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Bike Trainers | Biking Tribe

Category Archives for Bike Trainers

Bicycle Fluid Trainer: Buying Guide & Top 5 Reviews for 2017

Bicycle Fluid Trainers are apparatuses that enable users to attach the rear wheel of their bike to a stationary and stable location for in-place riding. Having grown immensely in popularity over the years, bicycle fluid trainers like a road machine as they are perfect for consumers who live in rainy climates, those who prefer a safer option to their beloved nighttime bike rides, or those who prefer getting a vigorous workout at home during anytime of the day.

With the influx of new fluid trainers available on the market today, consumers are presented with a wide range of top-quality products, many of which feature premium materials, plenty of extras and accessories, and are supportive of a variety of body weights.

Bicycle fluid trainers are easy to use and provide opportunities for intense cardio workouts. Conversely, resistance can be set to provide a more relaxed workout for those who are newer to exercising. Performance bike riders will love the ability to set resistances as high as 750 watts to engage in heart-pumping workouts rivaling the best real-road biking experiences.

If you are interested in purchasing a new bicycle fluid trainer, read on below to find out our top 5 picks for 2017!

1. CycleOps Fluid Trainer

Touted as providing the most realistic road-like experience, the CycleOps Fluid Trainer is not only distinct from the competition but also from many other products in its own lineup.

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Featuring fully encased hydraulic fluid providing immense amounts of resistance, the Fluid Trainer from CycleOps is worlds apart from its externally-existing variable resistance functionality found on other machines.

Promoting intense workouts, the Fluid Trainer’s internally encased fluid becomes hotter in temperature as a direct result of harder, more vigorous pedalling. Along with its powerband technology that is directly reliant on personal cadence and gearing, the Fluid Trainer offers anywhere from 20 watts to a whopping 725 watts of resistance.

CycleOps’ meticulously crafted machine has a specialized built-in cooling function that provides users the utmost safety and ensures a long-lasting and durable product that will continue to help users up their fitness game.

Product pricing

Product weight

Product dimensions

Less than $300

18 pounds

15.7 x 21.5 x 28 inches

PROS:​

  • Features highly convenient Quick-Lock mounting
  • Includes a customized skewer
  • Comes with a free climbing video to maximize your personal results
  • All-new larger-sized power wheel
  • Built-in cooling system for safety and long-lasting durability
  • Promotes intense workouts with increased watts correlated to increased speeds

Cons:

  • Priced higher than competing machines

2. VEVOR Fluid Resistance Trainer

Looking right at home in any sports club or gym, this all-black fluid resistance trainer features gleaming stainless steel accents and durable build materials that are reminiscent of industrial grade quality. With its overall density and superbly crafted construction, the VEVOR Fluid Resistance Trainer features a whisper-quiet operation with very little noise imparted during use.

vevor fluid resistance trainer image

Able to accommodate individuals up to 330 pounds, the VEVOR features what they refer to as “progressive resistance” that provides a realistic road-like experience for users. Its effortless operation is easy, self-explanatory, and enjoyable, in addition to being able to accommodate people of all fitness levels.

Product pricing

Product weight

Product dimensions

​Around $150

​26.35 pounds

​22 x 8.5 x 26 inches

PROS:​

  • Exceptional quality—heavy-duty, premium construction
  • Quiet operation with almost no noise during use due to noise-reduction roller
  • “Progressive resistance” for an authentic road-like experience
  • Transforms your bike into an indoor exercise cycling machine
  • Can support up to 330 pounds
  • Folds up into a compact position for easy storage
  • No assembly required

CONS:

  • Consumers have reported instruction manual is difficult to understand

3. OrangeA Fluid Trainer with Resistance Shifter

Created for serious riders, the OrangeA Fluid Trainer with fully-integrated resistance shifter is a product that consumers appreciate for its authentic road-biking experience, high-quality design that enables it to be used as a daily trainer day in and day out, and it's effortless and seamless ability to transform your regular bike into an indoor cycling machine.

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Utilizing a functional fluid resistance mechanism, users can moderate the levels until they find the precise degree of resistance they desire for their workout.

A great option for consumers living in rainy climates and those who prefer a safer method of nighttime riding, the OrangeA enables anyone to have a comprehensive cycling experience within their own home.

Adjustable fluid resistance, you can get the right resistance for your workout. It's perfect when the weather isn't ideal for outdoor riding or if you're just looking to jump on your indoor bike trainer at any given time. It provides the most road-like feel of any bicycle trainer. In essence, it's a resistance unit encased in hydraulic fluid.

Unlike cheap magnetic external variable resistance, on this fluid bike trainer—the harder you pedal, the hotter the fluid gets, and the more resistance you will experience. Ultimately, it will give you a real-world, road-like feel.

This fluid trainer offers a quiet design with heavy-duty construction, very low noise, and holds up to 330 lbs.

Maximum noise-reduction wheel roller, designed with heat dissipation fan, external flywheel facilitates smooth and efficient pedaling action

Wide, stable base provides solid performance during hard efforts, fits for most road 700C and 26"–29" bikes different size of wheel

Turn your bike into an indoor exercise bike, easy setup and quiet operation, designed for bikes with quick release rear axle,frame folds compactly for storage or transport

Product pricing

Product weight

Product dimensions

​Less than $300

​44 pounds

​57 x 9 x 31 inches

PROS:​

  • Adjustable fluid resistance to moderate resistance until at desired level for workouts
  • Included wheel blocks to keep the unit’s wheels locked, secure, and safe
  • Built-in cooling fan
  • Externally located flywheel for smooth pedaling
  • Wide-set base provides stability and optimal performance during vigorous workouts
  • Quiet operation with built-in noise reduction roller
  • Compact storage and transportation options
  • Great for those who live in rainy climates or desire a safer nighttime riding option

CONS:

  • Requires assembly. Some users have indicated the instruction manual is difficult to understand

4. Nashbar Fluid Trainer

Bright yellow and steel accents highlight an all-black frame on the Nashbar Fluid Trainer. With its sharp looks and professional construction, Nashbar has created a product that perfectly encompasses style, high-performance, and overall affordability.

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At a reasonable price of around $145.99, this machine is a great option for consumers looking for a fluid trainer that won't break the bank, performs exceedingly well, and has just enough of a pop of color to motivate users.

An all-new fluid resistance system from Nashbar utilized an inner flywheel mechanism that provides users with smooth pedaling. Switching up the gears enables users to obtain a more intense workout and vice-versa.

With its super-quiet operation, many users have noted that they can comfortably watch TV and listen to music while operating the Nashbar Fluid Trainer with no interruption whatsoever.

Product pricing

Product weight

Product dimensions

​Around $150

​42.1 pounds

​58 x 9 x 30.5 inches

PROS:​

  • Realistic, true-to-like pedal strokes
  • Internal flywheel system for smooth and quiet operation
  • All-new fluid resistance system design
  • Easy setup
  • Easy folding for storage and transport
  • Rubber feet to prevent scratches on floors
  • Rear-situated quick-release skewer provides a perfect fit to your bike

CONS:

  • Unit is slightly heavier than competing products

5. CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer

The newest version of CycleOps famed Fluid Indoor Trainer, the Fluid 2 has been heralded by many users as one of the best fluid trainer machines available on the market today.

cycleops fluid2 indoor trainer image

Currently, in ownership of boasting rights to the best-selling fluid trainer on the market, CycleOps has taken their original best-selling product and packed it full accessories and noteworthy improvements for a hugely enhanced user experience.

New additions include but are not limited to:​

  • Patented fan-operated cooling functionality
  • Now featuring heavy-duty 16-gauge steel
  • Newly redesigned adjustable footpads
  • Quiet operation at only 64–68 decibels

Product pricing

Product weight

Product dimensions

​Around $300

​10.43 x 13.39 x 17.91 inches

​21.5 pounds

PROS:

  • Includes sweat guard, training mat, and blocks
  • Stainless steel fabricated quick-release rear skewer for optimized fit
  • Precision flywheel for easy customization
  • Comes with PowerTap
  • Comes with PowerCal
  • Comes with Joule-style bicycling computer

Cons:

  • Top-tier pricing
  • Lighter weight means less stability during vigorous workouts
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For more valuable information on the different kinds of fluid trainers available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.

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With our crew of highly-trained specialists, we are among the leading sites online for information pertaining to bicycles, security, performance, and more.​

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Best Turbo Trainer: Top 5 Picks & Reviews for 2017!

If you live in an area where seasons happen and can’t always go outside and cycle around, then you should get yourself a turbo trainer. Turbo trainers are designed specifically to bring the outdoor feel of bicycling indoors. So, when it’s snowy, wet, or just a dreary day full of traffic, all you need to do is grab your bike and your turbo trainer with rollers and you are good to go! It is the perfect bike trainer solution.

Turbo trainers are easy to install onto your bike: You just need to attach the clamps on the trainer to the quick release skewer on the rear wheel of your bike; this makes it so that as you pedal, the rear wheel will turn and so will the turbo trainer rollers. Turbo training has never been easier.

Why Should You Invest in a Turbo Trainer?

You might think that they seem super boring or tedious, but that’s not true. They are a great tool to help you stay in shape during those days, weeks, or even months when you can’t go outside and train. Plus, it makes it safer for you to ride around during the winter or when there’s a lot of traffic. Imagine turbo training whenever you need to with the ultimate bike trainer.

You don’t just have to use turbo trainers when you don’t think it’s a good idea to go outside; you can use them all year round to help you train. They are an effective method of training because you can work on any specific fitness area and create a training session just around that one thing.

If you find that you are tight on time some days, but you really need or want to train, then you should consider purchasing a turbo trainer. They make it easy for you to cram in a 30-minute training session into any of your busy days. You won’t have to drag your bike outside and work your way around different areas of traffic, or feel like you can’t go the route you want to go because of time constraints—it’s right there in your house!

Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but they are a great buy if you are looking to train and improve your cycling abilities. If you do decide to go ahead and purchase a turbo trainer, here is a list of 5 of the overall best turbo trainers on the market that you should consider purchasing:

Kinetic Road Machine 2.0 Fluid Trainer

kinetic road machine 2.0 fluid trainer image

Price: $339.00

Key Features:​

  • Quiet, smooth, and the resistance gradually increases to match being outdoors.
  • Incredibly reliable
  • Fully assembled frame
  • Fits 22 – 29-inch bike wheels
  • Comes with a lifetime warranty

Pros:

  • Has a realistic road feel as you’re using it, which better helps you train for future trips outdoors
  • This trainer is built so well, the stability and durability of it are outstanding. You’re getting what you’re paying for
  • Easy to set up and start using!

Cons:

  • There are some complaints that this trainer is loud

JetBlack Z1 Pro Fluid Trainer

jetblack z1 pro fluid trainer image

Price: $349.99

Key Features:​

  • Comes with a lifetime warranty
  • Folds into a compact shape for easy storage and transport

Pros:

  • Incredibly easy to set up - the instructions are very clear, and the calibration of the trainer is simple
  • The quality of this product is astounding, plus it’s incredibly stable when you’re using it
  • You can easily change the resistance of this trainer by shifting between gears
  • This trainer is made mostly of metal instead of plastic, so you know that it’s going to last for a long time

Cons:

  • There aren’t any cons about this product, but perhaps the price

Elite Qubo Fluid Trainer with Riser Block and Sweat Net

elite qubo fluid trainer image

Price: $149.00

Key Features:​

  • Resistance increases as your wheel speed increases and this helps to match the roads that you would ride on outdoors
  • Increased range of leaning area and great stability options
  • High resistance levels can be obtained at low speeds - the flywheel is completely immersed in oil

Pros:

  • Set up is incredibly easy and quick to do, you just get your bike out and attach it into the trainer
  • The resistance is great for helping a cyclist train indoors, especially since it increases and you pedal faster
  • The quality of this turbo trainer is impeccable - extremely durable, stable, and worth the money

Cons:

  • It doesn’t roll as smoothly as other, more expensive trainers
  • Is rather noisy when you’re using it

CycleOps Mag

cycleops mag image

Price: $199.99

Key Features:​

  • Kit includes a training mat and a riser block
  • Creates little to no noise while you’re using it
  • There is a precision-machined alloy roller to help reduce the wear and tear on your tires
  • To adjust the tire fit, you only need to turn a knob
  • Made in the USA

Pros:

  • The price of this turbo trainer is competitive and contains everything that a trainer would need to train indoors
  • Set up is fairly easy to accomplish on your own
  • This trainer doesn’t make a lot of noise as other turbo trainers

Cons:

  • There isn’t a way to change the resistance levels on this trainer

Tacx Blue Motion Trainer

tacx blue motion trainer image

Price: $223.47

Key Features:​

  • There are ten different positions on the resistance lever
  • Universal fit for wheels with diameter 600 – 710 mm
  • Easy to assemble brake system
  • Maximum resistance is 950 watts

Pros:

  • A simple turbo trainer that is simple and easy to use
  • The fact that there are ten different resistance levels makes it so you can easily train for different ride types
  • The universal fit makes it so that you don’t have to worry about it not fitting onto your bike

Cons:

  • There really aren’t any cons for this product; it’s an overall good buy!

These trainers are a great investment, but which should you buy? The first thing you should do is look at your budget, how much can you afford on a trainer? Once you have determined that, think about your training needs. How often would you use it for training? Do you think that it could add to your training sessions and help you improve?

These are just some questions that you can ask yourself if you are looking through this list and wondering which you should buy, just figure out your needs and go from there!​

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Best Cycling Rollers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2017

Indoor training with a stationary trainer roller and resistance unit for your bike is one way that you can get in better shape and have a lot of fun while you’re doing it. It’s just like riding your bike out on the road, but it’s definitely safer and possible to do no matter what it’s like outside. Training in this way, helps you to improve your heart rate, Bike trainer cycling rollers allow you to hook your bike up to a machine that helps you move easily, with a little more freedom than a traditional trainer. You’re definitely going to have no problem getting the hang of any of these and hooking them up to your favorite bike for an indoor cycling session.

Kreitler Kompact Hot Dog 3.0

Priced around $450, the Kreitler Kompact Hot Dog 3.0 is a great bike trainer that provides you with just the right amount of resistance so you can get a great workout in. Made entirely in the United States, this system has 10” wide drums and work great for riders who are looking for a bit of a challenge. You get everything you need to ride, including a base that works well for 38” to 42” wheelbases. Designed to be lightweight and easy to carry around, this system is definitely a great choice and it’s going to be simple to use.

kreitler kompact hot dog 3.0 image

The drums and caps on this system are made with aluminum and are designed to give you a super smooth ride and to do it very quietly as well. The bike roller system is extremely sturdy and will keep you riding safely without having to worry about wobbling or other damage that could occur over time. You’ll get plenty of space and you’re going to get a realistic riding experience that you’re definitely going to love and that you won’t have a problem keeping up throughout the bad weather and the cold of winter.


SportsCrafters OverDrive Pro Rollers

Slightly lower in price, the SportsCrafters OverDrive Pro Rollers provide a smooth and simple surface that you’ll definitely be able to get the amount of resistance that you want and a whole lot more. The system uses a magnetic resistance process for harder resistance when you pedal harder, which is definitely a benefit for most. It also provides low-speed stability because of the setup and you’ll have smooth drums that still keep your bike right where it needs to be for safety. It’s also a quiet system that makes it easy to ride even when there are other people in the house.​

sportscrafters overdrive pro rollers image

You can easily fold up the system when you’re not using it so it’s ready to go whenever you want. This makes it simple to transport and also simple to stow away if you need the space. There are rubber floor protectors on the base that keep you from scratching the floor and the system itself is made of aluminum and steel, so it’s definitely high quality. Made in the United States, it’s designed to last a lifetime and make it much easier for you to get the workout and the experience that you’re looking for in riding indoors.


Elite Arion Mag Parabolic Rollers

With the Elite Arion Mag Parabolic Rollers, you’re getting a moderately expensive system that provides you with a whole lot of advanced features. This bike roller system offers 3 different magnetic resistance levels and parabolic shaped drums. This provides you with more control when it comes to riding and makes sure that you are going to get the intensity of workout that you’re looking for. It’s easy to adjust and setup and because it’s lightweight and foldable you’ll have no problem transporting it whenever you want. Not only that but you’ll be able to carry it with the integrated handle.

elite arion mag parabolic rollers image

There’s very little noise when it comes to using this system and you’re going to have less wear on your tires because it’s made with a composite plastic that reduces static and a whole lot more. It works great with any bike you may have including road bikes and mountain bikes and though it takes a bit of work to get over the learning curve, it’s really going to make sure you have a great workout and that you can ride while you’re doing anything that you want, which is definitely going to be a lot of fun.


CycleOps Alloy Rollers

The CycleOps Alloy Rollers are very simple but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not going to give you just what you’re looking for. They don’t have any kind of bumpers on the outside, which means you need to be careful when you’re riding so you don’t slide right off. They also have a very slick surface, which means you’re going to have no problem at all getting a smooth and fast ride whenever you want. Because they have a moderate size you’re also going to have plenty of space and you’re going to have everything ready to go when you open the box.

cycleops alloy rollers image

The bicycle rollers themselves are pre-installed and the frame can be folded and unfolded easily to make sure you have enough space wherever you are for your indoor training. The moderate price is great for those interested in getting a bike trainer system of this type and the aluminum makeup means that it’s going to be sturdy and ready for absolutely anything. There are five different levels of resistance and the entire thing is made in the United States. Even better, it has a lifetime warranty, so you know you’re getting exactly what you’re looking for and that the system is going to last for a very long time.


No matter whether you prefer to ride a mountain bike or a road bike, it can be difficult to ride during all parts of the year, but you’re definitely going to be able to do it when you have an indoor bike roller trainer. Just make sure that what you have is high quality and is going to stand up to the test of time. After all, you definitely don’t want something that doesn’t provide the right level of support or the right amount of resistance. With any of these rollers, you won’t have to worry about that.​

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The 5 Best Mountain Bike Trainer Reviews for 2017

Whether on a road bike or mountain biking, getting some exercise in is great for all cyclists. When you can do it right in your own home, however, cycling even better. After all, who wants to spend a lot of time biking during the winter when there’s snow and ice or if you live in a busy area with streets you can’t easily ride on? Though some cyclists use road bikes, mountain bikes are also a great way to train and rear wheel mountain bike trainers can help you with all of that and more. Even for the most novice mountain biker, using an indoor trainer can help you train in your own home, you’ll get used to biking over extended periods, and you’ll build up your endurance and capabilities.

With so many good indoor bike trainers available, such as rear wheel trainers, wind trainers, magnetic trainers, and fluid bike trainers with progressive resistance, which one is for you? To help transform your mountain bike into an exercise bike and improve your heart rate, overall fitness, and cycling skills, we’ve put together a review of the best rear wheel indoor bicycle trainers available.

CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great choice for those who love biking for indoor trainer exercise or those who want to be ready whenever the weather finally breaks. It uses hydraulic fluid to provide the right amount of resistance and has a precision-based flywheel which allows you to shift gears on your bike to increase and decrease the intensity of the ride that you want. The frame is also made of steel, which makes sure the bike doesn’t tip or even wobble while you go and it’s going to last a long time.

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You’ll get everything you need in the set including two climbing blocks, a training mat, and even a sweat guard. You can also upgrade to more extensive (and intense) versions of the system if you prefer. With this one, you’re going to have a feeling like you’re really on the road and you’re going to have a strong frame that lasts as long as you want it.

Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 Trainer

With the Kinetic Rock and Roll 2.0 you’ll have a simple-to-use system that will definitely make you feel like you’re riding on the open road. It’s more expensive than others, but it does have a sensor that lets you track your workout and training on the app and provides similar movement to being on the road. You’ll be required to maintain the proper form with this trainer and you’re going to have less upper body movement while you’re at it. You don’t get a riser ring to secure the front wheel and you’re going to have a little bit louder unit, but it’s still going to provide plenty for you.

kinetic rock and roll 2.0 image

With plenty of resistance and compatible with bikes between 24” and 29” wheels, this trainer gives you fluid resistance and plenty of power. It’s got some fun virtual reality features and a moderate weight that makes it easy enough to take with you if you need to travel and fun to ride anywhere at all.

Tacx Neo Smart Direct Driver Trainer

The Tacx Neo is definitely more expensive, but it’s going to give you a whole lot that you’re looking for. Primarily, it’s going to be virtually silent and it allows you to connect to a mobile device or use it on its own. You can increase the resistance to whatever you want by increasing your speed and you’ll get all different kinds of terrain going through the system as well. It’s great for those who really want to ride as much as possible even in the less than desirable weather of winter. What’s really great with this bike is you remove the back wheel to ride, which means less wear on your actual bike tires.

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This stand-alone fluid trainer is a little bit heavy and difficult to move if you find you want to change its location, but it will provide you with an excellent quality ride that you can enjoy for a very long time to come. You’ll also be able to get a very realistic ride no matter what the weather may be like outside. It comes with everything you need to get a great experience and can be folded up when it’s not in use so it takes up less space.

Kinetic Road Machine Smart Trainer

The Kinetic Road Machine Smart Trainer has a Bluetooth sensor that makes sure you know just what you’re getting out of the unit at all times. In fact, you’ll see power, speed, cadence, and the calories that you’ve burned so you can make sure you’re really getting the most out of this bike. It does heat up quite a bit over extended rides but uses fluid resistance and a cooling system to help with this process. The large tire roller diameter means that there’s less wear on your bike tire when you ride and it can hold a wheel from 24” to 29”.

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More affordable than many of the other options, this system can be a little bit difficult to assemble and it does take up a bit more space. You will have a great experience riding, however, which makes it great for those who really want a hard ride, like they would get out on the road. Some of the measurements may not always be ideal either, but you’ll still have a lot of fun and a good workout.

Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Trainer

Finally, the Blackburn Tech Trainer is great for those who want a more budget friendly option. It’s the least expensive of all of these trainers and it still gives you a great experience. It uses magnetic resistance and provides six different options for resistance. There’s even a remote lever on the handlebars so you’ll have no problem adjusting the level you want. The steel frame can be adjusted to the right height for you and the legs swing out to increase stability.

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This trainer can work with just about any bike and it’s going to get you what you’re looking for without a lot of added frills. It’s definitely a bike trainer that’s great for those who are just getting started or are only moderate riders.


There’s no reason that you can’t bike in your own home and use it as a way to get plenty of exercise. These tools are actually quite easy to use and attach your bike and they’re super small too, which means that they don’t take up too much space in your home. You can easily hook up your bike and get started when you want and then you can easily put it away whenever you’re done. It’s definitely an exercise tool you probably haven’t thought of much, but it will definitely work well for any purpose.​

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