Scott,

I tried to reply to your email address but it is apparently
incorrect, so I am posting to the group. Following are a few of my
comments and thoughts on indoor trainers:

I have two trainers, both Performance brand, both fluid, one with
progressive resistance (no controls) and one with 5 levels,
adjustable from a cable. I don't ride them much since I cherish my
sanity, and then only when the morning temps are in the low 40s.

1. I believe fluid is predominantly the best resistance type, due to
the quiet and smooth operation. Some trainers now couple a magnetic
resistance with fluid to improve the resistance, but I am not
confident that it is required. Some fluid units provide more than
sufficient resistance. Bicycle Magazine rated trainers a few years
ago, including wattage measurements, and the article might still be
available on their web site.

One pointer-- be sure to reduce the pressure in your tire to improve
the grip, and look for a trainer with a large roller. Better yet, use
a spare wheel with an old tire to prevent tearing up your $50
Michelins.

2. I read great things about Cyclops, but my Performance brand has
stood up to 3 years of intermittent use. I honestly don't use it
much, since we can cycle outside year round in Florida. You certainly
won't be dissappointed with an expensive brand, but how much are you
going to use it? That's up to you. I can't speak for the Nashbar
brand. I recommend you check out www.roadbikereview.com for consumer
reviews.

3. I find a variable resistance trainer with remote useful for
warming up at low resistance and then working intervals to pass the
time. Yes, the progressive units increase resistance as you go
faster, but that doesn't truly mimic road riding where you have to
CLIMB once in a while. The progressive unit doesn't give you the
ability to grind slow AND hard. An adjustable trainer without a
remote would be useless, if they still exist.

There are undoubtedly numerous articles on the web to help you set up
for indoor training. Be sure to use plenty of towels on and under
your bike (or a mat), to reduce corrosion on your components and
grease on the floor. I don't bother covering the floor in the
garage...

Well, that's it for now.

Regards,
Alan

--- In eccycling@yahoogroups.com, "Scott Nance" <nolatri@h...> wrote:
>
> I am getting ready to invest in an indoor trainer and have a few
questions.
>
> 1) Which is resistance method is better (wind, mag, fluid, etc.)?
>
> 2) Which brand is better? Meaning is there a difference between
name brands
> as opposed to generic Nashbar, Performance, etc. versions?
>
> 3) Is a remote a necessary accessory?
>
>
> Any and all inputs welcome!
> Scott
>