Best trainer on a budget?

[TonyB.]

I'm looking for a trainer that I can use in the house while watching TV but don't want to break the bank. Anyone have a suggestion? It must work with 29" tires.

[James.Hamilton]

First place to look for a deal is Craigslist. After that start looking for fluid trainers as they tend to be more quiet than magnetic of fan style. With some searching you should be able to get on one for less than $50 used. That is how I got my fluid trainer and am happy I didn't plunk down the $200 but searched and waited for the deal. Also when you find one that you may be interested in do a small amount of research, most work well some are plagued with issues. A second rear wheel with a slick tire will make it easier to switch out and will be quieter than standard mtb tires. Now time for some intervals...

[spec4life]

agreed check craigslist...I got a never used (hadnt been put together) Cycleops fluid 2 for less than a 100 bucks.

it has improved my training more than anything else...

[TonyB.]

Awesome, thanks for the tips.

[Le Pirate]

My wife bought the Settle one from price point. It was cheap and works pretty good.

[brewbum]

I just bought a bell one for $99 and is quite enough but I am using my road bike and smooth tires.

Works for what it is for, getting in some miles when dark and cold.


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[Oldgt]

Yep. Craig's list I got a kinetics fluid drive with front wheel holder 10 minutes from my house. I paid $220 but it was still in the box. New cost was $375. Very nice and quiet.

[mmisko]

I have a Blackburn Tech Mag 6 trainer that I started using this year. So far I like it and works really well for the price. I certainly take every chance I get to avoid using it when biking outside is an option. Amazon has some reviews if you want to check it out.

[KevinGT]

Performance Travel Trac Comp is a heavy duty (and I mean HEAVY fluid trainer that is simple and bombproof. I bought one on sale at Performance for $129. It's normally $139 or something like that. The thing is rock solid.

I had a CyclOps years ago that was over twice as much and I don't notice a difference.