resistance trainer advice needed

[d_douglas]

As baby is coming in a few weeks and I anticipate MUCH time spent at home this winter, I need to buy a resistance trainer.

I had one years ago that was ridiculously loud, heavy and awkward, so I vowed never to own one again, BUT the time has come that I need one. I am a year round rider, so this will not be my only riding - I just need to do this rather than watch TV or surf the web or cry because my baby isn't sleeping!



Can anyone suggest a CHEAP QUIET SIMPLE trainer to buy?

Are these ones any good?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15262

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30009

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39510


I want to keep it under about $150. I live in Switzerland, so availablility may be a bit different than in the US, but the same products will be available, I am sure.


Thanks for any suggestions - your urgent replies are appreciated!

[dekindy]

If you want quiet drop the wind trainer from contention as the first two are better choices. Quality should be good on either one. I have a KK Road Machine that is quiet. I had a chance to try it at the LBS to verify sound level. However it is more than your budget.

As baby is coming in a few weeks and I anticipate MUCH time spent at home this winter, I need to buy a resistance trainer.

I had one years ago that was ridiculously loud, heavy and awkward, so I vowed never to own one again, BUT the time has come that I need one. I am a year round rider, so this will not be my only riding - I just need to do this rather than watch TV or surf the web or cry because my baby isn't sleeping!



Can anyone suggest a CHEAP QUIET SIMPLE trainer to buy?

Are these ones any good?

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15262

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30009

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=39510
LOUD

I want to keep it under about $150. I live in Switzerland, so availablility may be a bit different than in the US, but the same products will be available, I am sure.


Thanks for any suggestions - your urgent replies are appreciated!

[Peter P.]

If you want quiet, DO NOT GET THE WIND TRAINER.

I have no experience with the other two models, so I can't vouch for them.

Mag units are reasonable quiet and offer plenty of resistance.

I like Blackburn products because they have great customer support.

If you can, spend the extra cash and get a Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer. On par with the mag units for noise, built to last a lifetime.

The only caveat regarding noise. There are two things you should be aware of: noise and vibration. Mag and fluid units are so quiet that for example, you won't need to turn up the TV while training. Low frequency vibration will be a problem. I speak from experience. If you ride on the first floor, people on the second floor will hear the low frequency rumbling. Carpeting is not an effective vibration damper. If you can, set your trainer on concrete.

[stephenmarklay]

I just picked up a KK Road maching used (like new) for $225. I would just save your $. It would be very frustrating spending a lot of time training on a poor machine.

[d_douglas]

See - I am so old school that I called it a 'wind' trainer!

So, Kurt Road Machines seem cool, but they look like Blackburns. Were some models made for Blackburn BY Kurt? If so, which ones?

It is easier to buy a Blackburn product here in Switzerland.

Thanks for your feedback!

Darren

[cdn_bacon]

Minoura RDA 80 Rim Trainer
With Remote

Rim Driven Unit - 850 Gram Flywheel
The ONLY solution for knobby tires, does not require you to change the rear tire.
Ideal for users who split their training time between indoors and outdoors, or use a trainer for pre-race warm ups
Quieter than wind-fun and fluid trainers.
No excessive wear of your tires
Does not damage the wheels of your bike
Anti-vibration feet reduce noise
7 levels of resistance to choose from via DIAL CONTROL
Fit to any bikes with 24" to 27" and 700C wheel.
Heavy-duty oversize frame offers incredible stability & support while exercising
EMS Ferrite magnets offer improved resistance range (low to high)
Machined Non-Slip rollers (require at least 8mm vertical sidewall height on the side of your rim)
Includes Steel Q.R. Skewer (Non-Remote)
Foldable for easy transport and storage
Made in Japan

Can use whichever bike you want. I swear by mine. My wife bought me mine and I love it.