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Bike Trainer Reviews | Biking Tribe

Category Archives for Bike Trainer Reviews

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.

orangea fluid trainer resistance shifter image

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.

nashbar fluid trainer image

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
bicycle fluid trainer image

For more valuable information on the different kinds of fluid trainers available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.

biking tribe image

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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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.

cycleops fluid 2 trainer image

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.

tacx neo smart direct driver trainer image

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”.

kinetic road machine smart trainer image

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.

blackburn tech trainer image

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.​

Smart Trainer

Smart Turbo Trainer Review

Like real wheel, neo smart, and fluid trainers, smart turbo trainers are a great tool for cyclists and their bikes for a great workout in order to maintain their conditioning in the cold winter months and to prepare for races or cross-country tours. In recent years, leading Cycleops, Cadence Sensor, and Elite Supercrono have created brand names like turbo cycle trainers have undergone a major innovative shift with the integration of smart technology.

Smart turbo trainers make cycle training with bikes more fun, engaging, and convenient for bikers all over the world. This smart turbo trainer review is designed to educate bikers on the added benefits of use, as well as the top products on the market.

Turbo trainers are the elite method of a good workout for cyclists. They are small, reliable, and convenient to use in one’s home. The design of a traditional trainer implements a stand for the back wheel, which connects into an adjustable resistance unit. Riders can change the resistance based on their training regiment and moment-to-moment needs.

Bike TrainerThe designs of these units are mainly mechanical in nature, and therefore, require the user to stop riding in order to adjust the unit’s settings. Smart turbo trainers, maintain the design integrity of the best turbo trainers and implement a wide range of smart technology capabilities, benefiting the user in numerous ways.

What is a Smart Turbo Trainer?

A smart turbo trainer is essentially a turbo trainer—but better. These elite trainers are designed for cyclists to engage in a fully-focused training session, using their own bike from the location of their choosing, just like a traditional turbo trainer.

Tacx Satori However, smart turbo trainers perform a range of additional functions to work out resistance levels and many other things, from sending stats on your session to your computer or mobile device to enabling virtual community training features with other riders all over the world. Smart trainers are, generally, sorted into two categories…

Half-Smart Turbo Trainers

Half-smart turbo trainers are designed with wireless electronic communication ability and sensors which measure speed, distance, and other general specs. These units are able to send this information directly to the user’s phone, computer and tablet automatically.

These units are excellent for bikers who are new to turbo trainers, but they lack the sophistication and convenience features of a fully smart unit.

Fully Smart Turbo Trainers

A fully smart turbo trainer will change the way you train and how much you enjoy doing it. Users have complete control of the smart turbo trainer from a downloadable mobile app, allowing them to control the unit remotely. With a smart turbo trainer, you can raise and lower the unit’s resistance with the click of a button, as well as engage with other real riders.

The best smart turbo trainers are designed with ANT+FE-C capabilities, which allows for the user to track their speed, heart rate, and power output, as well as to interface with the units control settings. Cyclists can even connect up with other riders online to race or cruise together, using apps such as Zwift.

Tacx Satori Smart TrainerSmart Turbo Trainers combine the best elements of cycling and virtual gaming to make your indoor training much more productive and enjoyable. Fully smart trainers have the ability to link up with a piece of software, which will tell the trainer when to change the resistance and by how much, automatically.

Combined with Zwift, riders can hook it up to their TV and be able to see the course on which they are riding, just as in real life. The resistance varies in conjunction with the terrain of the course, providing an incredibly realistic and satisfying experience.

Smart Turbo Trainer Review

To take advantage of all that a smart turbo trainer has to offer, you will want a mount on your bicycle’s handlebars to hold your phone or tablet. If you are using a laptop, it is recommended that you have a laptop tray that stands tall enough to easily reach from a seated riding position on your bike.

In this way, your smart turbo trainers will give you the most convenience and functionality during your ride. This smart turbo trainer review will give you a reference point on some of the best products available.

Wahoo KICKR Indoor Bike Trainer1. Wahoo KICKR smart trainer

We chose the Wahoo KICKR smart trainer, as the best smart turbo trainer reviewed overall. This trainer is the top of the line and features all of the bells and whistles that a rider could ask for.

The Wahoo KICKR is great for cyclists who want a trainer that accurately simulates the sensation of riding on the road.

Design and Features

The Wahoo KICKR provides the user with a state of the art, customizable, unique cycle training experience. This smart trainer is designed to measure the rider’s power output straight from the hub, which is a uniquely individual product feature of this unit. The user can control the KICKR smart trainer from their iDevice, Mac book laptop, Windows PC, or tablet.

The Wahoo KICKR implements a “wheel-off” design, which attaches the user’s bike to the trainer through a direct-drive system. This eliminates the added wear on your tire, as well as maintains an accurate power reading.

It features Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility and is perfect for linking up with virtual bike trainer accounts, such as Zwift. Coming in around $1300, the Wahoo KICKR is made for serious cyclists who appreciate master craftsmanship.

2. Tacx Satori Smart turbo trainer

Tacx Satori Smart TrainerFor those who are serious about training, but are interested in a lower price bracket, the Tacx Satori Smart turbo trainers come in around $400 to $500.

Less than half the price of the Wahoo KICKR, the Tacx Satori delivers all of the required features expected from a smart turbo trainer, plus more. This is the best smart turbo trainer for heavy-duty cyclists on a budget.

Design and Features

Designed with a magnetic resistance drive, the Tacx Satori features 10 levels of resistance. This unit is Bluetooth enabled and communicates with all computer and mobile platforms, including Mac, Windows, Android, and iDevices.

Users can sync their wearable smart technology, such as heart rate monitors and smartwatches with the trainer to incorporate as much user data as possible. Although this unit does not feature an automatic resistance control, the manually controlled magnetic resistance handle is easily accessible while sitting on the bike.

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