What To Look For
Bike trainers come in three types: fluid, wind and magnetic. Wind trainers provide resistance similar to actually riding on the road with the disadvantage of being very noisy. Fluid trainers provide a smooth indoor ride. As the internal oil heats up it gets sticky, naturally increasing resistance. Magnetic trainers offer an in-between solution. They are not as expensive as a fluid trainer but not as noisy as a wind trainer.
Fluid trainers offer the best workout. Kurt Kinetic Pro Trainer offers interchangeable fly wheels allowing you to change resistance and load for your workout. Cycleops high end magnetic trainers include software to track heart rate and a mid-workout ability to change resistance.
Common Pitfalls
Noise and tire wear provide the largest drawbacks. Smoother tires will reduce the hum that comes with an indoor trainer due to tire wobble. A perfectly trued rear wheel will also reduce errant noises. A separate rear wheel allows you to change back wheels for indoor training and be able to quickly hit the road on good-weather days.
Trainers provide minor resistance adjustments by clamping the rear tire. Never leave your bike clamped in the trainer when not in use.
Where To Buy
Independent bike stores often offer several price points of trainers. Many will allow you to test a model out. Internet shopping offers the widest variety with many brands offering direct purchases from their websites. Unfortunately, ordering online does not allow you to check it out in person.
Cost
Indoor trainers start around $100 for low-end models and go up to $500 for professional-quality models. Good fluid trainers run in the $300 to $500 range with magnetic and wind trainers offering the $100 to $300 range.
Comparison Shopping
Different models have slightly different clamping styles. Not all trainers will work with all bikes. Make sure your rear hub will clamp in securely.
Type of resistance matters in smoothness of ride and quietness. If you do a lot of indoor riding, the extra cost of the fluid trainers are well worth it. For those who wish to occasionally pull out the trainer, a magnetic trainer works fine with a little more volume in noise.
Accessories
Find a few good DVDs to play while riding. Stationary biking gets boring quickly without something to look at. Some places offer book stands to mount on your handlebars, allowing you to catch up on your reading while pedaling away.
Insider Tips
The ride should feel smooth, not choppy. On a good trainer, when you stop pedaling, the wheel should slow quickly but not jerk to a stop. A front-wheel mount will fasten to your front forks without the front wheel attached. This prevents a flat spot from developing in your front wheel.
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