[3chilipeppers]

O.K. I think I'm going to get a bike trainer, but I really don't know what to get. There are so many. What do you get on the more expensive ones? More features? I know some are wireless, which isn't a big deal, but I'd love to have a readout of some kind. Do only the expensive ones have these? I just can't tell from the descriptions and not having EVER used one! I just need to know what I'm paying for.<br><br>
I'm looking at getting a Cyclops or a Nashbar Fluid Trainer. There are several different ones, though. I'd like to spend under $200, but if there are nice features I can only get on a $200-$300 trainer, I'll consider it.<br><br>
Also, I'll need recommendations on DVDs (spinervals??). I can't just ride. How do they work? Do you set your trainer to different resistances to go with the video? I guess I don't get it. Like I said, I've been on a trainer once -- for my bike fitting, and that's it! I know nothing except I need one.

 

[Tithers]

I've got a cyclops fluid 2 or whatever it is.<br><br>
The computrainers hook up to your computer...they're really neat-but $! Ronbo and a few others-I think Thor-has one.<br><br>
For me, my cycleops works nicely. It does what CS wants it to do.

 

[jroden]

The kurt or cyclops fluid are both nice units. I like my Tacx Flow, it's a little more around $350. If you get a unit like a kurt road machine, you can get a computer to read speed off the rear wheel and have a good inference of wattage, given speed. If you keep some records, you can develop a progressive training program.

 

[3chilipeppers]

O.K. This one:<br><a href="http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=23011&subcategory_ID=4120" target="_blank">http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120</a><br>
Or this one:<br><a href="http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=16127&subcategory_ID=4120" target="_blank">http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4120</a><br>
What's the difference?<br><br>
Then there is this one:<br><a href="http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000123&subcategory=60001087&brand=&sku=22328&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Trainers%20and%20Rollers" target="_blank">http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...0and%20Rollers</a><br>
and this one (much cheaper):<br><a href="http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000123&subcategory=60001087&brand=&sku=18859&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Trainers%20and%20Rollers" target="_blank">http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...0and%20Rollers</a><br><br>
(Don't pay attention to price. I'll shop around for the best prices)<br><br>
Nashbar has a Tacx for $279, but it is magnetic. Are the fluid trainers better?<br>
I haven't looked at the Kurt yet. Give me a minute to browse some.

 

[Tithers]

I have the fluid 2...I got it 2 christmases ago-same model without the circular knobbie for under $300.<br><br>
Perf. is charging MSRP...but they are having a 29 cent shipping sale tomorrow...wonder if there are any other discounts...gotta check my email.

 

[Tithers]

Today and tomorrow you save 20% on trainers and DVDs!

 

[Tithers]

coupon code is:<br>
0040500000001400

 

[3chilipeppers]

Oooh! Thanks for the code (why didn't I get that e-mail? I'm on their list). I always search for them before ordering online. I do have a local Performance Store, but I can usually get a better deal online than in the store (go figure).

 

[3chilipeppers]

Never mind. I did get that e-mail, but I deleted it! (it's also right there on the home page)

 

[3chilipeppers]

So what DVDs should I get?

 

[Tithers]

You CAN get the same deal in the store-just print out the online price.<br><br>
If it's NOT in the store, online will ship it to the store for FREE!<br><br>
Saved a shitload of money that way when I ordered Mikey a new wheelset<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[3chilipeppers]

Yeah, I've shipped stuff to the store free, but it takes longer than having it shipped to my house (and less convenient). Not a big deal unless you need it for Christmas! DH ordered a HRM on Jan. 2, and he still hasn't gotten it. We think they discontinued it, but they never let us know. We'll have to call and cancel it, I guess.

 

[Tithers]

I did that once...waited and waited...then by accident they sent me 2 things...I called and they took care of it.<br><br>
My wheelset took a few MONTHS to come in...backordered. I was hoping to get it b4 IMFL...not so much!<br><br>
I ruined my other wheels on rr tracks at Bike Ride Across GA. My bike got so beat up that week!

 

[3chilipeppers]

DH still isn't digging the idea. I might have to keep waiting. UGH!!! Time is a wastin'! I could really save some serious time with a trainer, but he doesn't get it. He just doesn't understand why I would want to ride INSIDE! <img alt="confused.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/confused.gif"> Same reason I sometimes have to RUN inside! I know it's Texas, but the weather doesn't always cooperate, AND I can't ride with my son or while he's sleeping, but I COULD ride on the trainer! <img alt="sad2.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad2.gif">

 

[MBannon]

I assume you've pointed this out to him? If he still doesn't get it, find a local roadie girl, point to her legs, and ask DH if he'd like to see legs like that on you. Then ask if he'd be willing to pay $300 for legs like that on you.<br><br>
It's all in the sales pitch.

 

[hobey]

Tell DH the trainer is great for building bike strength and you don't have to stop for lights. Plus, you'll be a much happier HIMer. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
DH got me the Kurt Rock & Roll machine...well he ordered the Road Machine but they ran out of stock so they sent us the Rock & Roll.<br><br>
As far as DVDs, Spinervals! I have a technique/sprint Timesaver workout that came with the trainer. But I LOVE the Hillacious and Uphill Grind workouts, 1 hr & 45 minutes respectively.

 

[Silly Sally]

Egads, all this talk about trainers presently on the market ... mine, an old Minoura, dates back 15 years ... all it has is a tension knob for the back wheel. I adjust further with my gears depending on how I want to cycle ...<br><br>
What features are useful on the newer models? Anyone else using a dinosaur like mine?<br><br>
Sally

 

[LookiLoo]

I have a kurt kinetic and really like it. No readout, but I think for about $50 you can get a wireless attachment - I've read mixed reviews on it so I haven't purchased it; I just go by heartrate. Also, with the spinerval dvd's, they'll tell you which rings to be in and which heartrate zone to be in, so while a readout would be nice, it's certainly not crucial for me at this point.<br><br>
I think with both kinetic and cycleops you'll get a free spinervals dvd, so you'll be able to try it out. I currently have the timesavers, areobase 16.0, hillcruncher and suffer-o-rama. I like them all - great workouts that I don't have to think much about, and I can listen to my own music and follow along on the screen. My legs are getting pretty toned!

 

[jroden]

Keli--I don't know the difference between the two cyclops units, the Nashbar is made by Elite and is a decent trainer, if you look at the pictures, you will see the cyclops has a wider, stronger frame and a more overbuilt resistence unit. It will be more stable I suspect and perhaps have less vibration. Any of those units should be nice for you.<br><br>
The mag trainers are louder and vibrate more, but cost a bit less.

 

[pete_72]

Is a "decent" sized bedroom a good enough envornment for a trainer?<br><br>
my dilemma: No power in the garage; means no computer linkup would be possible (and no TV). Our house has no basement. We have two spare bedrooms however, so one of them would be the obvious location to get myself set up.<br><br>
Presumably I'd need to buy a sweat-mat?