1) You need to decide what your training goals are at the moment. The
roller needs more room to operate (in case you come off the bike)but
trains your riding skills better than a stationary. They do make
attachments for the roller system to convert it to a stationary as well
as a resistance unit for the rear roller. The stationary is great for a
mindless training session, all you need to do is maintain your goal
heart rate depending what phase of trainig you are in. The fluid
stationary trainer is recommended over the mag but the mag will do a
nice job if funds are an issue. Hope this helps, good luck.
Dan Lehnberg, DC, CSCS, CCSP, QME
WestSide HealthCare
SPORTS MEDICINE
tel 310.944.9763
fax 310.944.9764
2) David: I have been using a "roller type" indoor
trainer-really on my back porch-for about a year. Its made by Cycle Ops
that I purchased at Helens' MDR for about $225. I ride it about once a
week with my Polar heart rate monitor and watch functioning so I can
increase and decrease my HR as I follow a training plan. I have the 610
Polar with a cadence counter attached so I can keep my cadence between
85-95 rpm while using the shifter to change the sprockets to increase
or decrease my HR. I works good for me.
-Tom Grant
3) I believe the fluid is the way to go. I ended up buying the
CycleOPs Fluid 2 trainer. It is used by US Postal so I thought it must
be decent. I bought mine from www.yellowjersey.com. The best price by
far. They got it to me very quickly. It sets up very easily. You should
order the riser with it for another $15.
I haven't trained much with this trainer yet because I'm doing spinning
classes during the week and one long ride on my bike. I think even if
you don't train a lot with a trainer they are a nice thing to have
around to put the bike on to tweek your bike fit etc.
Good Luck,
Steve Chaisson
4) I have an AireonMAG (bluecolor) trainer that I have ridden on
2-3 times. I still have the box for it.
In fact the MAG is In the box. It has a 3-speed adjuster. I'm selling
it because I'm not a big fan of riding indoors. And, The gym I joined
has really good spin Classes.
If your interested I'll sell it for 30.00.
I'm here in Brentwood If you want to come by and look at it.
Travis Burrell
5) A good trainer is one that you will use.
Having said that, the Computrainer is haeds and shoulders above anything
I've found.
Computrainer.com
I ride against a co-worker at least once a week, talk trash and generally have a great time.
Cost-$$$$ over $1,000. We've been using them over 4 years - and NO traffic
accidents.
Train On!
John White -805 844 4665
6) You've asked a classic question, here's my answer....
Fluid trainer - great, quiet, expensive, look to ebay
Mag trainer - great, quiet, a hair expensive, again - look to ebay.
Rollers - super good for balance (read - hard to ride), but not as good in
terms of resistance (it's only got one speed). I would only advise this for
an advanced rider or a roadie who was looking to gain better control for
crits. They are not so necessary for triathlon.
Hope that helps, Ian
Ian Murray
ACMEcoaching.com
1411 Palisades Dr.
Pacific Palisades, CA. 90272
hm/off 310-573-9060
fax 310-573-9827
Cell 310-924-7362
7) I ride both (admittedly, very little given SoCal weather),
but they each serve different purposes. The trainer is best for getting
a workout- resistance is adjustable. Rollers are really a good training
tool to develop smoothness. Some may have adjustable fan units, but the
objective on rollers really is not to "grind", it's to develop leg
speed and balance.
As an FYI, all trainers (but particularly resistance trainers)
wear out tires prematurely, so I usually slap on spare wheels with
older tires to save tread life on my newer/better tires.
I'm in the Inglewood area, so let me know if you'd like to either or both before a purchase.
-Kevin Powells
