Best "dumb" trainer

[Clydesdale]

I have been asked for a recommendation from a friend and since I have a fat bike for a trainer, I need some help.

Looking for a plain basic good quality trainer for someone who just wants to get some indoor riding done in the winter. I'm not sure how much use it will get and probably sessions not longer than an hour. Leaning toward Cyclops or Kurt Kinetic.

Suggestions? Thanks

[cmbicycles]

If you are looking for a fluid trainer, the Kinetic trainers are supposed to have fewer issues with developing leaks, especially if looking at used. On the other hand I've had a cyclops fluid for 15 years with no issues, albeit mine is usually under utilized.
Craigslist can be a good place to find dumb trainers for cheap as many people upgrade to smart trainers.

[Nooch]

second, third, and fourth the Kurt Kinetic.

[KonaSS]

Kurt - coming from someone who used to go thru a trainer about every other year, my Kurt has been going strong for 5-6 years straight.

[TunaAndBikes]

Looking for a dumb fluid trainer as well and i'm converging on the Elite Power Fluid Ritmo.

[shovelhd]

Kk.

[berserk87]

Sometimes a great deal on Craigslist falls into your lap. I scored a Kinetic fluid trainer in great condition for $50 a few years ago. I use it for TT warmups.

I also have the Rock n' Roll version, which is not so portable. Both are top notch. I HATE being on a trainer, but these take some of the edge off of my angst.

[false_Aest]

Kurt is awesome. I've had one for 8 years with no problems. They also have an "upgrade" that lets you measure wattage if you're into that (it's like $90).

[AngryScientist]

at this stage, going used on one of these is almost certainly the way to go, especially if it's volume of use may not be very much.

since the advent of smart trainers, there are a ton of cyclists who are ready to move their old units on. i have the cyclops fluid trainer, and it has been excellent, but i too, have moved on to a smart trainer for the winter and interactive use. i would say you cant go wrong with the cyclops or the kurt.

[zlin]

Kurt Kinetic so far so...tolerable for indoor/garage just to keep moving. Tell them to keep an eye on local ride/Facebook groups for people getting rid of them cheap as they upgrade.

[Gummee]

I'm going to say 'CyclOps Hammer' and get a great dumb direct drive trainer

M

[Peter P.]

All from the Souix City area Craigslist:

Central Iowa Craigslist (https://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/bop/d/blackburn-bike-trainer/6373995502.html).

Gretna, IA. (https://omaha.craigslist.org/spo/d/cycle-ops-stationary-trainer/6385915972.html)

I actually bought one of these (https://omaha.craigslist.org/bik/d/blackburn-indoor-trainer/6336526292.html) for my sister from eBay and had the opportunity to try it before I gave it to her. 90% of the Kurt Kinetic's performance (I own one) at 1/3 the price. I was amazed at how smooth and effective it was.

Kurt Kinetic (https://omaha.craigslist.org/spo/d/excercise-bike-trainer-use/6357520574.html).

There are even more. There's no need to buy new as people are unloading these all the time.

So I highly recommend the Blackburn mag trainer as a high performance bargain. Get the Kurt Kinetic if you want high performance and are willing to pay more for the quality and reputation.

[superbowlpats]

just do yourself the favor and save up for a smart trainer. then you wont have to justify why a dumb one is just as good. because its not.

[simplemind]

Okay, dumb question...if you have thru axles, how would you attach to one of these older units, or is it a non-issue?

[Dirtdiggler]

I have the not so dumb CycleOps 9400 electronic trainer.. Could sell if interested.

http://www.qbike.com/product/c/CycleOps-Electronic-9400-Trainer-CycleOps-Electronic-Trainer.shtml

As for bike with thru axles, CycleOps has an adapter for their trainers.

[sitzmark]

For the stated purpose - Lemond Revolution direct drive. Out of production so your friend will need to search eBay and Craigslist. Easy to set up/use.

[sun]

Kurt Kinetic or Cycleops Fluid on Craigslist.

[Luwabra]

LEMOND REVOLUTION is BA for real ive had multiple kurts and the lemond is the most realistic road feel ive encountered.

[Gummee]

Okay, dumb question...if you have thru axles, how would you attach to one of these older units, or is it a non-issue?

They make TAs that have 'nuts' on both ends for trainers.

M

[Gummee]

LEMOND REVOLUTION is BA for real ive had multiple kurts and the lemond is the most realistic road feel ive encountered.

Its a good thing you're shouting. Those things aren't the quietest things out there

M

[Luwabra]

Gummee your right - if you have babies sleeping DO NOT GET the Lemond Revolution. its stupid loud but w headphones its fine

[CunegoFan]

CycleOps Super Magneto:
- Progressive resistance
- As quiet as fluid trainers
- Four resistance curves
- Pretty good road feel