, (iii) big Air King fan blowing in my face, and (iv) smaller Vornado fan blowing from the side ... and I still get drenched in sweat. Without the fans, it's pretty much hopeless.

Squishy bike shoes are the worst! Laughing

OP, another vote for a KK road trainer (fluid).  I got mine several years ago used (lightly used) on Craigslist for $250 with the front tire block and the KK speedo/power computer.  I recently had an issue with the tensioner bolt & knob (older style was susceptible to stripping) and I emailed them and they sent me a new one free.

2013-07-29 4:06 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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Pro
5361
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Subject: RE: Trainers

the KK road Machine and the Cyclops Fluid2 are always the ones that come up when this question is asked.  there are other solid unit out there as well.  I find the stand with the new Cyclops' much nicer than the KK, but I went with the KK Road machine for one simple reason.  It's been well tested to have a predictable power curve for use with

TrainerRoad.com.  

Which is the best $10/mo you'll ever spend in cycling.

2013-07-29 4:20 PM
in reply to: morey000

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Veteran
393
100100100252525
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Trainers
I just recently bought the Nashbar Fluid Trainer.  It is a solid unit.  I have put a good number of miles on it and it runs very smooth.  Quiet, smooth resistance.  Solid construction and great price.  It is also linked with trainerroad.com if you decided to go that route as well. 


2013-07-29 4:27 PM
in reply to: TriGuy05

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Member
347
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Scottsdale, AZ
Subject: RE: Trainers
I use the KK road trainer and love it. Doing probably 90% of my IMAZ bike training on it. Only venture outside for my weekly long ride.
2013-07-29 4:34 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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Member
522
500
Saint Paul, MN
Subject: RE: Trainers
Another happy KK Road Machine user.
2013-07-29 4:56 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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Subject: RE: Trainers
Oh in case no one's mentioned it, take a look at a Kurt Kinetic

Another along the same lines is a CycleOps Fluid2

2013-07-29 10:54 PM
in reply to: DanielG

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Pro
6520
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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Trainers

Originally posted by DanielG Oh in case no one's mentioned it, take a look at a Kurt Kinetic Another along the same lines is a CycleOps Fluid2

x whatever we are up to.  I'd go with whichever I could get the best deal on. 

2013-07-30 7:13 AM
in reply to: popsracer

Master
1946
100050010010010010025
Memphis, TN
Subject: RE: Trainers
I bought a CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro and I love it. It's easy to set up and seems solid. I use mine in conjunction with trainnerroad.com and the "virtual" power method with ANT+ devices. Good, tough workouts.


2013-07-30 8:17 AM
in reply to: Jtiger

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Member
65
2525
Milwaukee
Subject: RE: Trainers
Just adding on to the "pro-cyclops".

I have one of the fluid2 trainers.

I had some issues with it leaking the "fluid" from it. I called the company and without having to produce receipts or proof of when I bought it or anything... they just told me to box up the resistance unit and mail it to them. They sent me back a completely new resistance unit. The whole turn around took less than a week.

I'm still amazed how good they were about it.
2013-07-30 8:31 AM
in reply to: jj2456

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Regular
143
10025
Maynard, MA
Subject: RE: Trainers
I have a Kurt Kinetic road machine and love it. Would highly recommend.
2013-07-30 8:56 AM
in reply to: Left Brain

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278
100100252525
Atlanta, Georgia
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by Left Brain
My son swears that the KK slips.....he's full of crap.  I think the KK feels more sturdy, my son says I'm full of crap.


Your son sounds like a chip off the old block!
2013-07-30 12:12 PM
in reply to: jj2456

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Member
251
1001002525
Phoenix AZ
Subject: RE: Trainers
KK Road Machine
2013-07-30 12:21 PM
in reply to: DJBurton65

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Extreme Veteran
1001
1000
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by DJBurton65

Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.


I picked up the Kurt Kinetic at the Spring REI Sale. The difference between the KK and my 25 year old wind trainer is amazing. The KK is very smooth and it will easily interface with Trainer Road when I started doing most of my riding indoors later in the year.


2013-07-30 1:42 PM
in reply to: kskonkol

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Nova Scotia, Canada
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by kskonkol

Just adding on to the "pro-cyclops".

I have one of the fluid2 trainers.

I had some issues with it leaking the "fluid" from it. I called the company and without having to produce receipts or proof of when I bought it or anything... they just told me to box up the resistance unit and mail it to them. They sent me back a completely new resistance unit. The whole turn around took less than a week.

I'm still amazed how good they were about it.


I had a bit of fluid leak from mine as well. They were great to deal with however since I'm north of the border, my LBS had to do the exchange, which was pretty quick and totally free. I like the Fluid 2, but if I had my time back I may have gone with the KK. Just my $0.02.

2013-07-30 1:46 PM
in reply to: TriGuy05

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Veteran
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New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by TriGuy05

I just recently bought the Nashbar Fluid Trainer.  It is a solid unit.  I have put a good number of miles on it and it runs very smooth.  Quiet, smooth resistance.  Solid construction and great price.  It is also linked with trainerroad.com if you decided to go that route as well. 


I'll second that unit. Lot less expensive too for those worried about $$. Came with the bike thong, front wheel stand and maybe a water bottle? I forget, but I've used it with TrainerRoad for the last 8 months and never had an issue.
2013-07-30 7:55 PM
in reply to: colinphillips

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Veteran
300
100100100
Massachusetts
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by colinphillips

Originally posted by DJBurton65

Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.


This is exactly what I did. I love the KK, and use it for 98% of my riding. Now that my wife has started riding more, I may need to get a second. The KK also has a very reliable resistance curve, which makes it effective for use as a pseudo-powermeter.

As for additional stuff, the front wheel stand can be faked (though I bought the KK one, and like it). I use a beach towel on the floor, and Saran wrap on the top tube in place of a bike thong. The main additional thing that you'll need is industrial strength fans. On a hard ride in the summer on my porch I have (i) window AC unit on full blast, (ii) ceiling fans on full power, (iii) big Air King fan blowing in my face, and (iv) smaller Vornado fan blowing from the side ... and I still get drenched in sweat. Without the fans, it's pretty much hopeless.


Haha...I thought I was the only one who does this. I rusted the contacts on the back of my cateye computer so now I saran wrap my whole headset.
2013-07-30 9:29 PM
in reply to: gobey007

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Expert
2192
2000100252525
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Trainers
Originally posted by gobey007

Originally posted by colinphillips

Originally posted by DJBurton65

Kurt Kinetic - the fluid resistance unit is completely sealed - no leaks like the cheaper units and if you are an REI member you can pick one up at their fall 20% off sale in your price range.


This is exactly what I did. I love the KK, and use it for 98% of my riding. Now that my wife has started riding more, I may need to get a second. The KK also has a very reliable resistance curve, which makes it effective for use as a pseudo-powermeter.

As for additional stuff, the front wheel stand can be faked (though I bought the KK one, and like it). I use a beach towel on the floor, and Saran wrap on the top tube in place of a bike thong. The main additional thing that you'll need is industrial strength fans. On a hard ride in the summer on my porch I have (i) window AC unit on full blast, (ii) ceiling fans on full power, (iii) big Air King fan blowing in my face, and (iv) smaller Vornado fan blowing from the side ... and I still get drenched in sweat. Without the fans, it's pretty much hopeless.


Haha...I thought I was the only one who does this. I rusted the contacts on the back of my cateye computer so now I saran wrap my whole headset.

in the long term i'd image the bike thong would be cheaper base on material cost and time spent wrapping/unwrapping.

if OP hasn't figured it out yet... he is going to be flogged by the BT community if he gets anything other than a KK road machine haha
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