Can you be more specific in what you mean by stationary bike stand? Are you referring to a maintenance stand or a stand used to prop the bike up?

 

Like a spinning type bike stand. For stationary excercise.

 

Those are called “trainers” FYI

 

That bike isn't going to be great for trainer use, especially with trail tires on. I tend to leave my mtbs dedicated to trail riding and have an old bike dedicated to the trainer. If you want to use the Middlechild on the trainer, you'd likely want a direct drive trainer with the appropriate adapters to run a boost thru-axle.

 

Saris sells direct drive trainers but you will need to buy a thru axle adapter through them so you can mount your bike to it.

 

Actually he won't need that adapter for direct drive trainers (like H3). It is needed for Saris basic trainers which kind squeeze the axle from the sides...

 

If i were to go with a non tire driven trainer, what's the least expensive option? And what do the more expensive ones offer over less expensive?

 

You could probably just get a complete used 'exercycle' for less and not embarrass your poor mtb.

 

Edited my original response, I can't read apparently.

 

There are some on Amazon around $100 with decent reviews. No personal experience with them. I haven't looked at the wheel on trainers in a long time, so I'm not really sure. Smoother, better built,more quiet, although your tire and drivetrain have a lot to do with noise. I think some of the higher end have a power meter. Don't quote me on that. Don't listen to the trolls, nothing wrong with putting a MTB on a trainer. I have my hardtail on there right now.

In the comment you quoted, the OP said "non-tire drive," which equates to direct drive. You'd be super fortunate to get a direct drive trainer for $100. Used direct drive trainers can be found for like $500.

There's probably not much money to be saved buying a conventional trainer, plus a spare wheel, tire, cassette, etc. versus buying a used direct drive smart trainer. A used exercise bike could be a viable option that bypasses all that.

 

Hmm. I think i'll look into the saris trainer. Though excercise bikes are less expensive... one more beneficial than the other?

 

Smart trainers are cheap comparing to smart excercise bikes (which cost $2000 and more). The main benefit of smart trainer is being able to use it with apps like zwift. You get rides / workouts with accurate power measurement and simulated hills, descents etc. Indoor biking is boring but these features make it somewhat manageable .

 

Odd forum to place this thread in. Tools? Maybe Indoor Trainers?

 

I had it in general. The reason i did so is i figured id fell in a "general" thread but also because it looks like the indoor trainer forum hasn't been touched in months.