Tags: Is A Rim Drive Trainer Any Good?, rim drive bike trainer, rim drive trainer
I am going back and forth between a magnetic trainer and a rim drive trainer. I really don't want to spend more than $250. A friend recommends that I check out the rim drive trainer because I ride a mountain bike.
I think your friend gave you good advice. At the $250 price point, unfortunately you would be slightly out of the reach of most fluid trainers. You (or your friend) must have done a little bit of research because the retail price on rim drive trainers usually runs between about $210 to $380. Amazon always runs good deals and at the moment they seem to have very good price points on the Minoura Rim Drive Trainers. I'm embarrassed to say that I really don't know anything about the Redline Rim Mag Trainer. It got a positive review from the only review left on Amazon.
Minoura makes quality indoor bicycle trainers. Enough said!!!
My top recommendation for those that have the money always goes to fluid trainers. As a general statement, fluid trainers give a more consistent ride, offer better resistance, and gives a quieter ride as compared to wind trainers and mag trainers. The positive about rim drive trainers is that you will get that quiet ride because the tires are not moving on a roller. This is perfect for mountain bike riders. So, if you don't want to change out the rear tire on your mountain bike, definitely go with a rim drive trainer over a magnetic trainer.
Give yourself a great ride by looking at the model with the handlebar shifter. When it comes to the better indoor bicycle trainers, the shifter will give you an option to change gears on the fly. In other words you can use that handlebar shifter to increase or decrease gears. Otherwise if you've been warming up, changing gears on the bike and don't have the rim drive trainer with the handlebar shifter, you'll need to get off your bike to increase or decrease the resistance.
And to answer your question, a rim drive trainer is an excellent choice.
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