Turbo Trainers

[Rob13]

I know its summer (the season might be but the weather certainly isnt) but im looking to buy a Turbo Trainer to fix up to my MTB. After breaking a leg 3 months ago, im now undergoing physio to regain my strength on it (3 months of non-weight bearing takes its toll). Im not advised to go out on the bike, and quite frankly dont feel safe enough either but can use a static bike.

Ive never used a Turbo before and I dont have any LBS available near me to try one. Im still not permitted to drive.

Having read a lot of reviews, the CycleOps Fluid 2 gets a good review but so does the Tacx Sirius soft gel. Am I over egging the pudding by looking at these (They seem to be marketed at the higher end of trainers for more serious athletes) or am I getting good value for money in spending an extra £30 as opposed to one of the cheaper mag trainers?

Im looking forward to doing some fitness again as you can imagine its been a while. Im hoping that I can enjoy the turbo enough to continue it through the winter where I can hit the ground running again next spring.

What are peoples thoughts on them?

[DRB]

I bought a fluid 2 a couple of weeks ago, also because of injury! I got that one as it was highly recommended by my colleagues (I work in a bike shop) as being much quieter and smoother than the cheaper ones.

I'm pretty impressed so far, no idea what the Tacx is like though, its probably ok to.

Edited by DRB on Wednesday 20th August 00:41

[Rob13]

DRB where did you get your trainer from? Ive seen the Fluid2 up at £125 on the net.

[prand]

Make sure you get slick tyres for the MTB, as the knobbles will wear out quickly on the trainer and it won't run smoothly.

[Luckyluciano]

Personally I'd go for a magnetic one with the cable so you can adjust the resistance without getting off the bike.

[Nick_F]

CycleOps and Kurt Kinetic fluid trainers seem to get reasonable reviews - although I use an ancient Elite air resistance one.

Noise, or lack of it, is the biggest benefit of magnetic and fluid over air; all require you to use a bike bra or an old towel to stop the pouring sweat from wrecking your headset, however...

Personally I don't miss being able to vary the resistance - you can use the bike's gears to do that.

[Rob13]

Well the Fluid 2 has variable, it increases with power, cadence and gearing.

Definitely worth getting the fluid over something like the Magneto or a cheaper Tacx?

I dont want something which isnt smooth rolling which will discourage me from using it.

[mk1fan]

Personally, I don't like TTs as they can induce bad riding skills. I prefer rollers - but they take up more room and few offer a resistance option.

[Nick_F]

And you need two slicks, not just one, to put an MTB on rollers.

[DRB]

Rob13 said:

DRB where did you get your trainer from? Ive seen the Fluid2 up at £125 on the net.

I bought mine trade price at the shop I work in . £125 is not bad, it retails at £155.

It's very smooth and quiet on a concrete floor, any trainer will resonate a bit if your using it on a wooden floor though.

Although you cant adjust the resistance I haven't found it a problem on my MTB (with slicks) and a single chainring up front. I imagine it'll be even better if you have a full range of 27 gears.

[Rob13]

bought a slick for the rear. Thought about rollers but to begin with its for physio on a broken leg. I didnt fancy another one! Im hoping that getting back into the pedalling habit encourages me to go back to a roadie, 10 years after giving it up.