Which Turbo Trainer?

Ratan

Need help. Have decided to buy a trainer but get different messages about the types. One LBS says don't buy a fluid trainer because they leak and another says that they are better the magnets.

I am after something under £200 that provides consistent resistance, to keep the legs turning until days get lighter in the evenings and to burn calories, rather then train to race. I have seen last years model Elite Crono Mag Elastogel on sale for £111 at Wiggle and £15 for a front block or a Tacx Sirius with block for £165. Can anyone advise?

Many thanks

Anonymous

Cycleops Jet Fluid 2 [/endthread]

wicked

Pretty much any fluid trainer will suit your needs. (restart thread!)

Ratan

NapoleonD wrote:

Cycleops Jet Fluid 2

Any comment or experience of fluid trainers versus magnets?

Thanks

random man

I recently bought a second hand Tacx Sirius for £45 and I'm really enjoying using it.
I can't compare it with any others as it's the only one I've used but it's much less boring than I thought it would be and it doesn't shred my tyres as I've been told would happen.

Scrumple

This cyclops jetfluid is becoming rather like colnago worship.

And there are just too many what turbo threads, all identical, with the same identical replies.

Maybe it is just late and I am cranky?

Buckled_Rims

I've only owned an old magnet and a new fluid turbo, so I can't comment on any others. The old magnet was useful with my MTB with slicks tyres on but a bit "sticky", my new Elite fluid is fairly smooth but not perfect (but what is?).

Lets be honest, if it's a choice between being wet, miserable and cold or sweaty on a turbo in the kitchen I'd prefer the kitchen even on a bad turbo. The chances of losing fitness even on a bad turbo for a few weeks is negligible.

The main factor is boredom. Even on a dvd turbo it can still be boredom. I can only ride 30 minutes, but my interval training cream crackers me in that time anyhow. The best turbo isn't a turbo, but the mp3 player you have and can bike with

Ratan

Scrumple wrote:

Maybe it is just late and I am cranky?

Okay Cranky you best go to bed but before you do can you point me towards a thread? I tried a search but there are just hundreds of results because of the word trainer coming up and I haven't found one discussing the virtues of one system against another.

What I'm really want to know is if fluid trainers do leak or give up the ghost after a year or two.

Scrumple

If you buy a Kurt Kinetic they have a lifetime G'tee against leaks.

They cost more, too, but are supposed to be the best fluid ones out there.

I think the cyclops ones have similar g'tees?

There may not be any threads discussing the merits of both as they tend to end up like this one with the thread being railed towards one model, and posters just recommending their own one as well.

Best bet is to set a max budget, and decide what features you want. The magnetic ones allow you to set resistance and can supply data. The fluid ones have less feedback, but you can add external computers.

For the dosh, they will all do the job. Try and have a go on each type and see.

Ratan

Many thanks Scrumple. Makes good sense. Not sure I would do justice to a top of the range model thus the price limit of £200.

Scrumple

Exactly, so just get one on a good deal. You may find that like most people you hate them and never use it.

I have a Tacx Flow which I bought used, and like the fact it has a power setting and data. I use GPS computers, so don't have any to fit on the turbo.

At least I can see improvement as the data may not be as accurate as a powertap, BUT it is still consistent to compare over time.

I'd say you could pick up a deal used, if you are careful. Lots of well intentioned owners sell when the dull reality bites.

Buckled_Rims

Scrumple wrote:

I'd say you could pick up a deal used, if you are careful. Lots of well intentioned owners sell when the dull reality bites.

+1 totally agree with scrumple, reality bites many owners, who then the sell them on.

Anonymous

I've tried many different turbos and come to the conclusion that the best are the Cycleops Jet Fluid ones (I have the Pro, the 2 is very good and a little cheaper).
The Kurt Kinetics price themselves a bit out of the market IMO. I'd love to try one with the big big flywheel but at over 50% more expensive than the Fluid Pro, that's not going to happen.

This has been discussed almost daily in the last few weeks, hence my brevity in the initial post.

Ratan

Thanks Napolean. Given the turn in the weather, I am sure many people like myself have questions on this piece of kit. I always believe that reviews from end users are far more useful them from websites or magazines.

I have not been able to find anyone discussing then benefits of more expensive fluid machines vs magnets in the modern trainers for an amatuer which is the question I really wanted to ask.
Regards

Novomix30

Ratan wrote:

Need help. Have decided to buy a trainer but get different messages about the types. One LBS says don't buy a fluid trainer because they leak and another says that they are better the magnets.

I am after something under £200 that provides consistent resistance, to keep the legs turning until days get lighter in the evenings and to burn calories, rather then train to race. I have seen last years model Elite Crono Mag Elastogel on sale for £111 at Wiggle and £15 for a front block or a Tacx Sirius with block for £165. Can anyone advise?

Many thanks

i have the Crono fluid version of this, it's very good in that it's easy to set up and the elastogel roller is very smooth. It is also quiet.

I find the major problem is that the resistance is gear dependent. Even in my highest gear, at a cadence of 105 or above, i struggle to get a good work out, HR not getting to above 150 on 12 min intervals at this cadence. (I'm 39 and wouldn't consider myself a particularly fast or very fit cyclist)

I am now looking at getting a new turbo in which I can add increased resistance such as the elite crono hydromag elastogel

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydromag-elastogel-trainer/

So i can push a bit harder. the boredom i can do for an hour!

Consider this when purchasing!

Anonymous

Ratan wrote:

Thanks Napolean. Given the turn in the weather, I am sure many people like myself have questions on this piece of kit. I always believe that reviews from end users are far more useful them from websites or magazines.

I have not been able to find anyone discussing then benefits of more expensive fluid machines vs magnets in the modern trainers for an amatuer which is the question I really wanted to ask.
Regards

I've had mag trainers with variable resistance, I found that at higher resistances it was like cycling through treacle, i.e. very choppy indeed with no coast down at all. Not that I've cycled through treacle but, well, you get the picture!
The Cycleops uses your gears and is good for me up to sprinting power in top gear.

andyrr

KK was available at under £200 somewhere a week or so ago, can't remember where tho' !
I have one - great machine.

hugo15

NapoleonD wrote:

I've had mag trainers with variable resistance, I found that at higher resistances it was like cycling through treacle, i.e. very choppy indeed with no coast down at all. Not that I've cycled through treacle but, well, you get the picture!
The Cycleops uses your gears and is good for me up to sprinting power in top gear.

+1.

I'm a recent convert from a cheap mag Tacx to a CycleOps Jet Fluid Pro. The CycleOps is soooooomuch better.

Soni

I have just purchased the Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro on recommendation from NAP following loosing control on the ice the other morning whilst out on the road.....

Very good smooth action, feels like riding on the road, although i've never used any other turbo to compare it to.

The 'only' negative thing i have to say about it, which probably applies to all turbo trainers, is i was hoping to have been able to climb on the turbo, hence the reason i purchased 2 x climbing blocks as extras at £17.00 each, however there is no where near enough resistance for out of the saddle climbing and this is in top gear on a Compact.....

Other than that, resistance is more than adequate whilst seated, i generally ride 1/4-mid way down the cassette on the large ring on the front, and therefore have about another 4/5 gears left of resistance which i only normally change up one more or max 2 more for 5 minute intervals throughout the 45 minute workout.

Very happy with my purchase.

Anonymous

Soni wrote:

I have just purchased the Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro on recommendation from NAP following loosing control on the ice the other morning whilst out on the road.....

Very good smooth action, feels like riding on the road, although i've never used any other turbo to compare it to.

The 'only' negative thing i have to say about it, which probably applies to all turbo trainers, is i was hoping to have been able to climb on the turbo, hence the reason i purchased 2 x climbing blocks as extras at £17.00 each, however there is no where near enough resistance for out of the saddle climbing and this is in top gear on a Compact.....

Other than that, resistance is more than adequate whilst seated, i generally ride 1/4-mid way down the cassette on the large ring on the front, and therefore have about another 4/5 gears left of resistance which i only normally change up one more or max 2 more for 5 minute intervals throughout the 45 minute workout.

Very happy with my purchase.

You must be putting out some MASSIVE power, cos I only get near maxing mine out when sprinting :?

micken

I've got 2 Kurt Kinetics that the wife and I have used for the last few years with Sufferfest videos. Mine's the Rock'n'roll with the big flywheel and it gives a good workout. The wife's is the Road Machine with standard flywheel and that's good too. Got them when the prices were more reasonable.

I've not ridden anything else to compare them with so can't comment on that.

Still prefer to be outside though.

Ratan

Novomix30 wrote:

Ratan wrote:

Need help. Have decided to buy a trainer but get different messages about the types. One LBS says don't buy a fluid trainer because they leak and another says that they are better the magnets.

I am after something under £200 that provides consistent resistance, to keep the legs turning until days get lighter in the evenings and to burn calories, rather then train to race. I have seen last years model Elite Crono Mag Elastogel on sale for £111 at Wiggle and £15 for a front block or a Tacx Sirius with block for £165. Can anyone advise?

Many thanks

i have the Crono fluid version of this, it's very good in that it's easy to set up and the elastogel roller is very smooth. It is also quiet.

I find the major problem is that the resistance is gear dependent. Even in my highest gear, at a cadence of 105 or above, i struggle to get a good work out, HR not getting to above 150 on 12 min intervals at this cadence. (I'm 39 and wouldn't consider myself a particularly fast or very fit cyclist)

I am now looking at getting a new turbo in which I can add increased resistance such as the elite crono hydromag elastogel

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydromag-elastogel-trainer/

So i can push a bit harder. the boredom i can do for an hour!

Consider this when purchasing!

Does hydromag combine the best of both fluid and magnets? Sounds too obvious so I must ask. This is within my price bracket.

Cheers

smithy1.0

I've also got a Kurt Kinetic. Superb trainer, worth the money! Very realistic road feel, you also won't max it out, hard to sustain the 53-11 unless sprinting or really grinding the gears.

micken

micken wrote:

I've not ridden anything else to compare them with so can't comment on that.

On second thoughts I agree with smithy1.0 I've ridden a bike on the road and the KK feels just like that.

chill123

after reading many reviews i opted for a CycleOps Fluid 2 turbo and am more than happy with it.

here's my detailed review if it is of any use:

http://www.bicyclecenturytraining.com/blog/cycleops-fluid-2-in-depth-review/

Novomix30

Ratan wrote:

Novomix30 wrote:

Ratan wrote:

Need help. Have decided to buy a trainer but get different messages about the types. One LBS says don't buy a fluid trainer because they leak and another says that they are better the magnets.

I am after something under £200 that provides consistent resistance, to keep the legs turning until days get lighter in the evenings and to burn calories, rather then train to race. I have seen last years model Elite Crono Mag Elastogel on sale for £111 at Wiggle and £15 for a front block or a Tacx Sirius with block for £165. Can anyone advise?

Many thanks

i have the Crono fluid version of this, it's very good in that it's easy to set up and the elastogel roller is very smooth. It is also quiet.

I find the major problem is that the resistance is gear dependent. Even in my highest gear, at a cadence of 105 or above, i struggle to get a good work out, HR not getting to above 150 on 12 min intervals at this cadence. (I'm 39 and wouldn't consider myself a particularly fast or very fit cyclist)

I am now looking at getting a new turbo in which I can add increased resistance such as the elite crono hydromag elastogel

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydromag-elastogel-trainer/

So i can push a bit harder. the boredom i can do for an hour!

Consider this when purchasing!

Does hydromag combine the best of both fluid and magnets? Sounds too obvious so I must ask. This is within my price bracket.

Cheers

the short answer is yes.
Fluid resistance, with added Mag resistance if needed, on an elastogel roller.
I've never ridden on it so can't state it's exact feel, but the one i have mentioned in the original post is a good turbo - just not enough resistance.

alan1

Kurt Kinetic here for £199

http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/products.ph ... 1s36p10831

amaferanga

Novomix30 wrote:

Ratan wrote:

Need help. Have decided to buy a trainer but get different messages about the types. One LBS says don't buy a fluid trainer because they leak and another says that they are better the magnets.

I am after something under £200 that provides consistent resistance, to keep the legs turning until days get lighter in the evenings and to burn calories, rather then train to race. I have seen last years model Elite Crono Mag Elastogel on sale for £111 at Wiggle and £15 for a front block or a Tacx Sirius with block for £165. Can anyone advise?

Many thanks

i have the Crono fluid version of this, it's very good in that it's easy to set up and the elastogel roller is very smooth. It is also quiet.

I find the major problem is that the resistance is gear dependent. Even in my highest gear, at a cadence of 105 or above, i struggle to get a good work out, HR not getting to above 150 on 12 min intervals at this cadence. (I'm 39 and wouldn't consider myself a particularly fast or very fit cyclist)

I am now looking at getting a new turbo in which I can add increased resistance such as the elite crono hydromag elastogel

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/elite-crono-hydromag-elastogel-trainer/

So i can push a bit harder. the boredom i can do for an hour!

Consider this when purchasing!

What is you highest gear? I have the same turbo I think (Super Crono Fluid with the silly display) and my top gear (53-11) would be well over 500 Watts at 105rpm (guessing here, but I'll do a little test to get an exact figure if I remember). Either we have quite different turbos then or there's a problem with yours because I doubt you'd be able to put out >500 Watts for 12 minutes. Could it be that you just can't get your HR up on the turbo in the same way you can on the road?

Ratan

Many thanks everyone for your advice. I have a short list and am now shopping around. Just one more question. What is the best type of wheel and tyre to use on a turbo? Will any cheap one doi or do you have to buy specific models?

BW

Ratan

Soni

NapoleonD wrote:

Soni wrote:

I have just purchased the Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro on recommendation from NAP following loosing control on the ice the other morning whilst out on the road.....

Very good smooth action, feels like riding on the road, although i've never used any other turbo to compare it to.

The 'only' negative thing i have to say about it, which probably applies to all turbo trainers, is i was hoping to have been able to climb on the turbo, hence the reason i purchased 2 x climbing blocks as extras at £17.00 each, however there is no where near enough resistance for out of the saddle climbing and this is in top gear on a Compact.....

Other than that, resistance is more than adequate whilst seated, i generally ride 1/4-mid way down the cassette on the large ring on the front, and therefore have about another 4/5 gears left of resistance which i only normally change up one more or max 2 more for 5 minute intervals throughout the 45 minute workout.

Very happy with my purchase.

You must be putting out some MASSIVE power, cos I only get near maxing mine out when sprinting :?

Nap, what is yours like standing up climbing then? Do you get in the top gear and it feels like you're climbing out on the road hills in the lowest gear and easy?

Anonymous

I don't stand and climb to be honest, stay seated and build power that way. My top gear is good for 1200 watts at 120rpm... Doing a 1 or 5 min power test I've never come close to running out of resistance...