Magnetic Trainer
A magnetic trainer, also called a mag indoor bicycle trainer is what many consider to be the middle of the road
bike trainer. By no means does this mean that it is inferior to the fluid trainer or superior to a wind trainer. It does however offer some features which makes the magnetic trainer the most sought after trainer. In fact, you will find professional magnetic trainers with outstanding features and lifetime warranties such as what you see below.
Magnetic Trainer - Indoor Bike Trainer
By definition, a magnetic trainer has a series of magnets which when placed in a certain order allow for resistance. Some magnetic trainers are setup to allow for a change of resistance on the trainer itself while others use a remote handlebar shifter to change the resistance while riding. I personally like the handlebar shifter because it makes a heck of a lot more sense to change the resistance while riding, rather than hopping off the bike every time you want to change the resistance.
Perhaps the best thing I like about my magnetic trainer is the option to ride it when the weather is... well, kinda ugly.
When most folks think of bike trainers, they think of the use that they will get in the winter. While I have to admit that I hop on my magnetic trainer about 5 days per week during the cold winter months, not a week goes by during the summer where rain, high winds, or a late day at work doesn't catch up to me and I find myself on the bike trainer.
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Magnetic Trainer - Great Prices
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Magnetic Trainer PRO's:
- Relatively Inexpensive
- Decent Amount Of Resistance
- Portable
- Great For Riding When The Weather Is Bad
Magnetic Trainer CON'S:
- Difference In Quality Between Manufacturers
- Resistance Limitations
- May Not Simulate Progressive Resistance
There are some that complain about either the lack of resistance or noise that a magnetic trainer makes. Some will say that a true bike trainer should offer progressive resistance. Meaning that as you pedal harder, the resistance should increase. They spout measurements showing that bike trainers do not offer progressive resistance because as you pedal harder it actually becomes easier to ride the trainer. Sure, some trainers are easier to ride than others and you will even find some slippage on a magnetic trainer and even the best of fluid trainers. However, we all know that training on one's own bike is the best way to get to know the bike inside and out. Most of us are not afforded the luxury of training in ideal climates because we live in the northern climates. So, you will happily find me riding my magnetic trainer during the winter months, rainy spring, and the days when high winds just make it too dangerous to ride outside.
The bottom line is that when it comes to choosing a bike trainer, you will have to take into account how much money you are willing to spend. Although price does not always equate to quality, the second thing that you should look at are the reviews from fellow cyclists. And for that, above all others, I highly recommend checking out magnetic trainer on Amazon.
