Many trainers have come and gone since the Fluid 2 was introduced. The Fluid 2 still stands as the benchmark all trainers are measured against. Smooth, reliable operation. Sturdy, yet portable. It hits on every point.
Bought the Cycleops Fluid 2 to replace an old trainer, and I can't believe the difference! It is easy to set up the bike and the ride is super smooth. My wife also appreciates that it is quiet.
Wanted a trainer to rehab after knee surgery and then stay in the saddle in the winter months. One absolute requirement - since it was going to be in the house (and we have no basement) it had to be quiet. Complete success. Wanted to buy a cheaper model but the noise difference is significant and my wife is completely satisfied on that end. The fluid 2 is simple to set up (even for me) and replicates a smooth cycling workout. It's up to you to vary the workout - shift gears, interval train - to get the most out of it. And my timing was great, if you want to call it that, given the impossibility of getting the bike out on the road for what seems like forever here in Massachusetts. I've used it more than I'd expected and am getting some good work in.
I have had a Cycleops mag trainer for 10 years and just purchased the fluid trainer. I was amazed at the difference in road feel and the progressive increase in resistance as the cadence increases. More than enough resistance for high powered sprints and likewise, just right for zone 1 recovery. As a cycling and triathlon coach, I would recommend this product to all of my athletes.
When we were in the market for a new trainer we wanted something that was smooth, not jerky like our older Mag trainers were. The Fluid 2 Trainer gives you an amazing ride, smooth like you're on that one section of road that you love to just crank it up a notch and go hard. Unlike the older, cheaper mag trainers, this is well worth the investment if you are looking for something to keep the wheels moving through the harsh winter months.
Love this trainer. Only one ding from me, and that's that with my particular road bike the width adjustment on the axel mechanism is maxxed out and so lends a little wobble, but that also forces me to pay more attention to my form to minimize movement side to side
I've used the Fluid 2 since it came out years ago. The resistance unit developed a leak after a couple of years and Cycleops replaced it for free (although I did have to send the defective one back on my nickel). They sent the latest and greatest unit as a replacement and its worked fine for several years of hard use. Recently I wore out the lever that locks the bike's axel in place. One phone call and I had a new one via UPS in 2 days, no charge. Its a great tool for staying in shape in the off season and you can depend on the manufacturer to keep you on it no matter what.
My new CycleopsFluid 2 Trainer is parked in my living room for winter riding. The bike is also sitting on a climbing block. I am a novice road bike rider, so have never used a similar tool. I use a stool to hop on and off I go! (not)! It seemed easy enough to set up. The only thing I had not considered is the fact I cannot coast. So, I am doing a shorter ride than I thought I would, but am getting a teriffic cardio work-out. I am enjoying it more than I thought I would!
I purchased a Cycleops fluid trainer over ten years ago and it still works perfect. So to replace my wires' old Nashbar fan trainer I bought a second Cycleops for her. She said it gives better road surface resistance, and is extremely quiet.
We recommend this indoor trainer to anyone.
We have one of these and also a Blackburn Fluid trainer. This one is quieter and easier to set up once the initial setup is completed. I like the feel of this one better also, it's very smooth and it coasts more like a bike on the road. I wish the price were lower, but there's no better trainer at this price and I'd buy another if I needed one.
Great Trainer. Does everything I need it to do but put miles under my wheels! When forced inside its my go to workout! BTD is a great company as well. Always on time and no hassles!
I bought two of these about a year ago, and was 100% satified. Smooth, relatively quiet, easy to setup, and solid. For me, the feel was about as realistic as it can get on a trainer. Last winter they received about 80 hours of usage... no leaks. They still look and feel like new.
I am more of a causal cyclist and use this trainer to do hour long rides with various speed and resistance intervals. I have found that this product has far exceeded my expectations. The fluid resistance gives a very realistic ride and can apply ample resistance. The frame is very sturdy and easy to take bike on and off. I am very happy with this product.