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.
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Click to See Latest PriceFeatures 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.
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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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