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Submitted by
Glen
a Racer
from Lubbock, TX
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Quiet, smooth
Reliable, compact, looks? | | Weaknesses: | Could use greater resistance | | Similar Products Used: | old magnetic blackburn (noisy, rough) | | Bottom Line: | Better than a discount trainer-entices you to ride indoors rather than in crappy weather-allows specific training
Been an excellent trainer-recommended | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ont., Canada
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | Used | | Strengths: | Some, fairly quiet resistance. | | Weaknesses: | Could use a little more resistatnce. | | Bottom Line: | The product itself is good but it is the customer service which sets the cyclops apart. I purchased the unit used from a private seller. After about 3 year of use the resistance became very weak. I went to my LBS to see about buying a new one. The guy in the store said it should be warranteed by cyclops. I was amazed that the second owner of a 4 year old product could get a warrantee repair, but about 2 weeks later I had the trainer back as good as new.
Great service.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | three corner rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | REI | | Strengths: | Very good smooth resistance. If two of them didn't break, I would give it 5 stars. | | Weaknesses: | First one died in 6 months, Second one died in 3 years (4hrs/wk for winter months). | | Similar Products Used: | Rollers with mag unit (mag units do not provide smooth resistance) | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz superlight (XT) and Cannondale R600 (105) | | Bottom Line: | I give the cyclops 2 stars and REI 5 stars. The fluid resistance unit gets very hot and must destroy some internal seal because the resistance goes way down. When this happens, I go back to REI, they take the POS and give me a new one. Cyclops must know about this problem because they are constantly changing the heatsink to better dissipate the heat. My advice is buy this unit at some place with excellent customer service so when it breaks and it will, you can get a new one. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jana Lingo
a Cross Country Rider
from Hershey, PA
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Southside Cycle St. Louis, MO | | Strengths: | Works, has held up | | Weaknesses: | Havent found any yet | | Bottom Line: | I am like the previous poster, I use this a lot ( well there was the year I livied in Florida), and it has not leaked since I bought it back in 1997. The only thing is that grip for the wheel mount fell off in one of my moves. There is plantyof resistance, but maybe I'm too girly. it wear your tires very fast, but so will any other trainer. Any way, if their current products are as good as this one has been, I wouldn't hestate in recommending a CycleOps | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Potomac, MD
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Trail@Watershed | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Griffin Cycle | | Strengths: | Good resistance. Never has leak oil yet. Quiet, smooth. | | Weaknesses: | none yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn spin bikes | | Bike Setup: | GT Pantera | | Bottom Line: | I must be a total wuss or I'm just lucky! I would like to think I'm the latter. My girlfriend and I have tag teamed this trainer 3-4 times a week for two years and it has given us zero problems. It has never leaked or made strange noises. I'm very pleased with my trainer. It is also good to hear that Graber is standing behind their product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donal Fitterer
a Weekend Warrior
from Ithaca, NY
Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Shindagin | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$220.00 | | Purchased At: | Casper Wy | | Strengths: | Sturdy, folds up nicely, looks good, very smooth and quiet | | Weaknesses: | not enough resistance, never feels like hill climbing, even in the hardest gears | | Similar Products Used: | kreitler rollers | | Bike Setup: | trek 5500 | | Bottom Line: | I'm glad I bought it but wish it had more resistance. Friends bought the fluid+ and I couldn't tell a difference in the settings. My unit started to leak fluid after a year. I sent it in and had it back in less than 10 days. I was very impressed with Graber. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Debra Morrell
a Racer
from Prescott, Arizona
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | West Spruce Variations | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Quiet | | Weaknesses: | Not enough resistance | | Similar Products Used: | Blackburn | | Bike Setup: | MTB 24 speed | | Bottom Line: | I bought the fluid + the day after I broke my scaphoid, six weeks ago. The very first time I got on it, it made a horrible sound, sort of like a rock tumbler, and also it seemed the resistance knob wasn't working because I couldn't tell the difference between the + and the - settings. I asked my LBS to help me out with shipping it back because frankly the thought of trying to disassemble, package and ship it out seemed overwhelming with a full-arm cast.
Now here it is six weeks later, I finally get it back from the bike shop, and the horrible noise is gone but it still feels like there was no difference in the resistance settings and also even in a 42-11 gear ratio (largest gear on my mtb) I barley get enough resistance out of it. Now after reading the reviews below, I don't know if it's broken or if this is just how they are.
Between my broken wrist and this trainer I am really unhappy right now! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Western Oregon
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Quiet, smooth resistance and solid stand contruction | | Weaknesses: | Resistance could be a little more for a mountain bike with lower gearing than road bikes. I really only use the 3 largest gears on my bike, so variable resistance via the gears is somewhat limited.
Don't get me wrong though, riding in my highest gear at a medium to high cadance will wear you out pretty quickly. | | Bike Setup: | 24 spd, MTB | | Bottom Line: | A very sturdy trainer that provides a smooth workout. I haven't had any leaking problems and I have used it just about every other day for the past 2 weeks. The resistance unit does get very hot (it's supposed to) and it isn't leaking like many others on this site have reported in the past.
This is the latest design from Graber. I actually emailed them before buying it asking about the leaking problems. They said some changes were made to the design, but the leaking problems in the past, they say, were related more to poor quality control at Cycle-Ops, not a faulty design.
So if there was a bit more resistance I would give it 5 chilis, so for now 4. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riddler
a Racer
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I wrote to Graber complaining about my leaking problem....and believe it or not....I got a nice curtious and informative response from the Project Engineer!I'll give them 1 extra star since my last review due to their excellent customer support.The problem seems to stem from the fact that the original designers did not design the unit to take the high temperature (400F). The o-rings and seals are runner (max 250F) and have since been changed to Vitol (400F).Many surfaces that seal have had there surface finished improved to help sealing as well.The fluid in the unit can expand up to 18% so they have since removed some of the fluid to stop an excessive pressure build up.The impeller was made of Zinc (prone to creeping) and has since been changed to Aluminum.Finally, the units are occasionally tested with a leak observable die by running them at 30mph for 30 minutes.The engineer mentioned that the leak I observed after first running it may have been some assembly fluid. This may have been the case since I returned it immediately to the LBS and did not check to see if the leaking got worse.All in all, I feel comfortable with the excellent service I got from Graber and I'm sure they will honor the warranty. It seems they are investing a LOT of effort into fixing the problem.Still the unit was badly designed by the now bankrupt Cycle-ops, and these fixes must be costing Graber a LOT.They say they will redesign the unit next year from scratch...hopefully next time they'll do it right! And do some testing before you release a product....GEEEEEZZZ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Riddler
a Racer
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Lifetime Warranty
Smooth | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks
Not much resistance | | Similar Products Used: |
Cateye CS-1000
Tacx
Minura
Blackburn | | Bike Setup: |
MTB | | Bottom Line: | I got the lastest '99 Cycleops (it even says GRABER on the box). I read about all the leaking problems in the past. The guy at the LBS assured me that the problems have been fixed. He said they use a double seal now so that it doesn't leak. Well...it DOESNT WORK!!This trainer has a serious design flaw. The unit will not hold the fluid once it heats up. I returned my first unit when it leaked the first time I used it. The LBS was nice and gave me a new one on the spot. Sure enough, the second unit leaked just like the first. I brought it back again and this time I paid an extra $50 and got the fluid+ unit. Well, i rode this 2 times so far and it doesn't leak. I guess the fluid+ (variable resistance) unit is built differently and for whatever reason has less leaking problems. It may be because the unit is larger and doesn't build up the high pressure from overheating that the regular unit does.It's a good thing this trainer has a lifetime warranty...it needs it! In my opinion, this product should be recalled and the engineers that designed it should get their degrees revoked!OK...leaking aside.......This unit is fairly smooth. The large flywheel and fluid give it a good feel. Although, they claim to have the biggest flywhel, but I have seen other units (like the Tacx) with bigger ones.The second biggest disappointment was the resistance. I use a MTB which doesn't have super high gears like a road bike, so the resistance in the highest gear is still pretty low. I can just barely get my heartrate up to the target zone, and high heartrate training is impossible. I would need to change my gearing to get more resistance...but wants to do that?I exchanged the standard fluid for the fluid+. This fluid + option is a waste of money (except for the fact it doesn't seem to leak). The variable resistance settings (5 of them) feel all the same. Even on the highest setting it feels only slightly harder than the regular model. The lower resistance settings are all too easy.The frame of the cycleops looks sturdy, but actually it flexes a lot. It's hard to tell when to stop tightening. Also, the mounts for the axle only fit round skewers. I noticed on the fluid+ model that they changed the mounts....now the bike seems to sit way off to one side of the roller.OK..now the good points. The unit is quiet, although there is still a lot of noise from the tire, so in my opinion, it is as noisy as all the others.The unit is smooth, but not much smoother than all the others. I actually found the cateye to be the smoothest and offer a LOT of resistance (it has a disc brake).The small design is very handy, so you can bring it to warm up before races, or use it as a track stand...very cool!The platform is stable, so you can stand and hammer (if you had more resistance). Also, you don't have to look a your front wheel all the time like a roller, so you can kill boredom by watching TV.To sum up. I'd say this unit would get 4 stars if they fixed the leaking, and 5 stars if they added more resistance with handlebar actuation. As it stands, this flawed design get only 3 stars and it would get only 1 star if it didn't have the lifetime warranty. Now is that Company lifetime or product lifetime? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
LB
a Weekend Warrior
from LI NY
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mohonk | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Smooth and quiet | | Weaknesses: |
LEAKED all over the place. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale R-600
Sachs | | Bottom Line: | Bought the unit last year. Only used it during the winter and after a few months it LEAKED all over the place. I found out that the original company went bankrupt.
I eventually found out that Graber Products had purchased the company. Jason advised me to send the old leaky unit to the new company. Within 5 working days, I received not a fixed unit but a BRAND NEW CYCLOPS! Now that is customer service.
So far so good. Unit sounds quiet and smooth. Only time will tell. Hats off to Graber Products. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roy
a Racer
from broomfield, co
Date Reviewed: October 5, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Weaknesses: |
none now that Graber has taken over the CycleOps product! | | Similar Products Used: |
Blackburn Mag | | Bike Setup: |
MTB: Fisher Pro-Caliber,
Wicked Christina
Road: Bianchi XL-Pro | | Bottom Line: | I initially had loss of resistance and leaking oil on 2 different Fluid Plus units. Now that Graber has purchased CycleOps, Jason at Graber has upheld the original CycleOps warrenty and replaced both units. No more leaking or resistance problems, everything works great! Thanks to Graber and Jason for great product warrenty and a better non-leaking trainer!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Fielding
a Racer
from Boulder, Colorado
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Zig Zag, Steamboat, CO | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Quiet; the progressive resistance works fine. | | Weaknesses: |
Leaking oil all over my floor. Can't use in the house anymore. | | Similar Products Used: |
First trainer I've owned. | | Bike Setup: |
Serotta, Ti | | Bottom Line: | I felt good about it until it leaked oil and stained my carpet - it's still leaking. There was absolutely no product information in the shipping box so I don't know who to call. I purchased it through Mountain Zone and they don't honor mfg. warranties. I don't even know what kind of oil it takes or if I can even refill it. I expect it will die some day soon and I'll be out $240.00. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dark Star
a Cross-Country Rider
from Remington, VA
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
The Furnace | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Lots of resistance | | Weaknesses: |
None yet? | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 930 | | Bottom Line: | I just bought a Cycleops Fluid + from my friend. It's working great so far. Then I read the reviews on here. I sent an email to Graber since they now own Cycleops ask about the warranty coveage. This is the reply I got within 1 business day:If the unit leaks we will honor the warranty from Cycle-Ops. Be aware, that
there are thousands of Cycle-Ops trainers in use. The reviews you've read
at MTBR.COM are a small fraction of the trainers being used. Don't assume
it will leak because it was said it would on MTBR.******* *********
Customer Service Representative
1-800-783-7257
____________________________
Graber Products, Inc
5253 Verona Road
Madison, WI 53711
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Conn
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pattaconk | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Quiet | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR Elite
Trek 970 (setup for road and training) | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow-up review from the on I posted on March 13th. In that review I mentioned that CycleOps had gone bankrupt and status of my warrantee was unkown. Well out of the blue, Graber products (new owners of old CycleOps) customer service contacted me after reading my review in this forum.Through our discusions it was mentioned that they could not find any record of my return. However, Jason, the customer service representative, mentioned that since I had kept records of my return code, he will be sending out a replacement fluid unit.5 HUGE stars for Graber Products Customer Service
Can't rate the new product yet, but will follow up after a couple months of use. Therefore, an average rating of 3 stars | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arron Bilek
a Racer
from Mantiwoc
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the hard ones | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very Quiet. Lots of progressive resistance. | | Weaknesses: |
I burnt my hand on the resistant unit. | | Similar Products Used: |
Blackburn | | Bottom Line: | This trainer is smooth, quiet, and has a road like feel. Very pleased with the trainer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cush
a Racer
from Loudonville, New York
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Smooth, quiet | | Weaknesses: |
Bike not really stable enough. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
road bike | | Bottom Line: | CycleOps has been purchased by Graber Products, Inc. (makers of Graber and Saris racks) and they will honor the lifetime warrantee according to the guy I talked to on the phone. So far I am happy with my trainer and would recommend it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugh
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Quiet
Good resistance | | Weaknesses: |
I would opt for the Fluid+ with variable resistance if looking at purchasing. Sometimes found it difficult to attain proper resistance/torque combo. ie nasty hill while in lower gears | | Similar Products Used: |
Magnetic and Wind. | | Bike Setup: |
Mountain bike with slick on rear | | Bottom Line: | Used 6 times a week for 1 hour session. Product did not exhibit any problems with leakage as metioned in other reviews. I would recommend. Once again look for the Fluid+ as it would further enhance the resistance choices. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Racer-X
a Racer
from Rochester, NY
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Great resistance
Easy in/out of bike | | Weaknesses: |
Leaks all fluid
2nd trainer in two years! | | Similar Products Used: |
Kreitler rollers
Blackburn Mag Trainer
Cycle-Ops mag and wind | | Bike Setup: |
Road and ATB bike | | Bottom Line: | my 1st generation Cycle-ops fluid began to leak after a year, so I sent it back. After waiting 6 months for a new one (missed indoor winter training time) the new trainer makes a clicking noise each revolution. Not going to send it back b/c it will take too long. Just live with it or fix it yourself at the hardware store! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roy
a Racer
from broomfield, co
Date Reviewed: April 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
leaks oil, loosens on the axel during each ride. | | Similar Products Used: |
blackburn mag | | Bike Setup: |
lemond road and voodoo mtb. | | Bottom Line: | If you haven't heard, this company filed bankruptcy! I just tried to call their warrenty department to return this thing for the 3rd time, and there is a recording saying cycleops has ceased operation and file for bankruptcy. perfect. Now what to do with a leaking, 4 month old, $200 + trainer that has no warrenty??? | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.D.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Jersey
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Round Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Smooth pedaling.
Relatively quiet.
Good resistance.
Accompanying Cyclerobx video is a killer workout. | | Weaknesses: |
Too low to ground.
Right skewer holder wobbles under aggressive pedaling.
Longevity?? | | Similar Products Used: |
Minoura Inter-rim Mag | | Bike Setup: |
Hybrid w/ 700 tires.Don't want to keep swapping out slicks on my mtb. | | Bottom Line: | So far, this trainer is working out pretty well. Use it about 4-6 times/wk of varied spinning. And the workout video is great. But...the base holds the tire too low & left black marks on carpet. Now have to put 2x4's under base to elevate rear wheel. Also put rug underneath to protect against any future (?) leakage. Based on the previous reviews here, it's only a matter of time. Will give it 3 stars since it is presently serving its training purpose but it ruined my carpet w/ tire marks, the right skewer holder wobbles under aggressive pedaling, and there'll be no need to re-review it again w/ a lower score once it does leak since no one reading these present reviews should make the decision to buy one anyway. Although it was a pain to set up (lining up the rim drive), maybe I shouldn't have sent the Minoura back. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Memphis
Date Reviewed: March 17, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Super smooth | | Weaknesses: |
Piece of Sh*t | | Bike Setup: |
Tri-geek | | Bottom Line: | My storys' the same as the others. LEAKING UNIT! But the big question is since some of us already have these trainers with no way to return the leakers for replacement (if yours isn't leaking it will be soon) is there anything we can do? I've taken mine apart. The fluid that was left is unidentifiable by me though it looks like baby oilwithout the smell....thin and clear. I think I can seal the drum but I believe the leaking is around the bearings. I'd sure like to hear other's thoughts on this. If you haven't bought one - don't. If you have let's figure out how to fix them since the company is history. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bayside
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
I really like the adjustable resistance and smoothness | | Weaknesses: |
Resistance unit last about two months of hard use | | Bike Setup: |
road bike with continental grand prix tires | | Bottom Line: | The fluid plus trainer was only good for three months. Start looking for another one, once you feel the resistance start letting go. I heard the co. is going out of business.(too many faulty unit you think)Good trainer, but a lousy life span. Made it into a door jam. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Conn
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the fluid trainer for 1 1/2 years now. It developed a leak after just over 1 year of use (really only during winter months, so total usage is less than that). Called CYCLEOPS customer service, they said no problem LIFE TIME warrantee. Would be fixed in 10 - 14 days. After 4 1/2 weeks I called to find out the status. Get a message stating that they have gone BANKRUPT!!!!! The message mentioned that more information would be available after 3/15. BE Carefull dealing with them - or even buying their products until this is resolved.As far as the trainer goes, when it wasn't leaking I was very happy with it.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Dolan
a racer
from Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'll try to keep this short, since most other Cyclops fluid trainer (or fluid plus) have already stated the same thing. I bought a Fluid Trainer 2 years ago. The resistance unit leaked oil after 9 months (probably 2-3 months actual use time). Cyclops sent me out a replacement that was leaking in the box. Trainer number 3 arrived a month later, and they upgraded me to the Fluid Plus version. I got a year out of that one (actual use equivalent to about 3-4 months), until the seal blew again. Now I know that the future of Cyclops may be as questionable as their fluid trainers. I thought it was my bad luck (since I've been told by Cyclops staff that a fluid leak is rare---yeah right!!!). That is, until my friend told me his is on number 6 (all within the last 2.5 yrs). We are both waiting for our replacement units. We have both waited 5 weeks and counting!!!! As a VET Expert racer who has not ridden in 5 weeks, I am VERY FRUSTRATED. DO NOT BUY THIS TRAINER---> go for a mag trainer instead---it's not a smooth, but at least the technology is PROVEN and you won't spend countless months in the pre-season depressed over your latest trainer failure. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a racer
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
My 2 years experience with this product and Cycle-Ops has not gone very well to say the least. Originally, I owned a '97 Fluid trainer which I used infrequently until starting my '99 winter training. On 12/29/98, this unit failed during an intense workout by leaking a significant amount of oil from the resistance unit in a single workout. Due to incompatibility of the older trainers with the newest design, Cycle-Ops exchanged my trainer for the newer '99 design. However, this unit failed in the same manner on 1/19/99. Being assured by the Cycle-Ops customer service representative that these (2) failures were merely a coincidence, I was shipped a new resistance unit in exchange for my failed unit. On 2/21/99 the 3rd unit failed, again in the same manner! Upon calling the Cycle-Ops customer service number this time I find a pre-recorded message informing me that Cycle-Ops is closed for business until 3/1/99. Not willing to give up at this point, I used the Cycle-Ops online employee telephone directory to reach one of the (4) employees listed. After explaining my experiences thus far with their product and the disruptive effect it has had on my training, I am told that there is no way to replace my unit or even process the warranty claim for at least a week and a half and to call back at that time. So much for customer service! I would like to point out a that my trainer is set up correctly, as specified in the owners manual and I ride with a slich rear tire. I find it hard to believe that these failures are caused by anything other than a design or manufacturing defect in this product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lord rob
a weekend warrior
from chicago
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
well, i wish that my knee surgery worked as well as my cyclops mag unit does. i used to ride 150+ miles a week before surgery, than surgery brought 2 mos of bed, now i am riding a liesurely 10 per day and this bad boy is nice. i feel that i got kinda ripped off after reading others here i paid $213 after tax!!!! but its gonna be worth it when spring hits and im doin what i was. i have about 150 miles on it and no prob yet | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve vandermolen
a racer
from gravenhurst, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Purchased Fluid Plus in Jan.'98. Very happy for a few months. Resistance gave out in June. Phoned wholesaler who replaced trainer within 10 days. Very good service. However, since then the same thing has happened to 4 more trainers. The latest one lasted only 3 training rides before leaking fluid and losing all resistance!!!! Extremely frustating. In my latest return I dealt with a bike store who let me try a mag trainer from another manufacturer. To compare, I rode the cycleops fluid trainer he had in the shop. 5-10 minutes of spinning and I noticed fluid leaking from the drum and all resistance was lost. Thank goodness for the lifetime warranty.... but for this kind of money I expect a quality product and I dont think that is what I recieved. By the way, my mag trainer from the other guys has yet to give me a moment of grief.... and it sells for $200.00 dollars less. The whole experience has been quite frustrating since I use the trainer up to 5 times a week in the winter and 2-3 times per week in the summer for triathlon training. So each time this trainer failed I would be out of luck for about 10 days while the wholesaler shipped me a new one....except for this last time when I dealt through a bike store who gave me terrific service and allowed me to have a replacement immediately even though I didn't even buy my original trainer there (albeit a 2 hour return trip by car). I don't know what else to say, the fluid resistance, I feel, gives the best true cycling feeling. Its smooth and even throughout your pedal stroke... but the reliability of the trainer is ridiculous as far as I'm concerned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a weekend warrior
from Sydney
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
http://www.bicyclist.com/departments/9701/trainers/trainers2.htmlNever used it, but I will be buying a trainer soon and just doing a little research. Never saw a wind trainer 'til last week when I saw my friend using one to train for a triathalon. Why do I need an indoor trainer when I live in Sydney? I work long hours so I want too be able to tape my favourite shows and do some serious multi-tasking. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott Jaeger
a weekend warrior
from L'Anse MI
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got my new fluid trainer. Can't really give it a rating yet because
my 12 year old cocker spaniel won't let me ride it. Barks her head off. It
sounds like a air raid siren. Is all that noise coming from my trainer or
would a less agressive back tire quiet this thing down? The Rider with a pissed Cocker | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a cross-country rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the Cycleops Mag Trainer for more than one year. I have had no problems with it at all. My roomate recently bought one also, and is also very happy with it. Compared to all the others that I tested, I find that the Cycleops is the most stable, and has a high degree of resistance... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Thompson
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Mine started leaking after very little use. Stand also seems a bit flexy.
They want 30 words: I bought the trainer closeout, so reliability may be why
It is quiet, I can watch tv without headphones | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee morton
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Update to my last review, after waiting six months for a rebuild on my fluid unit Cycle Ops sent me a whole brand new '98 fluid unit and didn't ask for the fan loaner back. The new unit has significantly improved cooling capacity which should help the early failure problems. Back in the saddle and the new unit is performing well and very quite! After 400 miles on the new unit I have nothing but praise. Still waiting to see if the new design has better longevity. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim Duffett
a weekend warrior
from Newfoundland, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought a Cycle Ops Fluid Unit in October. By February it was leaking. LBS sent it back for replacement. After about three weeks received a new unit. Within a month it too was leaking. LBS took it back and gave me a credit.When it works it's an excellent trainer. Unfortunately, quality seems suspect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from NJ
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this trainer for about a year and it rocks. Ulike other trainers that I have riden this one dosen't whear down your tires and it is very very quiet. So for there have been hundereds of miles put on by my self and my roadi brother and we have ahd no problems with it. The only other one that i would consider buying is the Computrainer 3000. They bloth rock | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a racer
from Bozeman, MT
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had the fluid trainer since 1996. It just started to leak this past Feb. and Cycle-Ops is sending a brand new fluid trainer to me this week, but I have been really happy with it up to this point. The resistance is very road like and provides tons of resistance for interval sessions! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
E.F.G
a cross-country rider
from Davis,CA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After a number of calls and waiting a number of weeks they were able to send me a refurbished fluid plus unit which works great and is very quiet no more troubles with the apartment manger, the windtrainer unit they initially sent me was extremely loud. I was happy that everything was taken care of finally. Then out of the blue Cycle-ops sends me a new 1998 fluid model. The improvements made to the 1998 model are very evident this is one great trainer. I have to say I have a new respect for this company and their product. After a month of using the trainer I have to give it a rating of 5.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lee morton
a cross-country rider
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a fluid unit for either 3 months or 9 months depending on how you count. The fluid resistance unit crashed six months ago and I have been waiting on a replacement ever since. Cycleops did send me an air unit as a loaner. Cycleops is trying to solve a problem with the fluid unit and the new units are supposed to start shipping in the next two weeks.Warden, indeed you can swap the fan for a fluid. The fluid will add about two to three more gears to your workout. It bolts right in and takes less than five minutes, assuming you can get a unit out of Cycleops. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat Perry
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the wind version of your trainer. Is there a way to increase the resistance to the model I have without putting balloons or cards on the spokes (i.e. add an additional fan or fluid resistance unit)? Also, the fluid model I tested increased resistance as it heated up. Is that normal? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
warden
a weekend warrior
from pennsylvania
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I do not own the fluid trainer, instead I own the wind trainer, and my only complaint is that there is not enough resistance. Can the wind unit be replaces without buying a new trainer? Other than that, I am very pleased with the quality and construction of the unit. I just wish I could get more resistance from the wind apparatus | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich McCreanor
a racer
from Grand Junction, CO.
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The unit started leaking fluid after the second time I used it and after about 9 sessions it has lost resistance (due to fluid loss). I called service for a replacement unit and it has been awhile so I am not impressed. Disassembly of the unit shows there was a poor seal installation which caused one leak but it seems the fluid and seal materials are not compatible since the seals are being eaten up (all seals are leaking). There is also a poor design that secures the plastic bearing mount to the aluminum housing with sheet metal screws that are difficult to seal. The seals are standard supply items and I am going to repair this myself and select a fluid that is more compatible with the seals.The video is fun and when the unit worked, it was quiet and delivered enough resistance to train with. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billie-Joe-Bob
a racer
from Hickville, IA
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my fluid trainer for 3 years now and aside from a bolt rattling loose, nothing has gone wrong. I put some lockttite on the bolt and it has stayed put.
I find that it's quiet(relatively speaking) and gives plenty of resistance. It was a bit pricey at $200, but I guess that's what you pay for quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pico
a racer
from Boston
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the floor demo (the one on the picture).
It's perfect! It's a bit noisy when hammering but you can acheive a very good training. It's brilliant....BUT DON'T expect that it will last for ever...NOTHING last for ever.And for the 50 words: Here's a little song!
BABEBIBOUBU HE HE HE HE HE BABEBIBOBU........YEAPPI YEAHHH YEHHHH!
WAAAAAPico | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Estamos
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased the CycleOps wind trainer thinking that it would have enough resistance......wrong, so not only does it not have enough resistance but it is extremely LOUD....the only way to get up around the anarobic thershold is to turn a cadance of about 120 and then the bike tend to snail forward and I find myself getting off the bike to move it back in to place.....other than that I get a really good work out on it, I just wonder if I can replace the wind unit with a fluid mount, and if it is possible to damage my bike frame on this thing?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reece
a weekend warrior
from Mcalester, OK
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Fluid plus trainer this winter after having trouble with a my Minoura mag trainer. the Cycle OPS has been AWESOME and HARD! The video that came with it gives you a great workout as well. I have had no trouble with this trainer at all. It is quiet enough that you dont even have to turn the TV volume up to hear it over the trainer. Also, The 98 model does not look like the one pictured above. It is manufactured in a v shape and the fold up legs fold out to create the widest, most stable base I have ever seen on a trainer.
Rating: 5 chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dragan Kuzmanov
a weekend warrior
from Austin TX
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Although I do not have a fluid trainer, I do own a Cycle-Ops mag trainer. I have to say that I am greatly dissappointed by its construction. Whilst living in the UK, I had a TACX speedbreaker mag trainer, which cost approximately half as much as the Cycle-Ops and was a superior unit.Comparing the two -1) The TACX had a quick to use, adjustable over-center latch system for bringing the roller to the bicycle tire. The Cycle-Ops has what appears to be a modified carriage bolt.2) The TAXC had a handlebar or frame mounted resistance adjustment lever, which gave about 6 clearly defined steps of resistance. The Cycle-Ops has to be adjusted by rotating the clear plastic flywheel cover - and the adjustment has no clearly defined steps. It feels like a very cheap plastic ratcheting arrangement.3) The worst feature of the Cycle-Ops unit in my opinion is the flexibility of the mechanism that holds on to the bicycle's rear axle. No matter how tightly it is set, it allows the bicycle to flex (rotate) from side to side. The TAXC mechanism was far less sloppy.4) After less than 100 miles on the Cycle-Ops, the unit began to make a loud clattering noise. I think that this is caused by exessive end float, and by the flywheel touching the clear plastic outer casing.5) In it's favour, I would say that the Cycle-Ops has a very elegant steel frame, with a nice paint job.Despite all my criticisms, I continue to use the Cycle-Ops trainer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from Oklahoma City
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've never used any other trainer before so it's difficult to compare my experiece to others. However, I purchased the Cycle0ps Fluid-Plus, with the adjustable resistance unit. I'm extremely satisfied with the unit. I had some problems with it at first and cycleops promptly took care of it. They have an excellent product that works great, and some of the best Customer Service that I've ever experienced. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Starz
a cross-country rider
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding my Cycle-ops Fluid Plus now since Sept. and have had no major problems with it. It is generally quiet, easy to set up, and sturdy (read: heavy for little ole me to carry :) I can set it up in about 1 min. to use on a daily basis in my living room. The resistance unit appears to work well although I tend to adjust resistance more with gear shifting than the resistance unit itself. I ride mine with a road bike. I did have some paint chip off when I first got it, but that doesn't affect its performance. I was able to get my on sale from Performance. I give it 4 chillies for an overall good value.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevict Yen
a cross-country rider
from Berkeley. Ca
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I use and abuse the CO trainers on a daily basis and the units are flawless! Each trainer is designed for a specific type of training so know your riding/training schedule before you decide on a model. Fluid for progressive resistance, mag for linear resistance. CycleOps also makes a killer set of rollers. High quality and inexpensive! Great job CO. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G.F.P.
a racer
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Update... Cycleops sent me back the new resistance unit in 1 week, not bad! They did ask me to send the broken unit back to them but with as much as that thing weighs I think I'll let them pay for the shipping cost first. The last 10 rides on the trainer have been great, no problems. For this reason I think I can see to up my rating of the trainer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
G.F.P.
a racer
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the fluid trainer ('97) model at REI. Great price ($165), but was worried it was the floor model, after discussing this with the manager I felt all would be fine. It's only been here a month he said. WELL... After three rides (along with the video-and it is good- the resistance was shot. So I called cycle-ops and they are sending me a new unit in two weeks. Hey Thanks. The ride up to this point was GREAT, but now... we'll see. Sounds like many others have had similer problems. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a racer
from
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't have the fluid, but do have the mag unit. DO NOT BUT THIS UNIT!!!!!!! I used the mag trainer everyday during the winters, by the second week of since I had bought it, the damn thing starts to make a grinding sound (most annoying sound ever). I called and told the rep about it. Said one their former workers did not put lock tight on a screw, so the flywheel slipped. Anyways, they were prompt and sent the new unit within 2 weeks. Guess what? the unit broke again. To make a long story, short, I'm on my 5th, YES 5!!! Guess what it's grinding again!!! I guess I'll be on my 6th (they have a life time warranty). Service great, product SUCKS, DO NOT BUY THE MAG UNIT!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al Walker
a weekend warrior
from Keller, TX
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After a decade of using (abusing) a mag trainer, I opted for the Cycleops Fluid. I was initially concerned with not getting the resistence I'm looking for. Boy, was I wrong. The unit performed beautifully, and was absolutely quiet. The hub supports do not fit with standard skewers, and do not seem to fit well with old campy quick release hubs either. Check out the match with your wheels before buying. The Blackburn has a better fit | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Finley
a weekend warrior
from Canton GA
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
At first I found the trainer to be extremely loud. Called Cycle-Ops and they promptly sent me a new unit to mount on the frame, and Yeehaa. What a difference. Extremely quiet, plenty of resistance, and the quick release allows you to switch out another bike. Extremely happy with the unit, and especially happy with their customer support. Kudo's to cycle-ops. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve hart
a cross-country rider
from Atascader,Ca
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
works great if the retainer clip stays in. Cycleops definitly needs to improve the clip. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Lee
a weekend warrior
from San Carlos, CA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I found the Cycle Ops Fluid trainer to be extremely sturdy and well made. I purchased the Cycle Ops Fluid a few days ago and have been very happy with it. It is quiet (with a road slick mounted on the rear) and easy to set up. It took me about 15 minutes to set up and start riding. The ride feels very much like a road climb. The bonus Cyclrobx video that comes with the purchase put you through an intense 45 minute training with some of the top cyclist in the world. The Cycle Ops is great for off season training and during the rains. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Iken
a weekend warrior
from Windsor, CA 95492
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Cycle Ops for about a month now and with my work schedule
have only had the opportunity to log less than 10 hours on it. I initially liked how
quiet the Cycle Ops trainer was, but recently I have experienced a tremendous increase in
the amount of noise coming out of the unit. I will be taking this unit back to the shop and
exchanging it for another. . . . . I'll make my recommendation after the next try
as you probably would not like my initial impression of the quality. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chuck Ankeny
a weekend warrior
from Wayzata, MN
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride a rans V-Rex recumbant with a Shimano XT rear hub and found that the Cycleops did not function well at all with that hub. I have switched to the Performance Travel Track 3. Otherwise I think the design and function is excellent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Shultz
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I recieved it ('97 model Fluid Trainer by Cycle Ops)from Santa and am very pleased. Set-up took less than five minutes. It is as quiet as BICYCLE GUIDE's latest issue said it would be (very quiet!). I like the video that came with it and look forward to watching my ability to keep up with it improve. I did try several types and brands in stores before deciding on the Fluid Trainer. I am not into racing and probably won't be soon, so I don't need all the bells and wistles of the computerized models. I am happy with my decision. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Lenting
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Very easy set-up. The quick release makes it easy for my wife & I to switch our
bikes back and forth. Throw a pair of Specialized Fat Boy's on your bike and you have a nearly a silent trainer. Very smooth - very quiet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corey Haney
a weekend warrior
from Fairfax, Virginia
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Quiet and easy to set up. A real treat to get a few mles in the lousy cold weather and it folds easily for storage. Have not had any problems and the ease of use and set up really make the decision to get on and spin an eay one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jennifer Keyes
a cross-country rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
The trainer is easy to set up so I use it as often as I can however, it is designed for 27 wheels so if you have 26 it does not allow you much room for adjustments. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Karnes
a racer
from Powell, TN
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This trainer is compact and easy to set up. It is very quiet, much more so than
my bike. I did have to replace the resistance unit, but Cyclops did a great
job in making me happy with fast and courteous customer service. I had a new
unit in a few days, no questions asked, and the new one works great. I also
highly recommend the video tape for a short but very hard workout. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Francis
a Norba racer
from Campbell, CA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This trainer is easy to set-up with it's quick release lock. The resistance
is smooth and feels like climbing through road hills as I go to my heavier
gearing. It's quiet too... but my bike isn't. Thumbs up!
| | Overall Rating: |
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