Spin Cycle vs Mag / Wind / Fluid Trainer

[Dave R32]

Hi Guys,

Is a spin cycle a good training aid or am I better off upgrading to a better trainer ?

Currently I have a very basic Jetblack trainer which has no adjustable resistance.

My wife is getting into cycling as well and as she is much shorter she cant use my bike on the trainer and hers is not compatible due it not having modern QR wheels. So the adjustability of the spin cycle is attractice, as is the fact that I dont need to set it up every time I want to use it.

I have a budget of around $600.00.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Cheers
Dave.

[Alex Simmons/RST]

Kurt Kinetic road trainer. Has its own skewer I think.

Here are my considered summary thoughts on trainers:

Don't bother unless:

- it has at least a reasonable flywheel to provide some rotational inertia. heavier the better.

- you also purchase a monster fan, as good cooling is vital and makes a huge differece

- you really are going to use it (most trainers end up gathering dust in the shed/cupboard/garage/corner)

I would avoid magnetic and low quality fluid units. They are demoralising to ride.

[colafreak]

I would avoid magnetic and low quality fluid units. They are demoralising to ride.

+1

The ratio of power to wheelspeed is linear (not exponential, like the road) and it's quite frustrating and unrealistic. If you're handy you could get your power to RUN a big fan which would kill two birds with one stone, keeping you cool and giving you that exponential power curve.