Dulwich Hill Bicycle Club

So my selfish brother took his race wheels, trainer and bike bag with him to live in China - looking at trainers - advice welcome
These 3 are front runners.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/au/e ... prod123224
cheap, good reviews, but a mag trainer

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/bike- ... 2016_04_16
seems like a good deal, fluid trainer

https://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/bike- ... /102675959
prob the most I can afford, heavily reduced.

and no, I can't afford a kickr

I've been using an older version of the jetblack fluid for ~6 years now and it's not skipped a beat. Mine came with a 1kg flywheel which i'd prefer to upgrade, but apart from that it's been fine

I've got it set up with a dedicated trainer bike running a trainer-specific rear tyre and the only noise is from my drivetrain

I have an Elite Fluid crono trainer. They are not made anymore however Elite will have something similar. The Jet black ones we have down at the track. maybe try them out on a Monday or Wednesday evening first?

D

I have a Kickr and I'm amazed how much I use it and enjoy using it...I used to use a jet black fluid and it was OK. The Kickr doesnt bring it up a level - it brings it up many levels to the point I riding indoors or outdoors is fairly even. I know you said you cant afford a Kickr and thats cool so my pick would be the Jet Black direct drive as that is close. I looked at those myself before taking the plunge on a Kickr. You can get an add on for a power meter on the Jet Back, but you dont have to buy it straight up. Not sure whether you have one on your bike anyway..so thats my opinion...

I have elite arion digital rollers, they have cheaper models with variable resistance units too. I like them a lot compared to a turbo, though you can't stand up, it is a more natural feel and it's easier to just put the bike on and start. You don't need to clamp the wheel and they don't chew up your tyres so much.

The digital rollers have a head unit which can give you wattage and resistance adjustment, but otherwise it's the same, the standard arion rollers just have a lever and you get off to adjust.

Not what you asked for but imo worth considering. I find mine really good training value when I use them.