Tags: bell bike trainer, Bell Motivator Mag, bell motivator mag bike trainer
Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Review
Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer
I'll say it right away that I have a slight bias when it comes to indoor bike trainers. I enjoy fluid trainers above all others, magnetic trainers follow, and then wind trainers. However I've had the luxury of riding and testing plenty of indoor bicycle trainers and have come to the conclusion that what sometimes works for one cyclist in a certain type of bike trainer, will not work well with another. It is most likely the reason why I have friends that ride a roller trainer while I stay away from them.
So, today we are looking at the Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer. Lets take a look at some of its attributes.
Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer Features
* Train on an indoor bike trainer with smooth and quiet magnetic resistance
* Single-adjustment, progressive magnetic resistance smoothly increases as the speed increases
* Double adjustment centers the bike in the trainer for a steady ride
* 5 Year manufacturer warranty
The Bell Motivator Mag Bike Trainer is currently (as of 01/02/2011) ranked as the #1 bike trainer on Amazon.
PRO
"Fantastic ! - Better than expected"
"I was happy to find that there is no assembly required"
"Basically, I opened the box and then screwed the bike on. Simple. Up and running in 5 minutes"
"Does exactly what it says. Easy to use and to take on/off."
"I am extremely pleased with this product. It was well worth the cash. I set it up in my apt. and use it every day."
"For the price, being that this was the least expensive unit offered, I was not sure if it was going to be that great. TRUST ME, IT WAS"
"If you're thinking about getting this unit, STOP! JUST GET IT!"
CON
"What I expected, only noisier"
"Have been training with this problem free, but it's a bit noisy!"
"Noisier than I though it would be"
Basically what the folks over on Amazon say about the Bell Motivator Mag Bike Trainer is that it is super easy to setup (literally take it out of the box and you are ready to put your bike on the trainer) and provides a great workout for the price. Most were happy with the progressive resistance that this trainer provided. In other words, resistance changes as speed is increased or decreased. The stability of this trainer is a big plus and a 5 year warranty is an added benefit.
Yes, there are some negatives and the one that seemed to bother most was the amount of noise that this trainer makes. Let me say one thing in its defense. The Bell Motivator Mag is quieter than just about any wind trainer I've ever seen. This is a top notch magnetic trainer at a price less on the bottom scale of its class. We heard complaints from mountain bike users regarding the amount of noise coming from the trainer but then found that these rider did not change out the rear tire. My recommendation to all riders (road or mountain bike) is to change your rear tire when riding an indoor bike trainer. Get a slick and you'll have the least amount of vibration and will lessen the noise from any trainer.
Bell Motivator Mag At A Great Price
My thoughts: What it comes down to with the Bell Motivator Mag is that it is one of the most inexpensive bike trainers available, yet provides such a great deal that it has over 250 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars. While I tend to like trainers that provide a way to change resistance while on the fly (remote handlebar) or on the trainer itself, the Bell Motivator Mag does not offer this feature. However, this is not a wind trainer. You are getting an upgrade on a wind trainer, with a trainer that will offer better resistance and make less noise. And if the noise bothers you, set this bicycle trainer up in front of a TV or throw on your mp3 player with your favorite music.
What the Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer does provide is a way for beginner and intermediate riders to take their cycling indoors on a bad weather day and to log mileage during the off season. So, you can stay in shape or get in better shape for the upcoming riding season. And once again, did I mention the price? At under $100 (even as low as $80 at times on Amazon), you flat out will not find a better indoor bike trainer.
P.S. My one recommendation if you decide to purchase the Bell Motivator Mag (actually lets make this two) is to pick up a riser block to help take the strain off your wrists and a sweat net which will help protect your bike from corrosion from any perspiration while riding. Then you will have everything you need to make your indoor cycling the best it can be.
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As of Spring 2011, the Bell Motivator Mag is the #1 bike trainer on Amazon.
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