Submitted by
BlueGrassBlazer
a Weekend Warrior
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: August 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Smooth resistance
Weaknesses:
A little noisy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Cannodale R500T
Bottom Line:
This must be a real hit/miss product because mine's been great. I've had it over two years and zero problems yet. No leaks or breakage and the mounting arm positions my bike securely. I have used the Cycle-Ops up to 5 or 6 times a week during off season and will let it collect dust over the summer. I generally ride for fitness and will ride a steady pace...gaining speed and then slowing down to a finish. I usually crank it in the middle of the workout and ride 30-90 minutes.
Whenever I hook up my bike for the winter, it's like I never left. I do have to crank up the tv when I ride but I'd expect that from just about any trainer.
This is my first and only trainer and I'll buy another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: April 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pinhotti
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
E-tailer
Strengths:
solid feel and performance, plenty of resistence, good warranty
Weaknesses:
first unit leaked within 6 months of purchase but they sent me a new resistence unit immediately after i called customer service.
Similar Products Used:
only trainer I've used
Bike Setup:
Road and Mountain
Bottom Line:
Maybe I was a lucky one but I love my Fluid II. Ive been using it for winter and rainy day workouts for nearly 5 years. My wife has used it alot as well. Between the two of us, I would guess 5 to 8 hours a week. It is very simple to use and very effective. I prefer using my road bike on it for the gearing but I think there was plenty of resistence even with the MT Bike gearing. My 1st unit got a slight leak within the 1st few months I owned it. I was immeaditely shipped a replacement unit as soon as I called customer service. No questions were asked and I was not charged a penny. They just asked me to send back the old unit. Sorry for all the folks with bad experiences but I would buy this again, no question.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Smooth rolling. Getting bike in and out was easy. Saris customer service was good.
Weaknesses:
This is a piece of junk, period. The materials and quality of construction are sub par for a trainer at this price point. The tightening mechanism is a plastic handle attached to an "L" bolt that flexes when tightened down. Also because the way this mechanism is designed, and I use that term loosely, it is hard to make micro adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
I had used Performance spinners and they were a far cry better AND cheaper than this trainer. I sold this and purchased an 1up USA. I wish I would have done that in the first place. The 1up is a work of art and great trainer.
Bike Setup:
You name it.
Bottom Line:
Saris should be embarrassed to put out junk like this. Do you self a favor if you want a good quality trainer look else where. I can say that I am very happy with the 1up but I am sure there are others better than the cycolops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a
from St.Thomas, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: March 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Not too sure at this point. Suposed to be a good product
Weaknesses:
Have used the trainer 4 times in my first week of ownership and it Clicks like crazy!!! It just started on my 4th ride!!! Its Aweful!!!
Similar Products Used:
Non. This was recomended
Bike Setup:
TREK 1500
Bottom Line:
I wasted my money. I fell for the hype & sales pitch. The Clicking was so bad I had the stereo turned way up so I could hear the training DVD. It pissed me off so much I got of the bike and walked away. What makes it worse for me is that I bought it at a bike show from a dealer thats 2 hours away! Now I have to go back to exchange it!(if they will) Don't waste your money on this. Four 1 hour training rides shouldn't cause this kind of problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pam Sayler
a Weekend Warrior
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Paul Bunyon
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$339.00
Purchased At:
Freewheel Bike, Minneapolis
Strengths:
nicely packaged
Weaknesses:
loud. I felt the resistance getting easer the longer I road - researched why, and learned that the fluid they are using is effected by heat - so it was not my imagination, but actually does get easier the longer I ride...so I decided not to purchase this trainer. I need a workout, not to just spin...
Similar Products Used:
Kinetic
Bike Setup:
Bianchi 928 lugged, Dura Ace, Mavic wheels
Bottom Line:
don't buy this. go right for the Kinetic. it's all in the fluid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arthur
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, On Date Reviewed: January 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
on amazon
Strengths:
sharp looking
Weaknesses:
-clicking sound day 1 -skewer does not fit properly -does lean
Bike Setup:
DeVinci Destination touring
Bottom Line:
Seriously, day 1, set it up, road with the DVD in, and about 7 minutes into the ride, click, click click from the resistence unit.
I don;t know much about trainers as this is my first, but I know a defect when I hear one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
bikeguyswarehouse.com
Strengths:
nothing to compare it to
Weaknesses:
wobbles, poor quality control
Bike Setup:
2006 specialized roubaix comp
Bottom Line:
I'm a bit disappointed so far, but we'll see if the manufacturer will help me out. My main issue is the bike wobbling and leaning to the left.
The skewer doesn't completely go into the left cone, so there's one source of the instability. Next, the threaded bolt that forms the left cone has a lot of play in the hole you thread it into, as though it's the wrong diameter. Lastly, there is play at the right support due to the handle cylinder/cone being a bit smaller than the hole it goes into. one side seems to be stiffer than the other, and the bike will lean slightly to the left, preventing symmetrical motion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: May 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
From Munfacturer
Strengths:
Puts out a tremendous amount of resistance, relatively quiet, very durable.
Weaknesses:
A threaded fastener that holds the resistance unit against the wheel has failed twice (promptly replaced by Graber Products).
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn, Older Cycle-ops company, a few others
Bike Setup:
Road bike on this trainer
Bottom Line:
I ride on the trainer *a lot* (4500 miles in the past four years). The resistance units have constantly failed including on the first Cycle-ops trainer that I owned. I heard that Graber Products had purchased the company. Graber Products sold me their Fluid II trainer for $100 as a warranty replacement. I wasn't happy about speinding $100 but after I used it I am very happy. This is the first durable trainer that I have owned. I highly recommend it for anyone serious about trainer riding. At speeds > 15 mph it is capable of putting out an amazing amount of resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alvin Goodrich
a Racer
from Berwick, Maine Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hogback
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Buys .com
Strengths:
Durability, Fairly quiet
Weaknesses:
Moments of squeeking, Its a trainer: nobody really likes them!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Glory
Bottom Line:
I am a mountain biker who road bikes to be a better mountain biker. I absolutely hate riding trainers, but sometimes maine winters render outside riding impossible. I have put a lot of miles on this trainer over the three winters that i have used it with no problem until tonight. I broke the skewer and need to get one to replace it as a regular skewer will not fit. It has been a great product all in all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darcy
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, AB Canada Date Reviewed: November 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$267.00
Strengths:
Rock Solid construction. Road like spin. No levers to switch to change the tension. Extremely quiet. Very smooth and not jerky at all. Easy to set up and move around.
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Kenetic
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Six13 DuraAce
Bottom Line:
This is a superb product! I hesitated buying it as the reviews were not as good as others. The local shop assured me that this is a high quality trainer; and actually recommended it over the Kenetic which I was planning to buy from them. After using it - I could not agree more. I did try the Kenetic out as well and would not rate it any higher in spin smothness or how quiet it is. The Kenetic was also more expensive at this shop
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Monica Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lower Sullivan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$239.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Stable, easy to lock bike in it and take bike off trainer with the quick release feature.
Weaknesses:
VIBRATION!!
Similar Products Used:
Kurt Kinetic Road Machine
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Cross-Hairs with touring tires
Bottom Line:
I had high hopes for the Fluid 2 based on the generally favorable reviews posted here. Unfortunately, the trainer had a horrible vibration at one particular speed. If I sped up or slowed down, the vibration would go away, but the band of vibration was in a very usable speed/resistance zone and thus I wasn't able to live with it. I called CycleOps and they were very good about sending out a replacement resistance unit. However, the replacement also had a virtually identical vibration zone. After two bad units (which the CycleOps rep explained was due to an incorrectly balanced flywheel), I decided enough was enough and returned the trainer. I bought a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine instead and it doesn't vibrate at all. Bottom line, maybe I just was unlucky and received two unbalanced units, but word to the wise, if you buy one, make sure you get it at a place that takes returns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
I got a great deal on this second-hand trainer and figured that in spite of some bad reviews, I had nothing to lose. To my great delight, after two years of winter training (not to mention the miles from the previous owner) I've had no problems at all! I've found the resitance to be very adequate with road-like smoothness. I bought one for my buddy (the fluid2 pro for about $200 from Performance with coupon) to get him riding and he's loved it, no problems. About a month ago I dropped the thing (by accident) from shoulder height and shattered the handle. I called cycleops and they replaced it for free! No questions asked. Great customer service.
Weaknesses:
No wattage hookup like on the new Kurt Kinetic trainer. Resistance unit is good, but recently it's been a bit finiky if I overtighen it on my wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Kurt Kinetic (2002 version)
Bike Setup:
Surly Pacer, full DA/ultegra, ritchey wcs wheels
Bottom Line:
If money is an issue, look to buy this at $220 or less. It's the best deal at the low $200+ range and plenty of smooth resistance even for high-wattage racer types. But, if you can afford in the $400 range, then think about the Kurt Kinetic with wattage meter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Roseville MN, USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Machinery Row, Madison
Strengths:
Sturdy frame, good mounting system. Very quick.
Weaknesses:
Well, I fell for it. I knew CycleOps had problems with leakage before, but I was assured their new design eliminated that. It started leaking after two weeks of use. I returned it and bought a Kinetic Road Machine instead (awesome).
Curious about the new design, I found an explaination on Kinetic's website. Basically, CycleOps uses an O-ring to keep the fluid in the fluid chamber from squirting out. Unfortunately, this O-ring is wrapped around the driveshaft that is rotating at 1000's of RPM's. It doesn't take a genius to realize that eventually this is going to wear out. That was their old design that associated them with leakage, so you would think they would learn from this and redesign it. Nope. Their solution was to simply double the barrier... have two O-rings instead of one. I guess it helped, but not in my case.
One other note and reason CycleOps leaks, is that they use a viscous oil that expands and loses viscosity when heated. (My only reference on this is the Kinetic site, so take it with a grain of salt) Not only will resistance lessen as the unit heats up, but the expanding fluid will push through the seal. Kinetic uses a silicone solution that does lose viscosity (I'm not sure how big of a deal that is) or expand when heated (which is a big deal). That's just plain old smart.
Similar Products Used:
Kinetic Road Machine, Minora Mag w/remote
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Mega Ti w/Record & American Classic
Bottom Line:
I went into this thing just looking for a hassle-free situation. It turned into a mess. Get a Kinetic instead - they ride better in addition to not leaking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Skibinski
a Racer
from Sioux Falls Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one my bike is on!
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Smooth. Nice replication of road riding. Great band of resistance.
Weaknesses:
NOISE! Resistance unit starts squeaking after one to two months of use. I am on my third resistance unit. The representative that I spoke with said they have received a "bad batch" of bearing from a supplier. But they have yet to resolve the noise problem. At $9 to send back the unit to Madison, WI, this noise problem is becoming quite an expensive problem. More importantly, it takes about two weeks to receive the replacement unit. That's two weeks of missed training. I'm no Lance Armstrong, but I need to keep spinning too. Their lifetime warranty appears to be an excuse for a faulty product. Lastly, it seems that my bike leans to the left in the frame. I've adjusted every which way and even put my mountain bike in it to make sure it wasn't my road bike. I am not entirely happy with this product. I've used a less expensive noiser spinner without any troubles whatsoever. Shame on me!
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn mag
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek 5200 2001 Specialized Stumpjumper M4 Pro
Bottom Line:
Good ride quality when the resistance unit isn't driving you batty from the squealing. If you don't have to constantly send it back to Graber for a monthly replacement, you may get to use it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a
from USA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Buys
Strengths:
Easy to attach / detach bike. Bike is held firmly. Very stable. Provides a good, smooth workout. Came with a compatible wheel skewer and training video.
Weaknesses:
Production quality!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Simple.
Bottom Line:
I have to agree with some the other recent reviewers. The manufacturer has a serious quality control problem.
I spent a good deal of time trying to figure out why, with such a simple setup, I couldn't get the roller to contact the rear tire of my 26" Trek. Even with the adjustment knob cranked down really tightly (and I am a clydesdale), the roller stopped 1/4" from the tire.
Luckilly, I have nearly every hand tool known to man in the basement. After taking apart the adjustment assembly, I determined that the female part of the adjuster was simply not threaded all the way through. A drop of machine oil, and the right tap fixed it. It works fine now. It would have really sucked having to send it back. If you buy one of these in a store, bring your bike and set it up in the parking lot. That way, if there is something wrong with it, you won't have to drive too far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott richards
a Cross Country Rider
from boise, Idaho, usa Date Reviewed: December 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$285.00
Purchased At:
up n running bikes
Strengths:
lots of resistance, good workout
Weaknesses:
Product quality. Quality control? Welds holding resistance unit to stand broke on initial setup. Didn't even get a chance to try it out. Warranty policy requires me to send defective part back on my dime. In reality $12.00. Two weeks wait for turnaround. No apology or comment. For a defect that heinous they should have refunded my $12 and at least issued an apology or thrown in some Cyclops schwag with the new part.
Similar Products Used:
Old blackburn mag trainer
Bike Setup:
Raleigh road bike
Bottom Line:
After reading the reviews, I can agree that this is a unit that provides a good workout. The poor welds and the fact that I had to take the time to repack, transport and send the defective unit back at my expense (and then wait two weeks)leaves a semi-bitter taste. Hopefully over time this taste will go away.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thumper311
a Weekend Warrior
from Sudbury, Ontario Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Quiet, ease of use
Weaknesses:
chews up rear skewer
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Kona Bear, with a few upgrades
Bottom Line:
I fractured my ankle at the beginning of the summer, and bought this trainer with the belief that I wouldn't get back up on the bike before the snow started flying. I figured I would need something to keep myself motivated over the winter. I've was fortunate enough to be riding about 12 weeks post-surgery, and have been using the Fluid 2 at night during the week and riding outside on the weekends.
This thing is great, its quiet, easy to use, and there's plenty of resistance. I bought the LBS's store demo, so of course all the packaging, video and skewer were long gone. Small price to pay for such a great piece of equipment. Definitely swap out your plastic skewer parts, cuz this thing will chew the hell out of them over time. Throw on a slick, and pedal all winter!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from White Plains,NY Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Julio Bicycle
Strengths:
no flex great video quiet limitless resistance
Weaknesses:
expensive
Similar Products Used:
blackburn, minoura
Bike Setup:
Trek 5500
Bottom Line:
I'm very impressed with the quality. I first bought a Minoura thinking they were all the same. There was no resistance on the Minoura so I returned it. I went to the guys at Julios Bicycle in Chappaqua, NY (these guys are great) and they said I sould try the Cyclops. It has all the resistance I need. Very quiet compaired to the others I tried. The only thing I could hear were the tires and the chain, nothing from the unit. Very well built and no flex. Just make sure you get the riser block with it, otherwise it could be painfull. Also make sure you use the provived quick release or yours will get scratched.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dameion
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very quiet Fits in my closet CTS video Good progressive resistance Did I mention it's quiet?
Weaknesses:
Price
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700 w/slicks
Bottom Line:
This trainer is extremely quiet -- even when hammering the pedals the only thing I hear is the sound of the tire. If you're going to use the trainer with a mountain bike invest in a slick tire as the knobs will produce a lot more noise. Very stable, compact design. Resistance is adjusted by changing the gears on your bike so there's no cable or remote to keep track of. The only weakness I've found is the price, but the value of the product is such that it's not an issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Moore
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any!!!!
Bottom Line:
Haven't had any problems works Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from baltimore, md USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
loch raven
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
the shop
Strengths:
QUIET!!! carmichael training video round head skewer included solid construction good warranty and support
Weaknesses:
the price tag 4 our customers sometimes, but i think w/just 1 workout the price should b validated
Similar Products Used:
Cycleops Wind Cycleops Mag Cycleops Magneto Blackburn Contender Blackburn Defender Minoura Rim-Drive Tacx Others...(it happens when u cant ride in the winter)
Bike Setup:
various road and mtb
Bottom Line:
the positives listed above speak 4 this trainer. now available thru trek, u now have excellent backing in ur investment and know exactly where u need 2 take 4 any service. this is the bottom line 4 trainers. u want quiet and effective, look here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Schwartz
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Louis MO Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Sturdy, good balance, easy to assemble, feels like open road, quiet, innovative packaging, comes with skewer. Bought on eBay; product was new in box.
Weaknesses:
Comes with skewer, which is fine if you have a hollow axle. I have a recumbent with a solid axle. I had to come up with something to match the axle atttachment sockets. Eventually used a couple of old cones that mated pretty well. Expensive if bought from a local bike shop.
Similar Products Used:
Wind trainer for upright bike. This would not fit my recumbent bike.
Bike Setup:
Easy. A socket wrench helped, but you really don't need it.
Bottom Line:
Very pleased with this product. Some people have reported leakage of the fluid, and I hope this does not happen. I will be on the lookout, however.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dominic Dechaine
a
from Waterville, Me Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Loop road Acadia National Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Sturdy Stand, quiet operation, Good resistance, Well made throughout.
Weaknesses:
I've yet to be on a fluid trainer that doesn't have a slight hum from time to time. It goes away after it is warmed up. I think the problem I had was with putting the wheel on square. Who knows.
Similar Products Used:
Velore Fluid Trainer, BlackBurn fluid, Cats eye Cyclo and other mag trainers.
Bike Setup:
Aegis, all carbon, Ultregia, Roth Pro Comps.
Bottom Line:
You want a good work out this is the trainer for you. I read some of the problems noted eariler. It appears they have addressed them with this new trainer. The locking mechinism is all metal, no more plastic. The fluid unit is warm to the touch after a hard two hour workout, but it isn't so hot you can't hold on to it, like the other trainers I have used.
Buy it through EBAY, and enjoy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scwman
a Weekend Warrior
from Cleveland Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$255.00
Purchased At:
Bike Authority
Strengths:
Solid Product. It provides all the resistance I need for endurance and strength training. I also like the quick release feature. The flywheel has enough mass to create a smooth spin.
Weaknesses:
The lockup mechanism could provide more stiffness because the bike wobbles a bit. This is really minor, though.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
'99 rockhopper with rear slick (used only for training and road/path riding), 2001 Gary Fisher sugar 3 disc
Bottom Line:
Buy this if you are serious.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa Canada Date Reviewed: December 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
It was the quiet operation..... Great road like ride
Weaknesses:
I had my first one for about one week before it began getting louder and louder (loud ticking sound when the spindle made a full revolution). I returned that one and my current one lasted approximately 3 to 4 weeks and is beginning to make the same loud horrible noise!! Im going to return this one right after Christmas and have a discussion about my next option with the store
Similar Products Used:
none......
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Veloce road racer/ all campi with kyserium ssc rims slick on the rear
Bottom Line:
I have read lots of good reviews about the Fluid 2 but havent had a good experience with mine yet.......that being said, the ride itself is great, just very noisy!!! I would rate it higher without all the noise
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schu
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs CO USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Too many to name
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Carmichael Training System
Strengths:
Easy to setup, uses bikes gears to adjust resistance, reasonably priced, very quiet.
Weaknesses:
I haven't used it long enough to identify any weaknesses yet. Hopefully I won't find any.
Similar Products Used:
Demo'ed many different kinds at the Veloswap in Denver
Bike Setup:
Road bike
Bottom Line:
I am a member of CTS and this is what my coach recommended. I know Cycleops is a sponsor of CTS so of course this is what they will promote but I don't think they would promote if they didn't think it worked. As I mentioned earlier, I haven't used it very long but the times that I've been on it have been great. I get a great workout and it accurately simulates what a real road ride would be like.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael manning
a Racer
from cambridge, ma, usa Date Reviewed: October 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
Seems solid and well built. Easy to assemble, fairly light. Decent feel.
Weaknesses:
Whiny, very whiny, makes me wonder if something is going to give. This is a brand new unit. Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Similar Products Used:
Old Vetta wind trainer, 2 fans or 4. Great noisy system. That's why I thought I'd step into the future with a CycleOps Fluid2. Not sure it was the right move.
Bike Setup:
Harry Havnoonian professional, Shimano 105.
Bottom Line:
It's going back for a second try, if the new one still whines I'll look into the 1Up trainers. Same price, great guarantee.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Orosco
a Racer
from LA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Classifieds (I saw it first!)
Strengths:
Does the job. Pretty quiet with a slick tire.
Weaknesses:
Puts you in a downhill stance. My brothers ashtray solves that problem though.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
S Works.
Bottom Line:
This is the first trainer that I have ever owned. I took the advise of these reviews, and decided to pick the highest rated trainer. It was really convenient because the resistance mechanism of this unit is internal and has no wires to mess with. It is quick to set up, and get riding. A few things that I didnt know was that if you value the look of your rear skewer, then you need to find a cheapo to use on the trainer becuase it will scratch the hell out of em. You also need a skewer with a center bolt and a side lever (unlike the specialized skewers). This little misstep cost me a week of waiting. Lastly, the trainer sets you up pointing downhill. To offset this, you need something to place underneath the front tire. As far as usuability, it works great, but it really heats up the rear tire which cant be all that great...can it?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin P
a Racer
from East Bridgewater Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam (Milford MA)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
AEBikes online
Strengths:
The Fluid 2 is solid. The level of resistance is perfect. Lifetime manufacturer's waranty
Weaknesses:
None as of yet- None expected.
Similar Products Used:
Cheap fan trainer and tested Kurt Kinetic trainer
Bike Setup:
GT XCR 3000 I Drive- SID 100, XT Componentry
Bottom Line:
The fluid 2 is a good quality piece of training equipment. I do not see what the review below is talking about at ALL. Out of the box this trainer gives exactly what it claims -Resistance level varies automatically based on your cadence and wheel speed directly by using your bike's own gears. More power allows for intense interval and strength workouts Great Product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Magnatta
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Shore Date Reviewed: November 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
secret ones
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$259.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Can't tell you - coudn't try it.
Weaknesses:
Inferior welds. Shoddy/broken welds separated the frame.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700, Easton Cullys, cane creek suspension post
Bottom Line:
The welds seem to be cheap tack welds. Out of the box they were broken and the bottom frame member was already separated from the main part of the frame. The remaining welds appeared to be similarly done up. This is why I could not test it out. Though I did not actually ride on the unit, I can't say how it actually performed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Durable, Solid feel, new fluid 2 unit doesn't leak, Price
Weaknesses:
Plastic Handle
Similar Products Used:
Original Cyclops Fluid, Blackburn Mag, Rollers, Kurt Kinetic
Bottom Line:
The best fluid trainer out there. Period! The Kurt Kinetic is nice but is mere copy of the Fluid 2. If you are debating bewtween these 2 trainers, go with the Cyclops. You won't be disappointed!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshall Harper
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Pro Bicycle
Strengths:
Smooth start up, good resistance, quiet.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Magnetic, Cycle OPS Fluid
Bike Setup:
Various Road
Bottom Line:
After 6 years of pretty hard use my fluid finally blew the seal and lost the oil. Unlike some here I had a pretty good experience with it. Almost bought the Kurt Kinetic but with a higher price and shipping it would have been well over $300. I'm sure it is a great trainer, but at $270 with tax, and my (possibly rare) good experience with the Fluid, I went with the Fluid 2. No complaints, works as advertised, does take a few rides to get the resistance up but it seems like a quality product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steven r.
a Weekend Warrior
from cherry hill Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Thorpe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
The fluid system works well. It took a few rides to get it working, but on the fourth ride, I noticed the difference. Resistance at all levels. I can stand and push and it almost simulates a midsteep hill. Seated climbs burn the crap out of my quads.
Weaknesses:
Stand is not quite level. I had to tape a penny to the bottom of one leg. That helped significantly.
Similar Products Used:
Nahsbar mag trainer
Bike Setup:
Specialized A1 comp, Trek road bike.
Bottom Line:
Overall, it gives a good workout in a short amount of time. I am doing about a half hour and am satisfied that it is helping. The fluid system works well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael S
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte,NC Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Strengths:
Great system. It is my first trainer. I am trying to get back into shape so I can hit the trails again. It is very quiet, I can hit it while watching Sportscenter and have no problem hearing it. I havent tried the video yet, but cant wait to. I have a Gary Fischer Tassajara with a Continental semi slick on the back. It is pretty comfortable. But then again, I did the "Hotter than Hell 100" in Texas on a mountain bike too...
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Gary Fischer Tassajara
Bottom Line:
Great piece of equipment. Find a cool retailer and get a good price for it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago Date Reviewed: April 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
palos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Bottom Line:
OKAY-LAST POST. I PROMISE! I finally closed the book on graber/cycleops last weekend. Closed it on all their LIES and Junk that they peddle. this is more a review on their customer service rather than the product-my first pos says the product was junk. Prior to my first post on this message board, i had tried to contact them. No response. Posted a gripe here- WOW, within 5 hours, recieved an email trying to rectify the situation. Graber and I came to an agreement, i wrote the follow-up post, and havent heard from them since. Ive tried to email them 2X asking to get an RMA# and an address since the post, no response. BOTTOM LINE: all i got was JUNK and LIES. I dont have time for JUNK and LIES, i threw their JUNK out last weekend, and do not care to get anymore LIES. 230.00 does not hurt me, i am a professional in the biz world, life goes on. I feel sorry for the guy who is going to work 20 hours to afford this companies headache just to get screwed. This is not a company that i would ever do business with, nor would i suggest it to anyone else and i still have a stain on my carpet where this junk leaked on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brent
a
from SLC, Utah Date Reviewed: March 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porc Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
pro deal
Strengths:
As advertised, it workss
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Minoura Interrim Cycleops Fluid
Bike Setup:
2000 GT XCR-LE, XT Components
Bottom Line:
This thing is cool for a stationary aerobic trainer. It works great, much more resistance than the Minoura I mentiontioned above. Borrowed a friends Fluid and that convinced me it was worth it to go to a slick with my old rim and hammer it out. I think long term, spend the money and go with the Fluid2 vs. a Mag type trainer. It is virtually silent.
Video is well done. Make sure you get a fan and blast it in front of you. Can't wait for the trails to clear of snow and see how much difference it makes.
I'm training for 20-30 minutes hard about 3 times weekly. I feel that is plenty, given I cross train with free weights.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Wauwatosa, WI Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Simply the best ride, performance, quality and customer service.
Weaknesses:
nothing yet
Similar Products Used:
Kinetics
Bike Setup:
Trek Road, Klein Puls Pro Mtn
Bottom Line:
Simply the best. I can spin or crank on this thing and it always seems able to kick my butt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from New City, N.Y. , USA Date Reviewed: March 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood, N.J.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$229.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
First trainer I have used and it works just as the company has advertised.
Weaknesses:
None at this time.
Similar Products Used:
Sorry, New at using the trainer.
Bike Setup:
Fuji
Bottom Line:
Listen, this is a great product for the money. I did't want to buy a cheap trainer, so I opt for the Fluid 2. Did read the comments in this site prior to my purchase and do not regret it. Works just like they advertised it. But, I must confess........I am a beginner at using a trainer. The tape that comes with it is great. At first I could not do the complete 40 minutes, but after a month, I was able to keep up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walt
a Cross Country Rider
from Kentucky Date Reviewed: March 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
warrenty replacement
Strengths:
Resistance, smooth action and very quiet, Graber Customer Service.
Weaknesses:
Retrofitted to my old frame fitting a 700c wheel is a little of a challenge
Similar Products Used:
Rollers, CycleOps Fluid
Bike Setup:
C-Dale R800, Shimano 105,Ksyrium also C-Dale SV800 XT, With XT Disk and M575 Wheels
Bottom Line:
First let me say WAY TO GO GRABER. I first bought the trainer as a Cycle-ops Fluid in '95. Early '97 the units seals blew and left me with a carpet full of oil. Cycle ops replaced the resistance unit...98 the seals blew again, Fortunatly this time I had a rubber mat underneath it. Due to a design mod Cycle-ops replaced the entire unit. It took almost a month to get my trainer back up both times. As you probably now know Cycle-ops went belly up and Enter Graber to the Rescue. After 2 years of service the spindle became disconnected. This was my first experience dealing with Graber. I overnighted the resistance unit to them on Thursday and had the replacement unit on Tuesday. They replaced my fluid with a Fluid 2. The F2 is a quantum leap over the Fluid. My first session was a humbling experience using the fluid last week my average heart rate was 125 with a peak of 165. 7 days later using the same workout average was 140 with a peak of 177. The workout is only surpassed by Grabers customer service. I highly reccomend both
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Camp Hill Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The resistance range is sufficient enough for novice as well as advanced cyclists.
Weaknesses:
A bit pricy. Older models were reported to leak. Graber says that the problem is fixed.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Mag
Bike Setup:
Trainer bike: Raleigh RT750
Bottom Line:
The Fluid2 replaced my well used Blackburn Mag Trainer, which had been working without fault for over 6 years. At first I thought that I had made a mistake getting a Cycle-Ops over another Blackburn. My first few minutes spent on the Fluid 2 were way to easy. Then the something happened. Maybe the fluid need time to break in but the resistance is great. I can pedal with high cadence in a low gear and get the feel of spinning downhill, or I can crank up the gearing to 53x12 and get the effect of slogging up the worst hill that I can think of. The assembly and set up of the Cycle-Ops Fluid2 took less than 20 minutes. The stand remains rock steady even while standing and sprinting in a high gear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago,il Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
palos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
ALL APOLOGIES TO GRABER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a follow-up to my previous posting- graber apparently takes their product very seriously. They were right on top of the issue; apparently I had an experience that is not the norm. -Customer service is the strength
Weaknesses:
Graber bought a line from cycle ops that needed refining.
Bottom Line:
OKAY, here’s the story, I bought what must be an old unit from the LBS that was going out of biz (they didn’t tell me, I paid "full price") and got a fluid + NOT a fluid 2. It must have been a cycle ops hold over, because when it got out that I had a leaker, graber was all over the situation, assuring me that this is not a usual occurrence. They have sent me multiple emails trying to resolve the issue, and are very anxious to replace the unit. Graber seems to be a stand up company who takes their product very seriously, and I offer a public apology, not only for my prior remarks, but for posting this in the wrong column as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil S
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, CT Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
Very progressive, giving a great workout weather spinning or mashing.
Weaknesses:
price? but well worth it compared to everything else I've tried.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn, Minora, Cyclops Mag
Bottom Line:
Highly recommended. The best resistance of anything I've tried . Progressive for any type of training. The video is also good. I've used it every day this winter and it's still as smooth and even as day one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from chicago, il Date Reviewed: February 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
palos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Strengths:
seemed OK, at first
Weaknesses:
plastic handle broke, unit leaked oil on my carpet- handle may have been my fault, but, unit leaking oil was definitely NOT, unit is less then 3 months old-company said "send it back and we will fix it" i wish i read the other postings about this piece of junk before buying it. Grabber is now in the catagory of HUFFY and MURRAY, only i know going in that HUFFY and MURRAY are cheap. I was told by the LBS that this is the best on the market..... what are the others like?
Bottom Line:
I will keep you posted on the progress, but for now, do not buy this junk. ----and the LBS went out of business right before christmas, so i cant take it back there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Solid, Good Resistance. Huge heat-sink. Ex-large diameter roller.
Weaknesses:
Loud compared to Magnetic. Cheap plastic handle. More expensive than competition.
Similar Products Used:
Performance wind, Minoura Inter-rim
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a very good trainer. It is louder than the Minoura Inter-Rim I had before. The small fan does make wind noise! The resistance level is very good and builds up very quickly at higher RPM instead of a gradual increase. It also takes a few minutes for the resistance level to build up when the unit is cold.
I'm waiting for the cheap plastic adjustment handle to snap off. For $299 retail, it should be much better quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Ganes
a Weekend Warrior
from Basking Ridge, NJ Date Reviewed: January 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
High Gear Cyclery
Strengths:
Simple set up Very stable when out of the saddle cranking all out Convenient and easy to use...just shift gears and go The video really provides for a challenging 40 min workout
Weaknesses:
Resistance seems somewhat unrealistic at the high end
Similar Products Used:
Kinetic
Bike Setup:
Cannondale R800 Triple
Bottom Line:
Great way to stay in shape and train for moderate climbs after the snows arrive. This is an excellent product for in-shape recreational riders or better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Al
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, VA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Graber Products
Strengths:
Lots of resistance, quiet, warranty.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
CycleOps Fluid+
Bike Setup:
97 Trek 2120 used w/Trainer
Bottom Line:
My original CycleOps Fluid+ trainer started leaking after only about 40 hours of actual use. Called Graber Products (who apparently bought CycleOps); they honored the CycleOps lifetime warranty (big kudos for Graber Products - nice customer support personnel). I had noticed the new Fluid2 unit and Graber said they would upgrade me to that unit for $40. So I ordered the Fluid2 and have not been disappointed.
The Fluid2 seems much improved over the Fluid+. It has more resistance at higher rpm; so much so that I had to pause midway through one of my regular Spinerval video workouts that I use (note: I think the original Cyclerobx video is also a great workout). Noticed an overall increase in my heart rate too. It's a great trainer.
Highly recommend the Fluid2. From what I've read, including a recent review in Bicycling magazine, the Fluid2 has eliminated the leaking problem, but time will tell. Spend a little bit extra and get the Fluid2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Burton
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton,AB, Canada Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
United Cycle
Strengths:
Quiet, excellent range of resistance
Weaknesses:
None to date
Bike Setup:
A Few bikes
Bottom Line:
I shopped a lot before I picked this one for my Christmas present. Thanks to my lovely wife for paying for it and letting me start using it right away... just as the snow started to pile up. At the end it was down to the fluid2 and the Kurt Kinetic and I think they're both great products. I can stand out of the saddle in the big ring and pound just like I would in real life. My son is using it as well and because you change resistance just by changing gears it can be a good workout for him without being over powering. Spend the money, get the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Kornblum
a Racer
from Hamilton, Ohio, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Wright Bros.
Strengths:
Smooth, quiet and a legitimate workout.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
Blackburn Defender
Bike Setup:
Trek 5200
Bottom Line:
The harder you work the harder it works,this baby burns! Quiet and smooth with no power settings to screw with. I was sore the first weekend I had to use it. This things a legitimate workout, unlike my old Blackburn (JUNK).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Boyles
a Racer
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Lots of resistance Resistance unit not as hot, as the older models
Weaknesses:
Rear wheel on my track bike sits, to the edge of the roller. See the fix in " The Bottom Line"
Possibly too hard for some riders.
Similar Products Used:
Fluid+, and Mag
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Pro 10.9, and Colnago Dream
Bottom Line:
I think the trainer is harder than any other trainer I have ever used. In order to spin (100 RPM+) if you don't want your HR to go through the roof you need to be riding in your 39 x 19. I have noticed that after about 5 min of warm up there is a bit of change in the resistance, it seems to get just a little bit harder, and then it stays that way through out the rest of the ride. It is hard to explain. I don't know if it has something to do with the fluid warming up. There is no way that I would ever be looking for more resistance.
This is much harder than the previous fluid+ trainer. I thought the adjustable magnet trainers gave more resistance than the previous fluid+. Another thing, I think the spacing needs to be worked out better, so that your tire is in the middle of the roller. When I used my track bike, which doesn't have skewers, the tire was right on the edge of the roller. What I did was, take out the fixed cup side and replaced the screw with a longer one and then put a nut on the back side of the cup, and then reassembled. The nut acts like a spacer so that the tire is more centered on the roller.
I think the trainer is very stable, and I like the fact that the fluid unit doesn't get soo hot like previous models. That way the dog doesn't burn his nose. I also like the fact that it doesn't make as much noise a previous trainers. I think it is a great solid product.
If you are looking for more adjustability (resistance) then I don't think this is the right trainer. This is for pure power and strength building, not necessarily for warming up before the race. It will make you strong like Armstrong, as long as you can add spin to your strength.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Lilly
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit Date Reviewed: December 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
loudness problem resolved when cycle ops replaced unit. quiet, tough work out. very smooth.
Bottom Line:
My original unit had a slight defect (made a slight squeaking noise). Cycleops promptly replaced. Highly recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris T
a Racer
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: December 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Strengths:
Great reistance, very stable
Similar Products Used:
almost every trainer at one time or another
Bike Setup:
Waterford RS22
Bottom Line:
The best I've ever tried. Much better than the old fluid. It is so smooth! When I use it for a long time, the fluid doesn't heat up so much that I loose resistance, which is a problem with the other fluid units I've used. It is pricey, but the alternative is JUNK in comparison. It is that good. The only thing this smooth is Kreitler, but they only make rollers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Lilly
a
from Detroit Date Reviewed: November 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
B3
Strengths:
smooth ride with tons of resistance.
Weaknesses:
loud. don't know if there's a problem with mine, but it makes a high-pitched noise at anything over an easy spin.
Bottom Line:
great work out for a triathlete that is seeking to improve bike leg. A bit pricey, but, other than the noise, worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duane Gran
a Racer
from Washington DC Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycles - DC
Strengths:
good resistence relatively quiet useful training video
Weaknesses:
relatively quiet still isn't quiet enough to train at odd hours in my apartment.
Similar Products Used:
wind trainer years ago
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super-V 400 and Trek 5200
Bottom Line:
I'm very pleased with this trainer. In these off season months I am riding about 150 miles per week, most of which is on the trainer. Any trainer can get pretty boring, but that is a personal task to overcome, but I can say that the resistence offered by the unit is a motivation. I have been very impressed with the workout I can get, and in the beginning I can even say that my legs felt a little sore the next day, so I know it is helping to make me stronger. Next season I plan to get rollers in addition, but for pure effort and exertion I find this trainer to be excellent. There is some doubt regarding the workmanship of the fluid units, particularly with regards to leaking. My LBS seemed well informed and explained some manufacturing changes that Cyclops made in the past 4 years which has eliminated this problem in the new models. This settled the matter for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Pitonyak
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, Ohio, USA Date Reviewed: November 9, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Branford Bike
Strengths:
Very Quiet, smooth, variable resistance based upon speed, stable, solidly built, realistic feel, and it contains a tape that motivates me.
Similar Products Used:
Air units were too loud.
Bike Setup:
Touring Hybrid
Bottom Line:
I live in an apartment and was concerned with noise, this unit is very quiet. I do not have to get off my bike to change the resistance, I simply change my gears and/or my speed. There is certainly ample resistance.
I spent a long time shopping, testing other units, and chatting with customer service before my purchase. Assembly was quick and easy, even if I did initially "screw" the contact bar 1/2 turn too tight against my wheel which caused vibrations which I could hear at two or three speeds. I baked it off 1/2 turn and now it does not vibrate at any speed ever.
I did not initially play the included work out tape. I find that I get a much better workout if I follow the tape.
Buy this unit, it is excellent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from La Jolla, CA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stiff frame (I weigh 270)
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
Trek hybrid
Bottom Line:
the bike shop recommended it, and so far I'm impressed. I will update in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dre
a Racer
from NY Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anyplace not indoors
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Strengths:
Super smooooth. More resistance than anybody will ever need.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Original Fluid, Elite, Minora, Blackburn
Bike Setup:
Pinarello with Vittoria tires
Bottom Line:
This is the best trainer I've ever tried. It is so smooth and quiet. Whether you want to spin or hammer, this baby doesn't miss a beat. It's much better than the original fluid, giving more resistance without sacrificing lower end ease. I've used it for a month and I almost can't wait for winter...yeah right!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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