Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I didn’t pay for the one I have, but if I did, I would be extremely unhappy.
The newer models don’t have the crank style handle shown on this model for good reason. I broke mine twice. The first time the factory sent me a new one, the second time I was so frustrated, I decided to buy a new, better trainer. The stationary plate that connects to screw that raised the resistance mechanism bent. The handle on the end of that screw stripped. It didn’t provide enough resistance to get out of the saddle to simulate climbing. The resistance mechanism makes a clicking noise. The unit wasn’t level and I felt that I was leaning to one side. I was surprised how heavy it was. When moving from one location to another, the folding legs can be a finger pincher.

Strengths:
I had a wind trainer and moving to a fluid trainer was a big step up for me.

Weaknesses:
Durability

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $300.00 at highlandpark cyclery

Favorite Ride:
riding up glenside mountian in NJ

Bike Setup:
cannodale 6/13

Summary:
I have the original trainer after two months I noticed a leak I spent how much on this give me a break. Returned it with no problem sold the new one on ebay.

Strengths:
it has no strengths it broke

Weaknesses:
to heavy & leak after

Similar Products Used:
I get my training on the real road

Price Paid:  $224.00 at cardiocorner

Bike Setup:
2003 Gary Fisher Tassajara

Summary:
This is my first trainer. I was going to settle for the Cycleops Mag+ but after reading the reviews on the 2008 Fluid 2, I stepped up and bought it. This Trainer will not disappoint you. Real smooth and Quiet. I like how the harder you pedal, the more resistance it gives you for that road feeling. Great for off season spinning.

Strengths:
Quiet, Smooth, Compact, Great Resistance, road-like feel. A must have unit for the serious cyclist.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Monte Belle (REI Jap

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere with a mild temperature

Bike Setup:
'07 Cannondale System6 full Campy record '07

Summary:
I bought this unit with high hopes. I just rode it for 10 minutes tonight, and thought I would post my initial impression.

My first thought: "Boy, these welds look cold, as in not good."

The fluid unit was able to give me a good workout, but I was chunking away in top gear. It is a quiet unit, and I like that. The resistance unit seems to be good.

The rest of the unit seems cheap, and as stated above, has some poor bird crap welds. My bike also seems to lean to the left. I am going to try to ship the stand up with something, but I shouldn't have to for $300.

Overall, not too impressed, but I needed something to train on over these cold Japan winters. I am getting to fat sitting around!

I would recommend you closely compare all products in this category prior to biting off on this trainer.

Strengths:
Solid feel, fluid resistance unit seems solid and quiet so far.

Weaknesses:
Welds look like seagull crap, unit isn't level out of the box, bike leans to the left requiring shimming. UNSAT!

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Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Lemond Croix de fer

Summary:
CycleOps Fluid 2. took it out of the box, put the bike on it, 10 minutes into my ride, the rattle noise starts. REAL annoiying. Didn't we pay the extra cash for silence?

Strengths:
The only strengh I see so far is that I didn't have to pay for it myself (xmas gift).

Weaknesses:
noise, noise, noise