While there are a number of excellent turbo trainers on the market most are noisy at best, and some are just plain poorly made. The CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer is quite unlike these trainers. It’s quiet, sturdy and oozes quality. Initial setup could be a little easier, but we think it’s a small price to pay for the riding experience the Fluid 2 provides.
Compared to other CycleOps models, the setup for the Fluid 2 is a little more difficult. This is hardly surprising, considering the advanced features included, but once you’ve successfully completed the initial setup you won’t have to make too many adjustments unless you change your actual bike. Getting your bike attached to the Fluid 2 can prove a little difficult at first, especially if you’re new to using turbo trainers and unless you get it right certain advanced features might not work as expected. Unfortunately the included instructions are not very clear, and the manual can be difficult to decipher unless you’ve actually seen this model set up before.
The sturdy design of the CycleOps Fluid 2 means that it can handle the most intense workouts, even for more advanced users that tend to spin at higher speeds. With a large fly wheel design, this unit offers an additional safety feature that helps you remain securely fastened while maintaining stability as you increase your speed. We’ve noticed that other units can begin to wobble if you end up going too fast, but the Fluid 2 remains rock solid even at higher speeds.
One of the main attractions of the Fluid 2 is a smart design that allows you to ride as you normally would, with an “infinite curve” that varies resistance to simulate the normal conditions of road riding. This means that you get the maximum exercise value riding it in your home, without having to sacrifice the workout you would receive going cross country. The maximized benefit from this is actually created from silicone fluid levels in the system – cartridges in the unit release the silicone and retract it to not only give a quieter experience, but the additional fluid helps create a greater resistance. As a result the resistance that the Fluid 2 provides feels extremely natural, and the unit was pleasantly quiet compared to cheaper units. However, unlike other systems that have additional resistance levels built in, this unit requires you to adjust the settings on your own bike to compliment the ride.
The post-workout clean up is relatively easy thanks to a mat that comes with the trainer to go underneath it and collect any sweat drips – this can be cleaned with a quick wipe of a cloth. Not a particularly nice thought, we know, but practical nonetheless. This mat is also intended to prevent the trainer from sliding during workouts, even while you’re cycling at tops speeds.
The Fluid 2 is lightweight and compact so you can easily store it if needed, or else leave it out for regular use depending on your needs and available space. It also easily folds up in a single movement, and can slide under a bed or easily fit in a closet. Fair weather cyclists looking for some winter training should certainly consider the CycleOps Fluid 2 trainer, but given the relative expense of this model those on a tighter budget might also consider the CycleOps Mag Trainer as a cheaper (but noisier) option.