CycleOps PowerBeam Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought my CycleOps Power Beam Pro in January of 2009 and I have put hundreds of miles on it since. Getting all the sensors (heart rate, cadence, speed, power) calibrated takes some time, so don't expect to simply hop on and ride. Once you've set it up, you can control your workout right from the display panel on the handlebars -- no getting off to adjust resistance.
The computer will keep you working at a constant power output regardless of your speed or cadence -- this means very high torque at low speeds and the rear wheel can "chatter" as is slips against the resistance wheel. Just pick up the pace a few miles an hour and it will go away.
You can program in detailed workouts with the software at hand, but I haven't done so. The software also downloads your workout history and provides statistics. It has bugs however; my heart rate data drops out leaving huge gaps. My heart rate displays accurately and reliably on the unit, but the data fails to transfer over to the software on my laptop. I wrote Saris about this but got no reply. It would also be nice if the data format would allow you to export to other formats such as [...], or Garmin without going through a .csv file first.
I can't complain about customer service however. My resistance-adjustment bolt broke while I was shipping it. I wrote and asked for a new one (explaining it was no fault of theirs). They promptly shipped me a free replacement.
HITS:
Adjustable resistance on the fly, real time data on speed, power, heart rate, cadence, distance and time, data analysis capability via software, portability and customer service.
MISSES:
Pricey, Complex -- set up is not for the faint of heart, data drop-out in the software, proprietary data format (clunky exporting). The display unit, while functional, looks like it came from the '80s -- it lacks the slickness of say a Garmin ForeRunner unit. No back-lighting means it can be tough to read the display in a dark garage or basement.
Bottom line, I love the quality of the workout, and being able to dial a slope or power level. If you want to analyze your workouts, this is the trainer for you. Glad I bought it.

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The PowerBeam features built-in PowerTap hardware, and offers real-time feedback on your power output. The PowerBeam will even self-adjust the resistance to maintain the desired target power setting. The resistance can be manually adjusted via a wireless handlebar console, and custom programs can also be uploaded via CycleOps' Power Agent 7 software. The PowerBeam resistance unit offers sustained resistance of over 1300W making this unit suitable for all but the most elite athletes.Please note that this model, the 9460, does NOT include the Joule 3.0 computer.

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Elite Parabolic PVC Folding Rollers Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I've spent about 15 hours of training time on these and while it made it easier to learn to ride rollers, they fell apart causing me to crash off hard snapping the frame apart. The parabolic shape of the drums makes these ideal for beginners and since Elite knows people looking to learn to ride rollers will be constitute the majority of customers they should have built them to withstand even the most severe of crashes. Since they are relatively new Elite should be replacing them under a warranty claim or I'll be replacing them with Kreitler Alloy Rollers.

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Unique parabolic shape of the PVC drums helps to control and center rider on rollers. Folds for easy storage, Fits wheel bases 37"-43". Front wheel stabilizer sold separately.

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Cycle-Ops Fluid 2 Pro Pack Trainer Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm in the military, currently studying at West Point, and recently took up cycling as a competetive sport. Since it is starting to get cold and I don't have the money to buy cold weather clothes, so i decided to invest a little money in a trainer. After extensive research, i decided to get the cycleops fluid2 mainly for it's high resistance power curve to improve myself for the spring season.
After my first workout on the trainer, all i have to say is that this thing is a beast. I used the included Criterium workout that came with the trainer, and I couldn't go past the 4th largest cog for more than a minute near the end. Totally smoked from that workout, which is a good thing. The best part of the trainer is the fact that it has the quick release for when you're done with your workout. I haven't used a trainer with a knob, but it would probably suck cranking it tight enough for it not to slip.
Setup was a complete breeze, except that there was a rock or some mineral or something in the thread for the quick release which slowed my setup down to 40 minutes trying to get the stupid thing out. Other than that, the setup shouldn't have taken more than 10 mintues.
The extra money spent on the blocks, mat, and sweat catcher thing are really worth it though. I had 3 big puddles of sweat on the mat when i was done after 40 minutes of spinning. Seeing as sweat is corrosive, the sweat catcher probably absorbed another puddle of sweat that could've damaged my bike.
All around, it's a great set and worth the money if you're willing to spend the money on it. This is my first trainer, and I didn't want a cheap trainer that would break after my first year of use and as a warm-up tool before races. Can't go wrong with cycleops.

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New Pro Pack Includes: Fluid 2 Trainer, training mat, Bike Thong, 2 Climing Blocks, and training DVD. Trainer: Exclusive Power Band technology offers the widest resistance range without ever touching the unit. Power tuned new larger flywheel for improved road-like feel. Infinite resistance curve ensures increased wattage as you increase speed. Self-cooling mechanisms, including a patented fan design, keep the unit performing better, longer. Training DVD included.

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Kreitler 3.0in Complete Roller Set Review

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(More customer reviews)After long research on rollers and trainers, I decided a roller would be more entertaining to use over the winter. Reading reviews, the Kreitler roller got nothing but praise for quality, performance, smoothness, and quietness. After using it everyday for over a month now, I confirm all the above and then some. I bought the 3" inch version for the more intense workout and boy is it ever. It feels like you're on a perpetual hill. I thought the unit was pricey, but the quality is obvious and nothing good comes cheap. Highly recommended.

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Train indoors on Kreitler's 3in Complete Roller Set when snow's on the ground and kill it come spring. Not only will you be in riding shape, but your bike control skills will have improved, so you can stay straight at any speed on road and trail alike. These three-inch rollers provide 40% more resistance than Kreitler's 4.5-inch rollers. Choose from rollers with alloy or poly end caps.Product Features
Material: [Drums] aluminum alloy; [End Caps] alloy or polycarbonate [Frame] tubular steel
Recommended Use: Indoor training
Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

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Minoura Action Roller Advance Wide Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought these rollers because the weather where I live is just terrible. We get 100+ summers and dry, frigid winters, so rollers seemed like a great option for me. I'm not a professional cyclist by any means, but I still think this is a great purchase.
The Good:
For the price, these are an awesome deal. The materials are high quality, and it was easy to assemble (took about 20 minutes).
They're relatively quiet.
Accommodates my 700cc bike easily.
A lot more fun and involving than a stationary bike, so time really flies by!
Folds up easily for storage.
Haven't had any rubber come off my tires! (I've seen videos where this is the case with other rollers)
The Bad:
This can be said about any rollers, but there IS a learning curve. It only took me about an hour to really get the hang of it, but there were some spills along the way. It's a lot easier if you have some kind of step to get on because you can easily lose your balance otherwise.
The website claims that since the diameter of the rollers is shorter than conventional rollers, there is more resistance when pedaling. Supposedly, it's comparable to cycling against a slight headwind, but I don't really see it that way. There might be some more-than-expected resistance when starting out, but once you're going over 10 mph, it's smooth sailing.
Verdict:
Love 'em. Great price, great quality, great investment. If you're thinking about buying rollers, these are a great starter set.

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80mm drum, wide type, frame only, new color

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CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's silent except for the sound of your tire rolling over it, and completely stable. There's really no need to buy the next more expensive one. I haven't felt the need for a mat. And the resistance truly is road like except without the bumps and traffic lights. It's a constant effort though, so you will get more of a work out in 45 minutes on the trainer than you would in double that time riding on the road.
You will want to accessorize however for a few reasons:
First of all, riding a trainer is the most boring thing ever. At the very least you will want to be listening to music, and ideally you will want to set up a TV to watch while you're putting in your time getting nowhere fast.
If you don't have water bottles and cages on your bike, this is the time to get them, and also a good way to practice drinking from them while riding.
You will sweat buckets, and don't want to soak your bike and the floor with it because sweat is highly corrosive in addition to being stinky, so in addition to the roughly $300 you will pay for this trainer you might as well spring for the the "Bike Thong" which Amazon also sells (with Free Super Saver Shipping) for about $22 (cheaper than CycleOps sells it for, and they don't give you free shipping). The bike thong will protect your bike from all that corrosive sweat and it comes with a handy pocket organizer to hold your TV remote control, iPod, Clif Bars or whatever you might want handy. Trust me, attempting to cover your bike with a towel wont work nearly as well either for the bike or you as you try to keep it in place.
You should also get a fan to blow air on you as you ride your trainer.
As for a climbing block to raise your front wheel for another twenty-something dollars, I've been using an old sandle and that has worked just fine. The first few times riding with the sandle under the front wheel I keep turning involuntarily, but got used to it. Honestly, I feel the climbing block is a waste of money, and that for the price of the trainer it should have been included.
This trainer does come with a DVD, but I haven't watched it yet because I don't imagine the most beneficial and boring task of riding a trainer every day is going to be made more beneficial or interesting by having someone tell me what to do. Instead, I recommend a DVD of Breaking Away or Top Gun--so you feel like you're flying.
Last point: if you're really into cycling rather than simply doing this as exercise, the bike trainer will help your technique. Any amount of wiggling around, or most any bad cycling habit, it soon eliminated after being amplified by your time on the trainer. You will also hear your bike better, and notice all those squeeks and strange clicks that you couldn't hear while riding for real (personally I feel a bike should purr).
Love it. Highly recommend it.


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The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer features a new larger flywheel with twice the inertia for an improved, road-like feel. The power-band technology offers the widest resistance range--from easy spins to lung-burning climbs--without ever touching the unit. The infinite resistance curve ensures increased wattage as you increase speed for realistic statistical analysis at the end of your ride. The Fluid 2 is surprisingly quiet, and the self-cooling mechanisms--including a patented fan design--keep the unit performing better, longer. Includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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Kurt Kinetic Road Machine Indoor Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the Kurt Kenetic two months ago, and am thrilled with its performance and quality. If you are considering purchasing a trainer, fluid trainers are the way to go. Basically, there are four major types of trainers: Magnetic,Wind, Rim Driven, and Fluid. The later is the best, hands down! Fluid resistance trainers are more quiet, smoother and more realistic than any of the others mentioned. The only drawback to the fluid trainer is that over time they can leak resistance fluid. There are three companies that have solutions to this drawback. I highly recommend that you research all three and test them out where possible. A good review page is Roadbikereview.com . The CycleOps Fluid 2 is ultra smooth and quiet. They have a limmited warranty on thier products, but are known for standing behind their trainers for life, and will fix any issues probably for life! The One Up Trainer has all the advantages of a fluid trainer, but uses no fluid in its designe, it is made in America and carries a life time warranty. The Kurt Kinetic, which I decided to purchase, is IMHO, the best because it utilizes a sealed fluid unit and therefore is guranteed not to leak. These three units are roughly the same price, around $260.00. Steep? Think of it this way, This product is going to be your companion for many winters, so don't buy a loud, crappy one with crappy customer service! You'll regret later that you didn't spend the extra $75 or $80 on a quality product. I also tested the Blackburn Fluid, $100 bucks cheaper, not bad for price, but since it is new to the market I was unsure about durabillity or how well they stand behind thier trainers after warranty expiration. I have heard amazing testimonials of how Cyclops, Kurt, and One Up, have replaced parts and even whole trainers, no questions asked! Google these three companies and see for yourself.

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Tested and rated the best by the Cycling press and loved by riders, it's no wonder the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine indoor trainer is the official bicycle trainer for the USA Cycling Team. It's quiet, smooth, leak-proof, and offers an ultra-accurate simulation of outdoor riding. Powertap calibrated, the fluid trainer automatically adjusts resistance as you change speed.

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Sun 20" Wind Trainer for Bicycles Review

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(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this Wind Trainer so that I could ride indoors during bad weather. Several things need to be noted:1. The instructions are on a 5x8 ' paper and the drawing does not match the item. 2. The written/types instructions are so incredibly small that it very difficult to read. 3. The instructions talk to things that are either already done (pre-assembled) or non-existent. 4. It is impossible to mount the bike on the trainer if ytou have (a) a rear fender installed (this must be removed) or (b) have a rear rack (the bottom screws of this must be removed to install the bike on the trainer).
Had I known this, I would have looked at other trainers. I own a SunEZ1 recumbent and enjoy it a great deal. I expected similar quality from Sun regarding the trainer but have been sorely disappointed. For $150 I feel that Sun has TOTALLY screwed me. I am seriously considering returning it.
Buyer Beware!!!
Try other brands and if you can, take your bike to a shop and check for easy fit. The Sun Wind trainer is NOT and easy fit.

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Forza F-1 W/Remote Home Trainer. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I did a little research online and read that this is a decent budget trainer. That's my conclusion too. Seems to me it's one of the cheapest to feature a resistance control - really useful as you can mimic real-life riding with hills etc. The equipment seems good quality and was very simple to set up. It comes with an axle spindle which might be useful for you guys with modern bikes with quick release wheels. It confused me, at first, as it doesn't fit on my old 80s bike - instead the clamps just squeeze against the wheel nuts. The unit is not silent - as loud as an electric juicer when you get it up to speed (so only 4 stars) . I watch TV while pedaling and have to use headphones. You'll need a simple stand for the front wheel (about $10) in order to keep the bike level.

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Forza F-1 W/Remote Home Trainer. Bring your bike inside on the long winter days, hot summer days and those washout rainy days. The Forza trainer gives you the ability to ride your personal bike in a climate controlled environment in the exact same riding position you would be in out on the road or trail! ? Handlebar mount six position variable resistance lever. ? Fits handlebars from 22.2mm to 31.8mm. ? Smooth and powerful magnetic resistance unit. ? Heavy duty frame construction.

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Minoura Action Advantage Rollers Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The rollers are easy to assemble. Took me about 5 minutes. If you are a beginner youll definately want to start off next to a wall. once you get goin about 10-15mph its much easier to stay stable. Also there is a fork mount you can purchase which my girlfriend uses, because she doenst have all that much balance. I will say I felt pretty good about three to four times, before finally using the wall to help me keep my balance. The rollers are much better than the stationary trainers. I tried the stationary trainer and got very bored and very quick. on the rollers however, you have to keep focused on keeping a straight line, the rollers have also improved my wattage output and have made my pedal strokes much more smoother.
If your looking for a bike trainer to ride in the winter, rollers are definately they way to go!

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Trainer

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CycleOps Wind Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have an older mag trainer that I used to use for indoor workouts. I pulled it out this season to use, but became disappointed with the performance since I would have to get off the bike to adjust for more resistance. I did some shopping around for a replacement, decided on this one. It's well built and gives a great workout with progressive resistance. Now I don't need to get off the bike when I want to go harder, it can be done by pedaling faster and shifting gears. The progressive resistance is closely emulating what you'd feel on the road.
It's not as noisy as one reviewer states. Yes, it's noisier then a fluid trainer, but not much noisier then my old mag trainer. There was a strange noise when I first used the trainer, but that was overcome by tightening the bolt on the resistance unit's axle. Once tightened the noise coming out of the trainer was just like a wind. The faster the wheel moves, the noise does pick up, but not to the point you can't hear a stereo or TV.
I chose this model over a fluid model for a couple of reasons. First, the axiom that simpler is better is true here. No fluid leaks (which is an issue with this company's fluid models). All parts look like I can diagnose the issue and get it fixed without having to go back to my fluid dynamics textbooks from grad school. The second reason is price. A trainer's lifespan is measured in hours of use, and may only last a season or two. I'd rather replace one of these again then to pay $350-$400 every couple years.
I didn't buy another mag trainer even though they've improved since my last one was built, with remote shifting and sturdier components. One issue with mag trainers is that at some point, you'll surpass the magnet's force and all of a sudden be coasting. Not fun if you are in the middle of a sprint. Also, there is no coasting on purpose, so you can't ease up every now and then without the wheel stopping.
I suggest you invest in the riser block for your front wheel, and well cushioned gloves when using a trainer like this one. Sitting in one position for an extended time like you do with these trainers requires some comfort measures to be in place.

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The CycleOps Wind Trainer is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer is a solid performing trainer that is easy on the pocketbook. With a simple and elegant design, the Wind Trainer's fan uses air to create a smooth, even resistance. The vortex blade design is high-powered, but produces very little noise. You'll be pleasantly surprised with this entry-level trainer's extra-wide range of progressive resistance and remarkable frame stability. The die cast zinc fan blades also double as a heavy flywheel for fluid stops and starts and a more road-like feel. The trainer includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)A trainer is better if it closely replicates an actual cycling experience. Hence, the graduating complexity and cost of fan, magnetic and fluid drive trainers. The more you pay, the closer the experience is to replicating the inertia of what happens in a real ride. You want the trainer to feel as if it takes more exertion to get up to speed, but also want it to "coast", when you stop pedaling. This trainer is a mag drive, and does a good overall job, but doesn't coast well. I find myself pedaling all the time, as if I were hill climbing. That's OK for getting exercise, but not good for getting in a sustained ride. Those brief periods of coasting help the muscles recover and allow longer ride time. I could stop entirely for short periods, but that's not how I want to ride. I do use the gears to vary pedaling speed, but can't use the high gear and standing to vary the working muscles enough on the trainer; the resistance doesn't go high enough for that. I haven't tried a fluid drive, so don't know if it would be much better. I suggest trying a trainer somewhere before buying. All said and done, I would probably buy this same trainer again, as it is solidly built and with a smooth tire on the bike, quiet enough. Now, if someone put a 20 lb weight on the spinner...

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The CycleOps Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer helps keep your legs in shape, even during the winter months. The indoor trainer is designed with magnet brakes and utilizes a unique, internal flywheel that provides a smooth and quiet ride. The resistance lever has five different settings so you can vary your workout from warm-up stage to tough-terrain riding. The sturdy steel frame has leveling feet for stability, while the foldable legs allow you to easily set-up and store the bike. The indoor bicycle trainer comes with an informational DVD.

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CycleOps Mag+ Indoor Bicycle Trainer Trainer with Bar Mounted Remote Shifter Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a pretty good trainer for the money it costs. It does make some noise, but its not unbearable: the TV is still audible.
It was somewhat difficult to set up: make sure your back tire is tight against the roller - if it is slipping at all it will wear down in no time.
Even so, it does seem to wear down my back tire pretty fast, so I am thinking of getting a wheel with a Continental tire made for trainers.
I got the model with the remote, but have not really used it. The remote is hard to set up (both on the magnet and on the bike), and it keeps falling off.

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The CycleOps Mag Trainer+ is a great way to keep your legs in tip-top condition during the off season. While many cyclists dread the indoor training season, ensuring proper bike set up will make any workout more comfortable and enjoyable.
This trainer's unique design incorporates a flywheel for a remarkably smooth and quiet ride. The five setting adjustments will vary your workouts, and help you keep fit during the winter months. The Mag+ comes equipped with a bar-mounted remote shifter that allows you to adjust the resistance on the unit while you train. The trainer includes a training DVD to help keep you motivated during your indoor exercise.

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