bicycle trainer recommendation report
DESCRIPTION
Recommendation report written for Cal Poly triathlon team in 2009.TRANSCRIPT
Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report
Gordon Withers, Student Coach of the
California Polytechnic State University
Triathlon Team
June 1, 2009
Prepared by:
Leanne Lopes, Technical Writer
Sam Reynard, Technical Writer
Jenn Tan, Technical Writer
Sara Wolters, Technical Writer
Informational Abstract
i
Informational Abstract This report researches four different bicycle trainers for the Triathlon Team’s group
order. Each of the four bicycle (bike) trainers meet your minimum specifications
and we recommend one based on the evaluative criteria. Our research includes
websites, bicycle magazines, and personal interviews. This report concludes that
the Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer best meets your
needs.
Table of Contents
ii
Table of ContentsInformational Abstract................................................................................................................ i
Table of Contents........................................................................................................................ii
Table of Figures..........................................................................................................................iv
Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report.................................................. 1
Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Minimum Specifications......................................................................................................... 1
List of Options ........................................................................................................................ 1
Evaluative Criteria.................................................................................................................. 1
Sources....................................................................................................................................... 2
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers ...................................................................... 3
Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G.............................................................................. 3
Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Warranty................................................................................................................................. 3
Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 3
Assembly........................................................................................................................... 3
Noise .................................................................................................................................. 4
Portability.......................................................................................................................... 4
Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 4
Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer......................................................................................... 5
Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Warranty................................................................................................................................. 5
Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 5
Assembly........................................................................................................................... 5
Portability.......................................................................................................................... 5
Noise .................................................................................................................................. 6
Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 6
Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer....................................................................................... 7
Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Warranty................................................................................................................................. 7
Table of Contents
iii
Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 7
Assembly........................................................................................................................... 7
Noise .................................................................................................................................. 8
Portability.......................................................................................................................... 8
Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 8
Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer ........................................................ 9
Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Warranty................................................................................................................................. 9
Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 9
Assembly........................................................................................................................... 9
Noise ................................................................................................................................ 10
Portability........................................................................................................................ 10
Resistance ........................................................................................................................ 10
Conclusion and Final Recommendation .............................................................................. 11
Minoura Findings .................................................................................................................. 11
Nashbar Findings................................................................................................................... 11
Blackburn Findings................................................................................................................ 11
Performance Findings ........................................................................................................... 11
Final Recommendation ......................................................................................................... 11
Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Reference List ............................................................................................................................ 14
Table of Figures
iv
Table of FiguresFigure 1: Image of Minoura VFS-G Trainer ............................................................................. 3
Figure 2: Image of Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer............................................................ 5
Figure 3: Image of Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer ......................................................... 7
Figure 4: Image of Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer ........................... 9
Figure 5: Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria................................................................... 12
Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report
1
Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report
This report investigates four different bike trainers for the California Polytechnic
State University Triathlon Team. For your order of approximately 25 bike trainers,
we recommend purchasing the Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid
Plus Trainer.
Scope This section details the minimum specifications, options, and evaluative criteria
discussed in this report.
Minimum Specifications You specified that the bike trainers must:
• use fluid resistance,
• be portable, and
• cost no more than $275.
List of Options After our initial investigation of bike trainers, we narrowed the choices to the
following four:
• Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G Trainer,
• Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer,
• Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer, and
• Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer.
Evaluative Criteria This report will evaluate the following criteria to compare the four trainers:
• Lowest cost including shipping,
• Longest warranty, and
Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report
2
• Highest Road Bike Review or Mountain Bike Review rating as well as
comments in reviews regarding assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.
Sources We investigated each trainer by interviewing bicycling experts, reading bike retail
websites, and reading bicycling magazines and their accompanying websites. We
interviewed experts at Specialized, Art’s Cyclery, and Foothill Cyclery, which are
all San Luis Obispo-based bike shops.
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Minoura Variable Fluid System-G Trainer
3
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers
For the following pages, we will discuss and compare each of the four bike trainers
that we investigated.
Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G The Minoura VFS-G, pictured right in Figure 1, fits
wheels sized 26 to 29 inches and weighs 9.0 kg
(approximately 20 lbs). The following sections detail
its cost, warranty, and ratings.
Cost ModernBike.com sells the VFS-G for the lowest price
at $236.94 including tax, standard shipping, and
handling.
Warranty None of the websites that sell the VFS-G offer a warranty or guarantee of
satisfaction.
Ratings Dave Atkinson of Road Bike Review (2009) gives the VFS-G an overall rating of 3
out of 5 stars. The following details comments from his professional review as well
as customer reviews on assembly, portability, and resistance.
Assembly
The Minoura VFS-G requires a great deal of assembly, but according to Atkinson at
Road Bike Review (2009), the process of assembly is straightforward. He also
asserted that with each new bike he wanted to train with, he had to rebuild the unit
based on the tire. To make this process easier, the necessary hex wrench comes with
the bike, and the designers left a space on the frame to store the wrench.
Figure 1: Image of Minoura
VFS-G Trainer
(roadbikereview.com)
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Minoura Variable Fluid System-G Trainer
4
Fortunately, after the user assembles the unit according to his/her tire, the gravity
frame automatically adjusts to the bike’s wheel. The weight of the user on the bike
puts pressure on the tire, which automatically adjusts to keep the bike in place
(Minoura VFS-G Variable Fluid System, 2009).
Noise
No reviews describe problems with noise. Kwrides at Bike Forums (2008) describes
the VFS-G as “whisper quiet” and says that besides the chain, only shifting causes
noise from the trainer.
Portability
The VFS-G maintains ease of portability. It carries well, folds flat, and can be stored
when not in use.
Resistance
The VFS alone utilizes a hybrid of fluid and magnetic resistance. The fluid side
features an “internal vane system,” which provides an exponential power curve to
simulate the feel of an actual ride. The magnetic system accelerates the total power
curve for building muscle (Minoura VFS-G Tire Drive Trainer, 2009). The total
resistance for the trainer maxes out at nearly 600 Watts (Atkinson, 2009).
A rider can utilize any of seven different levels of resistance while riding, according
to ModernBike.com (2009). However, Atkinson indicates that the resistance remains
too high, even at the lowest setting. Customer Kwrides at BikeForums.net (2008)
agrees and claims he/she could not cycle above 80 rpm without quickly having to
shift to the small ring to keep his/her heart rate down.
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer
5
Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer Nashbar’s Adjustable Fluid Trainer, pictured right in
Figure 2, has a smooth fluid resistance unit with five
levels. The internal flywheel creates a natural-feeling
pedal action. This trainer has a wide stance frame with
non-skid rubber feet to enhance stability and reduce
noise and vibration. The bike attaches quickly and easily
with an improved mounting mechanism complete with
lined axle cups. A handlebar-mounted changer allows
the user to easily change resistance levels. The trainer
also includes a quick release skewer for optimal fit.
Cost The Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer costs the least amount of money out of our
four options. Nashbar, the only vendor of the trainer, sells the product at the price
of $160.95, including shipping, on their website (BikeNashbar.com).
Warranty Nashbar does not offer a formal warranty for the Adjustable Fluid Trainer, but they
guarantee 100% satisfaction and allow refunds and/or exchanges.
Ratings Road Bike Review gives the product a 2.85 out of 5 rating. The following details
information about assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.
Assembly
On Nashbar's website, both reviewers describe the Adjustable Fluid Trainer as easy
to install and use. You can find a document with further information about
assembly at http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/web/PDFs/NB-
FTA5%20Adjustable%20Fluid%20Trainer.pdf.
Portability
The reviewers described this trainer as versatile, durable, and easy to set up. Users
explained how they use the trainer especially in the winter; they did not specify any
problems with portability.
Figure 2: Image of Nashbar
Adjustable Fluid Trainer
(nashbar.com)
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer
6
Noise
Both reviewers explained the noticeably loud and bothersome noise, although it did
not distract them to the point that they wanted to return the product. The user can
reduce noise by setting the trainer on carpet and using a rear tire with a smooth
tread pattern (Nashbar, 2005).
Resistance
Five levels of resistance provide users with the settings they desire to work out at
various levels. For example, lower range settings are useful for warm-ups; middle
range settings match level road conditions; and higher settings allow for high
climbing conditions. Resistance level increases as the user pulls the lever closer to
his or her body (Nashbar, 2005).
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer
7
Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer Blackburn’s TrakStand Fluid Trainer, pictured right
in Figure 3, features a steel folding frame and an
extra-wide 24 inch-wide base for added stability
during rigorous training sessions. The progressive
fluid resistance increases exponentially with speed,
mimicking real-world conditions.
The trainer fits 700c, 650c, and 26-inch diameter
wheels and uses a dual-centering mount to
accommodate slim road tires as well as fat
mountain bike tires (Blackburn, 2009).
Cost The TrakStand Fluid retails at $229.99 on the
manufacturer’s website, but citysports.com offers the best deal for only $149.97 and
$5 shipping.
Warranty Blackburn offers a 5-year limited warranty on all trainers and excludes damage
from heat or physical damage caused by abuse, neglect, improper repair, improper
fit, or alterations (Blackburn, 2009).
Ratings Gary Lee of Road Bike Review rated the TrakStand Fluid at 2.5 out of 5 because of
issues with the tensioner (Road Bike Review, 2008). The following details
information about assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.
Assembly
This trainer ships completely assembled and simply requires installation of the
actual bike. Initially the user must first set the adjusting knobs to the rear tire’s
width before securing the bike with lock rings, but the adjusting knobs only need
resetting when using a different bike.
Figure 3: Image of Blackburn
TrakStand Fluid Trainer
(blackburndesign.com)
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer
8
Noise
According to members of ConsumerREVIEW.com the flywheel vibrates excessively,
much more than other fluid trainers, which tends to loosen the tensioner during
long or vigorous training sessions. Besides being very loud, this also hampers the
user’s ability to maintain a steady rhythm by decreasing resistance and requiring
the user to constantly dismount and adjust the tensioner (ConsumerREVIEW, 2007).
Portability
The steel frame folds for easy storage, comes completely assembled, and weighs
24.5 lbs (Blackburn, 2009).
Resistance
This trainer uses progressive fluid resistance, which exponentially increases with
speed to emulate real road conditions. However, the flywheel’s faster, vibration-
inducing spin reduces its efficiency and feels more like magnetic resistance (Road
Bike Review, 2008).
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer
9
Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer The Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable
Fluid Plus Trainer, pictured right in Figure 4,
boasts a new mounting system for an easy bike
setup and includes a replacement rear skewer to
ensure a proper fit. It comes with a handlebar
mounted shift lever that provides five levels of
gear adjustment to change the resistance. The
Travel Trac is also compatible with most road and
mountain bikes.
Cost Performance bike regularly sells the Travel Trac for
$229.99, but they now sell it for 30% off at $159.99.
Shipping would cost approximately $11.00 per unit,
which rounds the total price to $170.99.
Warranty The company does not offer a warranty, but they do offer a 100% guarantee policy.
This policy allows a customer to get a refund or exchange the bike trainer as long as
the customer has his or her receipt.
Ratings The reviews on the Performance bike website averaged a 4 out of 5 satisfaction
rating. The ratings on Road Bike Review website averaged a 3.85 out of 5
satisfaction rating. Most reviews agreed that the Travel Trac works well for its price
range, but in some cases, the users said the resistance was lower than they would
have liked. The following details information about assembly, noise, portability,
and resistance.
Assembly
The Performance website did not list any information about assembly. After calling
the company, the salesclerks did not know about the assembly either.
Figure 4: Image of
Performance Travel Trac
Century Fluid Plus Trainer
(performancebike.com)
Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer
10
Noise
Only three out of 16 reviews (from Road Bike Review) mentioned that the trainer
was slightly noisy. All the other reviews said the unit was smooth and quiet.
Portability
This trainer easily folds up for portability and storage.
Resistance
Four reviews (out of the 16 reviews) on Road Bike Review mentioned that this
trainer had slightly less resistance than they thought it should have. The rest of the
reviews favored the level of resistance.
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
11
Conclusion and Final Recommendation The following sections summarize our findings for each bike trainer. Please refer to
Figure 5 on the following page for a visual summary of all evaluative criteria.
Minoura Findings The Minoura VFS-G, which costs $212.98 received a rating of 3.0 out of 5 by Road
Bike Review. They offer no warrantee. According to reviews at Road Bike Review
and Bike Forums, the combination of fluid and magnetic can provide too much
resistance.
Nashbar Findings The Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer, which costs $149.95, received a 2.85 out of 5
rating on Road Bike Review. Nashbar offers a 100% guarantee on products.
Reviewers noted an excessive vibration in the trainer that created problems with the
tensioner.
Blackburn Findings The Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer, which costs $154.97, received a 2.5 out of 5
rating on Mountain Bike Review. Blackburn offers a 5-year limited warranty. User
noted noise, vibration, and tension issues because of the flywheel’s heavy vibration.
Performance Findings The Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer, which costs
$170.99, received a 3.85 out of 5 rating on Road Bike Review. Performance offers a
100% satisfaction policy with refund or exchange. Some users reported an
unsatisfactory resistance level, but the consensus was that this bike trainer is a good
buy for its price range.
Final Recommendation We recommend that you purchase the Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus
Trainer because of its reasonable price, satisfaction policy, and favorable user
reviews. Although the Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer costs the least and the
Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer has a 5-year warranty, we find the perfect
Conclusion and Final Recommendation
12
balance of price and usability in Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus
Trainer.
Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria
Minoura
VFS-G Nashbar Blackburn Performance
Lowest cost
including shipping $236.94 $149.95 $154.97 $170.99
Longest warranty or
equivalent guarantee None
100%
satisfaction
policy with
refund or
exchange
5-year
limited
warranty
100%
satisfaction
policy with
refund or
exchange
Highest rating on a
scale of 1-5
at Mtbr.com or
Roadbikereview.com
3 2.75 out of
12 reviews
2.5 out of 2
reviews 3.85
Assembly Complicated Complicated Pre-
assembled
No
information
Noise Quiet Noisy Noisy Quiet
Portability Yes Yes Yes Yes
Resistance High Medium Low Medium-to-
Low
Figure 5: Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria
Glossary
13
Glossary Gravity frame: the frame used on the Minoura VFS-G, which uses the gravity from
the weight of the rider to automatically adjust the roller pressure (“Minoura VFS-G
Variable Fluid System,” 2009).
Hex wrench: a wrench that accompanies the Minoura VFS-G, which is used to
adjust the trainer to different tires. The trainer has a specific storage space on the
trainer for the hex wrench so that easy adjustment is possible (Atkinson, 2008).
Fluid resistance: resistance that provides selectively variable resistance, makes little
noise, and simulates the feel of bicycling on a road. Additionally, the resistance
increases exponentially as the rider uses more speed (Trainers: Webster’s Quotations,
Facts, and Phrases, 2008).
Flywheel: large-diameter wheel keyed to the end of the shaft of machines such as
jaw crushers and the function of which is to restrict fluctuations of speed by
absorbing and releasing quantities of kinetic energy for small speed variations (F-
Dictionary of Quarrying Terms, n.d.).
Tensioner: A knob on a bike trainer which allows the bike to move forward and
back on the rollers while maintaining contact with the flywheel, thereby creating
resistance while pedaling (R. McDonald, personal communication, May 15, 2009).
Reference List
14
Reference List Kelly. (2009, April 15). Personal Interview. (J. Tan, Interviewer)
Kelly, a salesperson at Foothill Cyclery, explained the functional and cost
differences between magnetic resistance and fluid resistance bike trainers
and recommended researching Cyclops and Blackburn trainers.
Atkinson, D. (2009). Minoura VFS-G Review. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/resistance-
trainer/product/vfs-g-28814
Professional bicyclist Dave Atkinson reviewed the Minoura VFS-G’s
assembly, resistance, noise, and price.
Atkinson, D. (2008). Minoura VFS-G Trainer Pro Review. Retrieved May 15, 2009,
from http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/minoura-vfs-g-trainer-pro-
review/
Professional bicyclist Dave Atkinson reviewed the Minoura VFS-G's
assembly, resistance, noise, and price.
Blackburn Trak Stand Fluid. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from ConsumerREVIEW:
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/trainer/blackburn/trak-stand-
fluid/PRD_365426_153crx.aspx
Featured consumer feedback about the trainer. Reviews included time spent
testing the trainer, price paid, bike setup, trainer strengths and weaknesses,
and an overall impression of the product.
ConsumerREVIEW.com. Blackburn Trak Stand Fluid. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/trainer/blackburn/trak-stand-
fluid/PRD_365426_153crx.aspx
The webpage featured consumer feedback about the trainer. Reviews
included time spent testing the trainer, price paid, bike setup, trainer
strengths and weaknesses, and an overall impression of the product.
F-Dictionary of Quarrying Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2009, from The Institute of
Quarrying: http://www.quarrying.org/dictionary/f.html
Reference List
15
Provided definition of “flywheel.”
Icon Group International, Inc. (2008). Trainers: Webster's Quotations, Facts and
Phrases. San Diego, CA, USA: Icon Group International, Inc.
Featured definition of fluid resistance.
Kurt Kinetic Road Machine vs. Minoura VFS-G vs. Cyclops. (2008, February 5).
Retrieved May 15, 2009, from
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=383606
Featured consumer feedback about the Minoura VFS-G’s assembly,
resistance, noise, and overall satisfaction.
Lee, Gary. Blackburn Trakstand Trainer Pro Review. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from
http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/blackburn-trakstand-fluid-trainer-
pro-review/
Gary Lee provides professional reviews of road bikes and their various
accessories.
Mark. (2009, May 3). Assistant Store Manager of Art's Cyclery. (S. Wolters,
Interviewer)
Sara interviewed Mark at Art's Cyclery, who provided incomplete
information regarding a potential discount on the Blackburn Trakstand Fluid
Trainer.
McDonald, R. (2009, May 15). (L. Lopes, Interviewer)
This employee of Specialized in Morgan Hill encouraged us to purchase the
CycleOps bike trainer. We talked about the qualities of each bike trainer we
considered, and he suggested purchasing the most expensive models for
longer lasting trainers.
Minoura VFS-G Variable Fluid System. (2009). Retrieved May 15, 2009, from
http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?igpk=2126175286&TID=367
Provided information regarding price and resistance.
Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Bike Nashbar:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_172965_-1___14002
Reference List
16
Performance Fluid Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2009, from Road Bike Review:
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/training/trainers/performance-
inc/PRD_21691_1663crx.aspx
This website had 16 reviews of the Performance bike trainer that I used to
evaluate the trainer.
Products: Trainers. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from Blackburn:
http://www.blackburndesign.com/trainers.html
The official website provided basic product information and warranty terms.
Thomas, M. (2009, April 26). Owner of Michael's Bicycles. (S. Reynard, Interviewer)
Sam interviewed Michael Thomas of Newbury Park, who provided
information regarding a discount on CycleOps trainers if the team would
recognize his shop as a sponser.
Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2009, from
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20982&subcategor
y_ID=9999
This website provided information about the Performance bike trainer and
included some customer reviews.