Indoor Bike Trainer - Magnetic or Fluid Resistance System

One of the absolute best investments you'll make if you've been involved with competitive bike riding for a while now is to purchase your own indoor bike trainer. As soon as you bring one in you'll have the ability to get on your bike at any time and ride for as long as you want, rendering weather irrelevant. However, before you make a rush decision and decide to opt for one of these you should definitely look into the differences between the specific accessories and features found - ultimately resulting in making your experience a whole lot more enjoyable!

Magnetic Bike Trainer

These trainers are a very solid choice for just about anyone, regardless of whether you're on the lookout for entry-level or more advanced trainers. This is demonstrated by the large availability and choices offered. The way they function is by the resistance which is generated by two magnets pointed at each other. You'll be able to adjust the overall resistance degrees by utilizing a controller found on the breaking unit at the back wheel or one that's attached to the handlebars. You'll find that the resistance is very reliable and due to the different levels of resistance at your disposal, it can be used for strength as well as fitness training. The cost for a magnetic trainer ranges from a bit over a hundred dollars all the way up to five hundred. Mainly the difference in cost is due to the quietness of the trainer itself.

Fluid Bike Trainer

In terms of function, these trainers have similarities to the wind resistance ones. Basically the trainer is connected to a fan (one suspended in a fluid) which creates all the resistance. You're most likely familiar with the feel of riding on a real road and you'd be glad to know that the feel of this fluid system is pretty close to that. You'll also be able to change the resistance by changing the gear on your bike. There are some specifically designed trainers which allow for additional or changeable resistance, meaning that you'll be able to push yourself as hard as you normally would if you were to ride up a hill or some actual roads. That is probably the main reason why fluid trainers tend to be more expensive, being that they give a lot more of a realistic experience.

Magnetic vs fluid resistance system

In terms of build, magnetic trainers tend to be simpler than fluid ones and due to the fact that fluid trainers have a potential for leakage, magnetic trainers are more reliable. They're also less expensive in comparison. For the average cyclist simply looking to log miles, the magnetic trainer is going to be more than enough to get the job done. Fluid trainers are evidently quieter than magnetic trainers, and that is what's most important for most people living in apartments. Also the ride that is provided by them feels more realistic and road-like due to the progressive resistance they provide. And as you increase the fitness level you'll find that the progressive resistance pretty much makes it impossible to overpower the trainer.

Like I said, magnetic trainers are the louder/noisier ones and that is the main drawback apartment dwellers face. Especially people living in shared apartments. Even though you're able to set the resistance of a magnetic trainer manually, you'll still be able to overpower the most challenging setting of it as you notice your fitness improves, and this could lead to the trainer being rendered useless over time. Now, even though fluid trainers tend to cost more than magnetic trainers, the price really isn't that much substantial. However, even though the fluid trainer utilizes technology without the requirement to seal the contained fluid, there's always going to be a leakage possibility.

So, which resistance system is the best?

The same as I couldn't tell you whether or not you should opt for an indoor bike trainer in the first place, I also can not tell you which one is the right one for you being that there are all these different types to choose from. In my experience of trying and constantly being in touch with dozens of these bike trainers, I find that price is usually a good enough indicator as to the quality of a trainer and what you'll be getting.

The inexpensive ones are almost always going to be louder, more prone to breakage and will probably be in need of repair after a certain amount of time has gone by. In comparison, the more expensive ones are quieter and provide a more road-like feel which could last for the long term.

Remember that regardless of the type of trainer you opt for in the first place, you'll still be able to get a good workout from it. They'll help you stay in shape during the winter months as well as give you the opportunity to work on a particular area which you're interested in improving. So make the most out of your trainer and have fun while you're at it!