trainer recommendations?

[mattb]

I'm looking to buy a trainer for the winter, maybe around the $200 range. Does anyone have recommendations (or one's to stay away from)? Thanks.

[Ridge Wrecker]

I bought a Trek CycleOps Mag+ last winter. It's nothing fancy but it does the job. I think I paid around $160 for it. I opted for the + model so I could have the handlebar mounted resistance adjuster. It also came with a mountain bike training DVD. I definetely felt the benefits of using it when I got back on the trails in the spring.

[Low Speed Endos]

Just buy warmer clothes and ride all winter. You'll be much happier. :)

That being said, I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine, which I've been happy with when I've been unable to ride outside. The list for this is $330 (much higher than I remember four years ago), but could be had for less.

I've used the trainer only with a road bike using some of the Spinervals videos. These videos will force you to work harder than you might otherwise. If you don't have some sort of training video, make sure you have a TV nearby to combat boredom.

[GandALF2]

Hi Matt,

I know you said $200 but I got a trainer from 1UPUSA last year and it is very, very good at around $299. Check it out at this link. http://www.1upusa.com/
It's very quiet and you shift your bike the way you normally would to get a bigger gear. I purchased it based on reviews that I read on MTBreview.com.

Studded tires work even better!

Alf

[mdc]

I use a Cyclops wind trainer. It's loud, not to expensive, but gets the job done. For the $$ you save on a cheaper trainer you can buy some studded tires or snow shoes.....

[catbbq]

Hi Matt,

I know you said $200 but I got a trainer from 1UPUSA last year and it is very, very good at around $299. Check it out at this link. http://www.1upusa.com/
It's very quiet and you shift your bike the way you normally would to get a bigger gear. I purchased it based on reviews that I read on MTBreview.com.

Studded tires work even better!

Alf

I use the 1UPUSA trainer as well. Only one I have ever used, but it is rock solid and works very well.

[Quo Fan]

I would make sure that the roller is made out of metal and not plastic.

[bullitfreerider]

I'm looking to buy a trainer for the winter, maybe around the $200 range. Does anyone have recommendations (or one's to stay away from)? Thanks.

Matt, if you really want to blow your mind, check out this link to
Computrainer. It is very pricey and out of your budget, but serious
riders(road/off road) can use this tool all winter and not really get
bored. I don't have the 3D model but have found that when winter
hits, you can do all your bike training inside and leave the snow and
cold to everyone else. I use mine during the week and then do winter
sports on weekends. The cross training is perfect and come spring,
I can hit the trails "running".

LINK: http://www.racermateinc.com/compu_pro3d.asp