Looking for a Trainer.

[Dack76]

So I've got this nice Klein Attitude Custom thats just sitting in my house collecting dust basically. Once the time changes, and it gets dark earlier, I won't have must time to ride my main bike with work and all. Figured I can get some cardio during the week so when I ride on the weekend i'm not dying on the hills. I wanted to get a Trainer for my mountain bike to accomplish this and have no idea what to look for. I know I need to get a street slick for the back tire, but thats as far as I got. Price range I guess, somewhere around $150-$250. Brands? Features? Quality?

Can anybody help to lead me in the right direction?

 

[Viper GTS]

http://www.1upusa.com/

(The CPR A-2000)

Generally considered the best.

I have one that I haven't used in ages, if you don't feel like buying new shoot me a PM.

Even new though if you can stretch your budget to $300 it rocks. It's capable of dissipating 3000 watts.

Viper GTS

 

[Dack76]

Reading the reviews on it now. I don't mind spending more money for a good quality product. What would be main features I would be looking for besides how many watts it can disipate?

 

[edro]

If it dissipates 3000 watts... why can't you hook up a magnetic coil and generate some power?

 

[Viper GTS]

Originally posted by: Dack76
Reading the reviews on it now. I don't mind spending more money for a good quality product. What would be main features I would be looking for besides how many watts it can disipate?

Build quality, flywheel weight, resistance method (fluid is cheaper, but can be problematic), power dissipation (means you can't overload it - You can stand up & pedal as hard as you want but you aren't going to overload 3,000 W), & warranty/customer service. 1upusa has notoriously excellent customer service including a 100% money back guarantee (even includes return shipping) & a lifetime warranty.

Their warranty statement:

Warranty

The 1up CPR A-2000 Bicycle Trainer and the 1up Rack & Ride have a lifetime warranty. If any part breaks or wears out, we will replace it for free for life. If your trainer or rack needs repair and must be shipped back, we will pay your return shipping cost (US only).

Doesn't get much more straightforward than that.

Viper GTS

 

[Dack76]

Was looking around some more and saw there are trainers for the rim of the wheel and there are trainers for the actual tire. What are the differences between the two? The only thing I can think is that with the trainer that connects via the rim of the wheel, your rim would have to be true for it to work properly?

Thanks

 

[Dack76]

And what about Rollers?

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Dack76
And what about Rollers?

Kreitlers if you can afford them. They are by far the best in the biz.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: Dack76
Was looking around some more and saw there are trainers for the rim of the wheel and there are trainers for the actual tire. What are the differences between the two? The only thing I can think is that with the trainer that connects via the rim of the wheel, your rim would have to be true for it to work properly?

Thanks

The main upshot is that the rim-trainers won't wear out your tire. And yes, I'd imagine the wheel would have to be reasonably true for it to work properly.