CycleOps Mag Trainer

Price Paid:  $190.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Point Moon Run

Bike Setup:
09 Fuji Roubaix PRO - stock thus far

Summary:
I was looking for a good overall value in a trainer, and feel I found exactly that. I use it fairly aggressively, for interval and steady ride training, and cannot outrun the mag. its very stable, easy to use, and of apparently solid overall build. I'm able to easily use the bike to adjust the resistance while riding with the trainer set in its highest resistance. From the feel of it, I can't imagine I'll need more resistance from the trainer itself. Its not quiet, but I can easily hear any dialogue in the movies or traning DVD's I watch, without annoying others in the house. Maybe it would be a bit too loud if I was in an apartment building, but maybe not. I also really like the Real Rides DVD that came with it. So much so, that I bought the other Real Rides (Power) and would buy more if they made them.

Strengths:
price for overall qualities/value
stability
ease of use
kicks my butt when asked (pretty often)

Weaknesses:
not quiet

may potentially have upper limit of resistance, for the extremely highly trained rider

Similar Products Used:
none, possibly clouding my judgement

Price Paid:  $140.00 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Favorite Ride:
specialized

Bike Setup:
Specialized hybrid.

Summary:
I was looking for an above average trainer and talked to many people and researched the internet.I chose this one because of the loyal customers and good reports.I was not disapointed.This is a very good Mag Trainer.It's strong and quiet.

Strengths:
Gives a nice strong workout.Much quieter than others I've had.

Weaknesses:
None to speak of.

Similar Products Used:
Gym products.

Price Paid:  $175.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Mt.Hamilton

Bike Setup:
I use my touring bike on the trainer, an 04 Bianchi Vigorelli.

Summary:
Overall product accomplishes what it was designed for. I have been training on the off season with it and have been able to bring my performance up to a new level. The drawback of this unit is the quality. The bolt stripped after 2 months of use. The upside was that customer service was very friendly, didn't ask any questions and sent out a replacement bolt and nut within a week. The unit is a bit loud at high RPM. But for the money paid, I think it is a good buy.

Strengths:
Fair price, Cycle Ops stands behind their product

Weaknesses:
Loud at high RPM, Quality - fair/low

Similar Products Used:
only trainer used

Price Paid:  $219.00 at REI

Favorite Ride:
Stone Mountain

Bike Setup:
cannondale synapse 6

Summary:
Price is a little high at $219. I bought this trainer so I can keep riding when it's raining or it's extremely cold. I had it for over two weeks now (right in time for the winter), and it gives me good work out in my garage. It can be a little nosy but I have no problem listening to my walkman while riding on it.

Make sure you don't tie up the mag unit too much since it will kill your inner tube. A little bit loose will not decrease the resistance since the difficulty levels are controlled by your bike gears.

I will give it a 4 for over all value for it gives me adequate work out in-door.

Strengths:
Control difficulty through bike.

Weaknesses:
A little noisy.

Price Paid:  $150.00 at Foothills Cycling

Favorite Ride:
on the road

Bike Setup:
Trainer bike is Rossin with old Campy Chorus, Cateye computer with cadence and hr monitor.

Summary:
This is for the updated Mag unit that CycleOps states has increased resistance. Smooth and quiet at lower speeds. Develops some noise above 22 mph during workouts. Overall, it does what I need it to do which is allow me to work on spinning and establish my foundation for the coming season. Sprint work is for outside.

Strengths:
Sets up quickly and provides adequate resistance for all but the hardest sprints.

Weaknesses:
Gets pretty loud during interval sessions.

Similar Products Used:
Performance Peakload mag trainers, racermate wind trainer (after 20 years, it still works)