I first got this in 2004 and put about 4500 miles on it. The wattage range that I was able to put out was never over 600 watts while sprinting. The bearings on the first resistance unit burned out in 2011 and they replaced it with a new one. The new unit was OK for about 200-300 miles then it started to give a lot of problems. Sometimes it will spin with almost no resistance, then it will tighten up and become very jerky and hard to pedal. Tapping on the resistance unit will knock out dust from the abrasion pad and then it will work better for a while. Took it apart to clean it and the internal parts actually seem to be wearing and there are grooves in the abrasion pad.
I contacted 1upUSA and they offered to sell me a new resistance unit. Since I have less then 600 miles on this one I feel that they should warranty it. I have also noticed that it's no longer easy to find warranty info on their site.
I'll be looking to buy another trainer for next winter and it will not be a 1upUSA. I'm dissapointed that it didn't last longer as I like buying products that are made in the USA. I just feel that a product that is this expensive should last longer, especially since most of it's use was in the easy range.
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Submitted by
Summers
Date Reviewed: March 5, 2013
Strengths: Well built, worked right out of the box. resistance is very good and feels like you're on the road. very little noise and was able to watch a program on the TV without cranking the volume. I'm not an expert but this trainer fills all my requirement and the cost was reasonable including shipment to Canada.
Weaknesses: At this point I can't really find any that would warrant a negative remark.
Bottom Line:
Made in the USA! It's nice when we're able to purchase merchandise that's manufactured
here in North America and the quality is light-years ahead of the stuff from China. I'm a 53 year old that was looking for
something that enables me to maintain a good level of cardio and ready for the up coming bike season. Here in Canada our winters are long and cold, this trainer provides me with a means of keeping fit. Highly recommended to any other middle aged folks looking for a well built indoor trainer.
Strengths: Straightforward design. Not too big. Beefy components. Easy to use. Good for road bikes which have high enough gearing to create their own resistance. Not too noisy.
Weaknesses: Back wheel of your bike sometimes comes loose. You have to adjust the holders just right. Too loose and it comes loose. Too tight and it comes loose because it wasn't quite tight. It would be nice if they had a "click in" feature where you turn the red lever until it clicks in signifying maximum holding ability.
Bottom Line:
I've had mine for several months now. Your mountain bike probably won't work very well on this thing. The low gearing of most mountain bikes won't allow you to build the kind of resistance you would like. This also isn't some kind of high-tech wonder that allows you to train for the Tour de France in the dead of winter. It is a good honest trainer that allows you to easily keep a reasonable level of conditioning off season. It should last for years. Its easy to use so you won't have any excuses if you get one.
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Submitted by
TennTrek
a Recreational Rider
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2012
Strengths: Smooth. Very quiet compared to other stationary trainers I've tried (fluid and wind).Extremely solid construction. Stable, though I agree with other reviews about the need to pay attention when mounting the bike as the unit can tip over backwards. The unit is just flat out beautiful to look at. Well engineered and a great value.
Weaknesses: None.
Bottom Line:
Best stationary trainer on the market
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Submitted by
MN Bike
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2012
Strengths: Very quiet ride, smooth, and feels like the road. Been using for a year and it is just like new. Easily set up and take down once you set it up the first time. And you can't beat the warranty! Tried a couple of others, but this one wins hands down
Weaknesses: Only thing to make it nicer would be a quick release on the flywheel, but really not necessary.
