The CycleOps Mag Trainer is a quality entry level model, designed to allow cyclists to simulate true riding as accurately as possible without the need for fair weather or suitable cycle routes. While it is one of the more competitively priced trainers on the market the quality is outstanding, and even veteran cyclists could find it a useful addition to their arsenal.
Setup is very easy on this unit, which is very convenient. You don’t have to read an entire manual, assembling the unit before you can use it. It’s easy to store if you need to put it away, and it is compact enough that leaving it out doesn’t take up a lot of space.
What is really interesting about the CycleOps Mag Trainer is that unlike some more advanced units it’s been designed with the first time user in mind. You simply snap your own bike onto the trainer and you’re all set to get going. There is a DVD included with the unit that gives step by step instructions on how to setup the unit and ideas to help you maximize your use.
There are three difficultly levels you can choose from when setting it up. With a simple adjustment you are able to increase or decrease your exercise intensity. Along with that are five different resistance settings to help you maximize the amount of growth you are able to do – think of it as having 15 potential levels to master in all.
Along with the CycleOps Mag Trainer comes an optional set of two blocks. These allow you to simulate the slopes and climbs that you run into when you are riding your bike cross country. This is a really great feature, especially if you are training for hill climbing or mountain biking. You can strengthen your legs to help you complete climbs with little strain.
In addition to the other equipment a safety mat also comes bundled with the package. It allows you to place the CycleOps Mag Trainer virtually anywhere, and is particularly nice if you have hardwood floors that you don’t want to scratch. This mat also helps to stop your bike and trainer from sliding around on hard laminated or tiled floors, which can indeed be a problem if your workout is particularly intensive.
Despite being what could be considered an entry level model the CycleOps Mag Trainer is in fact created from high quality materials and being quite sturdy should prove difficult to break. The modest retail price belies the units true value as a training aid, and the units portability is an added bonus.
If you’re researching various trainer models you’ll notice that there is a huge variation in prices, despite the fact that most models appear to function in a similar manner and perform near identical functions. Some competing models are very expensive, upwards of several hundred dollars, where the CycleOps Mag Trainer isn’t expensive at all. It is certainly designed with the average user’s budget in mind, but if you’ve a little more money to spend you might take a look at the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer before committing to purchase. Having said that, the CycleOps Mag Trainer is an ideal beginners trainer should be high on the list for cyclists looking to explore the possibility of indoor cycling using their own bike.