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October 21, 2020 By Mike H.

CycleOps Fluid 2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

CycleOps Fluid Trainer

The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is a great mid-range priced indoor bike stand trainer which allows you to workout indoors while the weather outdoors is not so great.

CycleOps is part of the Saris Cycling Group that was started in 2006 and they are specialists in indoor bike trainers and have a great range of products available along with parts and accessories to make your CycleOps trainer more comfortable.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

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Features and Specifications

The CycleOps fluid 2 trainer is based on a fluid resistance unit which basically uses a rotor in side a tube filled with silicon fluid to create resistance. A fluid resistance unit gives much smoother and linear resistance compared to a magnetic or wind resistance unit. The trainer provides the “power band technology” allowing for a greater range of resistance that works automatically with the bikes own gears instead of having an additional leaver attached to the unit.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

It also has a cooling mechanism which stops the unit from overheating and increasing the lifespan of the bike stand trainer. The CycleOps Trainer also has a larger flywheel than other trainers to increase the road like feel.

The unit is made of very solid 16 gauge steel and is very stable and firm in use, which cannot be said about some cheaper trainers.

The unit is not assembled when shipped so you will have to take car of assembling it. Fortunately the assembly is easy and can be done in less than 15 minutes.

The adjustment of the rear wheel against the resistance roller is made with a very handy tightening mechanism which will click when you have tightened the adjustment to perfect tightness.

The noise level is quite reasonable, especially when compared to a wind trainer, which can be really loud. This is a big plus if there is a change to disturb others or if you want to for example watch television while exercising.

The resistance is adjusted by changing gears on your bike, the trainer itself does not have resistance adjustment.

The main product features in a nutshell:

  • Large flywheel for the road like feel
  • Infinite resistance settings
  • Increased wattage
  • Cooling mechanism to stop overheating

Pros

This is a great looking indoor bike trainer, quite often they are made looking cheap and tacky with bright colors but the bronze design looks very upmarket. I like the curves on the trainer instead of solid straight lines which also make it look a great unit. Other benefits include:

  • Quiet operation.
  • Smooth and realistic resistance
  • Well built with high quality materials
  • Durable
  • Easy to assemble and use

Cons

My only dislikes are the size of the actual fluid resistance mechanism which makes the unit particularly bulky and heavy as this unit appears does not fold away for storage.

User Feedback

The User feedback is very positive. The general consensus is that this trainer is extremely quiet and the automatic resistance setting is very user friendly. Also the fact you can change the bikes gears allow you really simulate outdoor riding and use the range of indoor cycling videos that are available.

However some of the negatives being identified are its relatively short life span, the fact is vibrates after around 15mph and the resistance settings are quite low so are not great for advanced riders. And there a few comments that the instructions are a bit too simple and makes the unit harder to set up than others. But these reviews are more individualized as opposed to the universal view.

Conclusion

Because of the price and size of the unit I believe this would suit the more advanced cyclists who require speedy resistance changes due to cycling at high speeds. The CycleOps 2 Fluid Trainer comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty according to the manufacturers website.

I give this trainer four out of five stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

March 9, 2020 By Mike H.

Cycleops Magnus Review

CycleOps Magnus Smart Trainer

After using (and breaking) bike trainers for about six years I have come to the conclusion that the most important quality of a trainer is its reliability and durability. The Cycleops Magnus Smart Trainer does not disappoint at that front and has nice high-tech features to boot, so it was a pleasure to review this smart trainer.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale

If you want to see our top recommendations see our main article on bike trainer reviews.

Features and Specifications

FRAME                                           

First and foremost, a trainer must be reliable, strong and sturdy – as we want it to last for a long time. Less plastic usually means stronger durability.  This trainer uses the CycleOps Classic Series steel frame which pretty much guarantees an incredibly sturdy frame that you can rely on for many years to come. The life time warranty offered by Cycleops is a nice bonus. The frame’s clutch knob ensures that there is a perfect amount of roller to bike tension. Your biking experience will be consistent and will run with the same resistance setting each time.

COMPATIBILITY

CycleOps Magnus is compatible with most road and mountain bike frames. It fits 650b, 700c, 26”, 27”, and 29” up to a 2.0 tire.  It also has a quick release skewer and 3 setting for rear dropout spacing in 20mm, 130mm, and 135mm.  It will never require you to endlessly spin the tightening lever and try to find an exact spot each time. 

NOISE LEVEL

Many bike trainers are now advertised with a decibel reading, so you can compare one against another. Noise level is pretty low for this trainer as its noise level is 69 decibels at 20mph – a tolerable noise for indoor use compared to many other products that we have reviewed.

RESISTANCE

The type of resistance your trainer has will have a direct impact to different components of the trainer.  The responsiveness that reduces the dead time of this trainer is due to the very responsive electromagnetic resistance. It ramps faster than most trainers in the CycleOps smart series.

In my opinion Cycleops has stepped up its game as the the unit offers accuracy and realistic feeling, mimicking the road experience for a smooth road simulation. If you prefer a wind trainer but want the same quality you can check our Cycleops Fluid 2 review.

TECHNOLOGY

Today, more and more trainers and spinners are becoming “smart” much like everything else in the world. That means you can buy trainers incorporated dual ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart transmission.  With the Magnus trainer, it is already possible to integrate with trainer apps like TrainerRoad, Zwift, among others for virtual training.

For added control, you can add a cadence sensor to be able to detect your cadence. Even though Magnus trainer requires assembly, it won’t take more than 5 minutes as it has clear manual and quick release skewer.  Setup will never be an issue later on.

OTHER

Magnus smart trainer is PowerTuned with PowerTap technology to give +/-5% accurate power readings. Also, to get the most out of this trainer, you will need to calibrate it for 10-25 minutes by pedaling.  For detailed guide on calibration, you can use the CycleOps VirtualTraining app and go to Settings then “Virtual Bike” then “Trainer settings”. Find your trainer then under “Special Functionality” click on “Calibrate Trainer”. You can also use the other app whichever one you are using is fine.

PROS

There are a lot of reasons why Magnus smart trainer is a smart buy.  First, it is sturdy and strong. Its been made with great considerations to safety and convenience. With all the actions you will be doing in your trainer, you need to be assured that you are on a stable surface that can take all your pedals and spins.

Aside from that, it is lightweight and portable. Finding a storage won’t be a problem since it is collapsible and can easily be stored anywhere.  It only weighs 20lbs/9kg – almost a half lighter than most smart trainers. It is the perfect partner if you usually move from place to place. It is also ideal for families or groups with members having their own bikes. 

Since CycleOps Magnus fits almost all kind of bikes, mounting and dismounting will be hassle free. For its price, it is definitely a great deal considering it has all you need for a smart trainer.

CONS

The flywheel weight has to do with more road-like feel. However, Magnus has a smaller flywheel at 2.6lbs/1.2kg.  This might affect simulation experience if you really want it to be really road feel like. Yet, a lot of bikers tend to focus more on the accuracy that the road like experience. In the end, a trainer is just trainer! No trainer is made 100% just as real as the road bike.

USER FEEDBACK

Users seem to be generally very satisfied with the CycleOps Magnus trainer. It can be setup easily and gives a quality experience.  It is also easy to connect and pair with apps and devices – most users use Zwift.  Magnus is just the right combination of quality and competitive pricing. Though, there might be issues with tire slippage, which is very common on all wheel on trainers. The trick to address this issue is to find the trainer specific tire and use the clutch knob for a perfect tension.

CONCLUSION

CycleOps is no longer new in the bike trainer manufacturing business. Their trainers are already tested and proven both for quality and features.  From the electromagnetic resistance, steel frame, portability and technology – they all contribute to an excellent riding experience. We give this trainer five stars out of five!

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Filed Under: BTR

December 10, 2019 By Mike H.

Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer Review

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer is manufactured by Kurt Kinetic otherwise known as Kinetic by Kurt. Kurt manufacturing started building trainers for a competitor until they went bankrupt and Kurt decided to work on a new precision trainer using wind and fluid resistance. The company was founded back in 1947 by Kurt Kuban and has grown into an international business offering a wide range of products.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Main features

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer has a lot of great features, it uses two fans (dual fans) to create a more realistic road cycling feeling with the flywheels allowing a smooth coasting experience. The resistance of this bike trainer is speed sensitive with a resistance range of one to 1000 watts. This trainer also boasts the compatibility of the unit to fit all bikes from 16 to 29” diameter which is a large range for a trainer and not many other units can offer this. This unit only weighs twelve pounds which is very light compared to other similar units.

> Click here to see reviews of out top choices <

On a personal level the color and design of this product is very nice, it looks great and being a wind trainer this doesn’t always happen because of the ugly flywheels. But I have to admit I am very fond of this unit. The 2.2lb flywheels allow the unit to coast extremely smoothly which is a big plus because as a rider its important to be able to coast to drink or refuel without bumpy hefty mechanics. It appears to be a quieter unit which has got to be a positive claiming that the noise only becomes unbearable at 25 miles per hour and when you are cranking 349 watts which is pretty quick, and if this is the case it will be quiet for the most part of my workouts! The only thing I do not like about the product is its general size and it does not appear to fold away, and being so light it leads me to believe it may not be as stable as other units. Having said that, I personally prefer a trainer with fluid resistance such as the Cycleops Fluid 2 Trainer.

Price wise this model sits in the upper end of the range but it certainly gives a lot of bang for the buck. It is of an excellent quality and one of the biggest selling points for this unit is the unlimited lifetime guarantee that comes with every purchase giving the buying satisfaction and confidence they are buying a unit that will last for a very long time.

Who is it best suited for

The Kinetic Cyclone Wind Trainer would be most suited to more advanced riders who do not need an overly stable unit, and due to the high price tag a beginner may not want to spend so much on their first trainer. Customer feedback for this unit is all across the board. The positives from customers are about the easiness of detaching and reattaching the bike and the general look and stability of the trainer. However there are reoccurring negative themes such as the noise from the machine. Even though any wind trainer does produce significantly more noise than fluid trainers it appears to be too loud to bear and others have commented on its lack of resistance.

Rating

I would give this bike trainer 3 out 5 wheels on my rating because it does appear to be noisy and hard to set up with complicated attachments but the ability to cope with a high power output is a big plus for me.

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Filed Under: BTR

December 8, 2019 By Mike H.

RAD Cycle Products MAX Racer Bicycle Trainer Review

RAD Cycle Products MAX Racer Bicycle TrainerThis RAD cycle bike trainer is made by RAD Cycling which prides itself on being the industry leader in innovations for cycling trainers and accessories. The company concentrates on cycle accessories and in particular stationary bike trainers. There are many positive testimonials about RAD products on their website and their products have been featured on American TV show ‘The Doctors’. This particular model uses magnetic resistance with 7 variable settings to simulate different conditions. These settings can be altered from the handlebars with the click of a button. It weighs 18 pounds and is foldable to allow easy storage. This product also comes with a front wheel anti slip pad which is great to level the bike. It fits road or mountain bikes of 26 or 27” or 700cc wheels. It boasts easy set up and quiet operation.

> Click here to to see our reviews on the best bike trainers <

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Positives

What’s great about this trainer is not just the ability to adjust the resistance to 7 settings but the fact you can do this without getting off the bike which allows you to simulate hill training for example. Also if it comes with its own anti slip mat you can be sure that leveling the bike should be an easy task. It also comes with its own quick release system which is a huge bonus.

Negatives

On the downside I really dislike the look of this trainer, I believe it is offered in different colors elsewhere but it looks cheap and I would not want this in a trainer. The only other downside is setting up the cable to your handlebars, beginners may find this hard and get tangled up but seasoned indoor cyclists should find this easy.

What the users say

The RAD cycle bike trainer receives quite negative user feedback overall. Positive themes throughout the feedback are the fact it does have adjustable settings of resistance and the inclusion of the front wheel raiser so you don’t have to fumble around getting a makeshift one. Most users comment on the easiness to set up this trainer. However the negatives are quite significant, most have said that the actual levels of resistance are poor and the highest is very easy and hardly different from the lowest and so is not suitable for advanced riders. It appears that most have found it very loud and a few have commented on inaccurate parts to fit their bikes despite being advertised as suiting the various wheel sizes. Whether these criticisms are a bit picky is up to you but I believe this unit is good for beginners if the resistance settings are not that high but I would be put off as an advanced rider based on the reviews. I give this unit 4 wheels out of 5.

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Filed Under: BTR

December 8, 2019 By Mike H.

Blackburn Tech Mag 6 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

The Tech Mag 6 indoor bike trainer is made by Blackburn, a company that supplies over 200 products on Amazon alone. Blackburn is well known and very reputable cycling brand and they have products across all areas of cycling accessories from lights and bottle racks to trainers and bikes themselves.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Note: This Trainer has been replaced by the Mag 9 Trainer:

Blackburn Tech Mag Bike Trainer (Black/Tan, Mag 9)
Blackburn Tech Mag Bike Trainer (Black/Tan, Mag 9)
  • 750 WATTS - 750 Watts max of resistance at 40mph
  • 9-POSITION REMOTE - This indexed remote allows you to change the trainer resistance while riding, is simple to attach and easy to use
  • FASTCRANK MOUNTING SYSTEM - This system gives you a little extra leverage and allows for simple and quick installation
  • TELESCOPING LEGS ND FOLDS FLAT - For easy leveling adjustment and folding and making it easy to carry and store.
  • TRAINER QUICK RELEASE - Includes steel quick-release wheel skewer so that your original equipment does not get scratched
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Features and specifications

This indoor bike trainer is a higher specification than the Mag 3 which has been previously reviewed. Research conducted at Blackburn’s proprietary bike trainer R & D center has produced a high performance unit in the form of the Mag 6. An adjustable-height tubed steel frame gives the trainer exceptional stiffness providing great stability allowing riders to reach high speeds without compromising on balance.

Since this item is discontinued you may also want to check out our Minoura LR760 bicycle trainer review.

With this trainer using a magnetic resistance system, it has the added bonus of a fluid component to allow smooth and progressive power curves when adjusting the resistance settings to give riders a road like feel. Also with a remote shift feature it gives the rider the chance to choose between six different resistance settings to allow them to choose their own training zone.

The main product features are:

  • Adjustable height steel frame
  • Six resistance settings with remote shift
  • Lifetime warranty

This trainer is probably more suited to the regular rider and is more than likely to be an upgrade on a cheaper model.

Pros

It is a great looking unit in black and red which is one of the things I really like about the Blackburn Tech Mag 6 indoor trainer. The curved frame looks expensive and stable in comparison to other square looking indoor trainers which gives this a head start on others. Having a remote shift is a huge bonus for the Mag 6 as there is nothing worse than cycling hard and having to stop to change the resistance.

Also the resistance unit itself looks great and is very well-built with adjustable settings on the frame to change the height to suit any rider’s needs. The fact this trainer is the result of extensive research and testing gives me confidence that it meets the usual challenges regarding of stability, power output and noise generated by comparable indoor trainers.

Cons

In terms of negatives, there are very little. With a product boasting so many features based on research it is hard to find any major flaws. However, compared to some similar products in this price range which have over 10 resistance settings, the Mag 6 has only six which for a more advanced rider may not be sufficient.

User feedback

The user feedback for this indoor trainer is very positive The general positive themes include the trainers’ low nose level and the ease of use which both are huge selling points. It is very well built and many customers comment on the remote shift being easy and that changing resistance at the handlebars is great for a realistic ride.

The only reoccurring negatives revolve around the fact that the unit is quite difficult to set up with the biggest challenge coming from the lack of good instructions from not having any online sources such as videos to assist. With more complicated and complex trainers there is an element of set up in particular with the remote shift settings but with a bit of patience most customers should be able to overcome any problems in setting up the trainer.

I give this indoor bike trainer 5 out of 5 stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

October 21, 2019 By Mike H.

Blackburn TrakStand Mag 3 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

The TrakStand Mag 3 indoor bike trainer is made by Blackburn, a company with a wide range of cycling related products including accessories from lights and bottle racks to trainers and bikes themselves.

> See our reviews of the best bike trainers <

Note: This trainer has been replaced by the new Mag 1 Trainer:

No products found.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Features and specifications

What this unit has to offer is a redesigned box steel frame that differs from other trainers as the v junction at the top is lower than others which changes the angle of the joint. This should help to change the sturdiness of the trainer and make it cater for different bikes. The trainer uses magnetic resistance which is traditionally quite loud but provides good and adjustable resistance.

There is a dual adjuster cone which allows the trainer to be adjusted to fit 700c and 26” bikes. A good selling point is the lifetime warranty for parts on this trainer giving the user some peace of mind.

The main product features are:

  • Boxed steel frame
  • Compact and light
  • Adjustments to suit 700c and 26” wheels

This model is priced in the mid-range and would most suit the beginner to casual rider market.

Pros

The main thing I don’t like about this trainer is the lack of remote shift which means little choice if you want to change the resistanceOn the positive side I do like the fact it is adjustable, compact and lightweight as with many trainers the sheer weight of the unit can cause a problem as many trainers are made from steel.

Cons

I’m not a big fan of the design of this indoor trainer it looks cheap and the resistance mechanism is housed in what looks like thin plastic which will not do a lot for preventing excessive sound.

Customer Feedback

The customer feedback is quite positive considering the negatives I found with the trainer itself.  The general theme which customer seem to like is the ease of use and the fact it comes ready set up to use so all you need to do is take it out of the box, which in my opinion is great and makes life easier. Also there are comments about the size being small so it doesn’t take up too much room and some users find the unit is surprisingly quiet.

The only repeating negatives in the customer feedback concern the lack of changeable resistance. However, beginning or casual riders claim this not to be a problem for them but many foresee that more advanced riders may find it too easy. As with most indoor bike trainers, many have suggested using slick tires and not mountain bike tires as this increases the noise generated by quite a bit.

Conclusion

All in all this indoor trainer comes across as a great option for the casual rider who is not looking to ride at any excessive resistance but just using for fun or as a hobby.

I give this indoor bike trainer a 3 out of 5 wheels.

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Filed Under: BTR

February 27, 2014 By Mike H.

Minoura LR760 LiveRide Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Minoura LR760 LiveRide Indoor Bicycle Trainer ReviewThe Minoura LR760 LiveRide indoor bicycle trainer is made by Minoura who produces high end Japanese cycling accessories. Minoura has over 150 products on Amazon and other stockists include wiggle.com, Evans Cycles and many other chain bicycle stores.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Description

The Minoura LR760 trainer uses magnetic resistance to provide the resistance for the rider and it specializes in using dual neodymium magnets which give up to 13 different resistance levels. This trainer also comes with a remote shifter to allow the rider to adjust the resistance while staying on the bike whereas some other units require you to demount and adjust at the base.

The unit is super quiet and ultra-smooth This trainer is much quieter than its counterparts. It also boasts the top power of 640W at 25 miles per hour which is fast for an indoor trainer with a high power output. It also is adjustable to allow the user to change the bikes that they are training. Also it has the ability to transfer data vie Bluetooth to compatible devices to track your training.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

The main product features are:

  • Remote shifter for increasing magnetic resistance
  • Quiet and smooth performance
  • 640w at 25mph
  • 6lb flywheel for sturdy performance

The LR760 trainer is at the high end of the indoor bike trainer market price wise which means this trainer is definitely suited to the serious rider who will use it almost on a daily basis.

Likes and Dislikes

There is one defining factor that makes this indoor trainer stand out for me which is the trainer’s ability to transmit the information from your training to your device using ANT or Bluetooth. This is a great tool for an advanced rider to track their power output over a long distance, especially when training for a race or competition. Secondly this unit looks great with the black white and red looking very professional and top of the range.

The remote shifter is a great advantage to have on any trainer but having 13 different settings gives a huge range to the level of resistance allowing the user to determine the level of their training. Also the ability to withstand a power output of 640w at a high speed allows a rider to actually use the trainer for performance gains rather than as a hobby.

The main dislike about the Minoura LR760 is the price range which may put off many buyers, mainly because an indoor trainer is usually just for rainy days or bad weather and for this price you would expect to be using it on a more long term basis. But you do get what you pay for.

Another negative is the width of the unit is quite narrow which makes it look and feel slightly like it may tip over which could be a problem for larger riders.

I give this indoor bike trainer a 4 out of 5 stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

February 27, 2014 By Mike H.

Bicycle Exerciser Machine Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

Bicycle Exerciser Machine Indoor Bicycle Trainer ReviewThis indoor bike trainer has a resistance flywheel that uses magnetic resistance to increase the intensity of the cycling. The unit is a bright yellow and looks great and includes many extras as part of the package. This bike trainer has a remote shifter which attaches to the bikes gears to increase the resistance as you churn through the gears. Also when you purchase this trainer it comes with a mounting block for the front wheel to keep the whole bike level – this is a common problem with other trainers. The unit is also foldable which allows it to be put away and stored between uses and fits a range of wheel sizes.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

The main product features are:

  • Remote shifter for increasing magnetic resistance
  • Solid mounting cups to reduce slipping
  • Comes with a front wheel riser and quick release fork
  • Foldable and easily stored.

The trainer is priced ant the mid-range market for these types of trainers. It is a great unit for all abilities and would suit many bikers from beginners all the way to advanced riders. The setup is more suited to experienced users of indoor trainers.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Likes and Dislikes

There are many things that I like about this indoor trainer, firstly the color and design is flawless. A bright yellow with black accessories and extras makes the trainer look slick and a lot more expensive than it actually is – which is great for bragging to friends! It is relatively lightweight at about eighteen pounds meaning it can easily be moved and the folding ability allows easy storage, as for me I don’t want my trainer as a piece of permanent furniture. One problem that comes with the possibility to fold the trainer as sometimes when lifting the bike and trainer together it tries to fold up unintentionally. However, I think this is a small price to pay to have a unit you can put away when needed.

The extras that you get with the trainer are also great as often not having a front wheel riser means you have to spend time trying to find something to level the bike out.

The only thing I do not like about the unit is the fact it is more suited to low tread tires and not very effective if using a mountain bike. For me I like to have a trainer that is versatile and does not involve me having to change my wheels to use it. Also the magnetic resistance unit is prone to be very loud.

Customer feedback

Much of the positive feedback received by this unit is linked the value for money with many customers not expecting as much as they got for the price. Easy set-up is a common theme and foldable trainers tend to be already set up ready to use on unpacking. Also a lot of customers think the remote shifter is a huge asset to the bike trainer meaning you do not need to get off the bike to increase or decrease the resistance.

Most customer complaints come from the noise the unit produces and this is again a common problem with magnetic trainers, and the easiest fix people have commented is to use a low tread tire. It appears a lot of the noise is coming from the actual wheel mechanism instead of the resistance unit which has been in some cases caused by faulty parts.

I give this indoor bike trainer a 4 out of 5 wheels.

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Filed Under: BTR

February 27, 2014 By Mike H.

Forza F-2 Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review

The Forza F-2 indoor bike trainer is made by Forza which has a wide range of bicycle products available.

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Description

The Forza F-2 indoor trainer is a mechanical trainer which uses magnetic flywheel resistance to allow the user a smooth and powerful resistance unit to increase or decrease resistance during use. The resistance wheel itself is adjustable which enables a rider to use any type of bike including road and mountain bikes and allows extra room for larger wheels. The frame is made from steel and the roller is magnetic metal but the flywheel mechanism is housed in a plastic container. There are a range of colors available for this trainer.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

The main product features are:

  • Heavy duty frame made from steel
  • Smooth and powerful magnetic resistance
  • Option for an axle adapter (sold separately)

This unit is at the higher end of the market so it is more suited to riders who use an indoor trainer two to three times a week and the steel frame will help advanced riders riding at higher speeds.

Likes and Dislikes

The unit itself looks great and the bright colors make it very desirable and they come in a range of colors to suit your individual tastes or even to match your bike.

It is also easy to set up and it is easy it is to replace the quick release bar with the fork from the Forza unit – also it is silver plated so it can easily be used with road bikes too.

The fact this unit is made from steel is a great advantage as it is very sturdy and supportive without the risk of wobbling when cycling at high speeds. However, with the unit being made from steel it weighs twenty two pounds which is heavier than competitive units. Consequently, moving it around seems to be rather difficult and it is not foldable. On the other hand the unit appears to not be sturdy enough for people above 200lbs.

Another positive to this unit is that it comes with a quick release bar to allow easy transfer of your bike and it is fully adjustable to allow for a range in bike sizes. Often people assume trainers are just for seasoned cyclists with road bikes but this unit will work just as well for a mountain bike.

A potential issue with the trainer is the plastic housing on the resistance wheel which looks to be not very secure and is at risk of breaking under pressure.

Another negative is the noise of the trainer. It becomes very noisy at high speeds, having said that this is a common problem with many indoor bike trainers.

There also seems to be a problem of the swap out fork supplied with the Forza unit being too small to fit all bikes – so checking the length before purchasing is a recommended.

Lastly, the resistance appears to not be as strong as people hope with no way to adjust it apart from using the bikes gears, and the hardest resistance is not even challenging.

Customer Feedback

The general feedback by customers is positive. The common positives that arise from feedback relate to the stability of the unit it being firm and solid based.

I give this indoor bike trainer a 3 out of 5 stars.

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Filed Under: BTR

February 2, 2014 By Mike H.

FDW Magnet Steel Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer Stand Review

FDW Magnet Steel Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer StandThe Magnet Steel Indoor Exercise Trainer is made by FDW who has a small range of cycling based products available. A magnetic design having 5 internal resistance settings to allow you to alter the power needed to turn the rear wheel, it is designed to suit almost any bike from road to mountain with a 26”, 27” or 700c wheel. There is also an adjustable knob allowing you to alter the size to fit your wheel and you have the added ease of being able to change the resistance from your handlebars! A great feature to this product is the ability to fold to allow it to be transported and stored and it is advertised as having a sturdy heavy duty frame.

> Click here to see our #1 choices per trainer type <

All our reviews are independent of any manufacturers or advertisers and if you buy anything through our posts we may get a small share of the sale.

Positives

In my opinion this product seems to tick all the boxes when looking for an indoor trainer, it is quite cheap, seems easy to set up and install however attaching the cable to your handlebars has the potential to be quite tricky. The fact it has variable resistance makes it more desirable than a single resistance trainer so this is a definite plus however I think it looks quite small and cheaply made. From the pictures when comparing to other trainers this one looks particularly narrow which I would then question the stability. This trainer would be most suited to a beginner who wants to simply ride gently and not spend too much on their first trainer.

What the users say

Customer reviews have shown that the main pros to this product are the adjustable settings for the resistance being on the handlebars so no need to stop and change it, also most commented on how easy this product was to set up and that the trainer was pretty stable and sturdy. However this product is quite loud, some reviewers also commented that by changing from hybrid to road tires decreased the noise they still needed to have the TV/headphones up quite loud to block it out. Other negatives by reviewers were that the height ratio from rear to front tire was quite significant so had to put something under the front wheel to level out and that it was not great at high speeds and vibrated a lot. Also the product felt unsteady when rising out of the seat to do speed work. I give this trainer 4 wheels out of 5!

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Filed Under: BTR

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