How do fluid bike trainers work

The fluid becomes thicker as its temperature increases, which means that when you pedal faster, the trainer's resistance becomes progressively more challenging. Some of the first fluid trainers had problems with fluid leakage when the seals of the flywheel would break, but according to the website Bike Trainer Reviews, leakage isn't much of an issue with later models. Magnetic trainers are simpler than fluid trainers and, because of fluid trainers' potential for leakage, are slightly more dependable.

Magnetic trainers also are generally less expensive than fluid trainers. For the average cyclist who wants to simply log miles, the magnetic trainer will get the job done. Fluid trainers are noticeably quieter than magnetic trainers, which is especially important for apartment dwellers.

The ride provided by a fluid trainer is more road-like in feel than that of the magnetic trainer thanks to its progressive resistance. Progressive resistance also makes it impossible to overpower the trainer as you increase your fitness level. Magnetic trainers are much noisier than fluid trainers, making them less than optimal in apartments, condos or shared spaces.

Although you can manually set the resistance on a magnetic trainer, it is possible to overpower the most challenging setting as your fitness improves, essentially rendering the trainer useless as a tool for further fitness gains. Instead of feeling like you are pedaling uphill or against the wind, it feels like you are pedaling while braking.

Some desk cycling systems have no resistance at all. Many have a physical brake for resistance. While they are an improvement from sitting motionless at a desk, based on body position and ride feel, they barely resemble outdoor cycling.

We recommend trying out all the various options because there is a wide variety in ride quality. Even people who do not compete will find motivation and entertainment value while using a smart trainer hooked to a ride-simulating system like the SYSTM Training App or Zwift. Very helpful article.

These tips will be very useful especially for those who are unable to visit the gym often. Keep up the awesome writing! Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Kinetic fluid smart trainers , equipped with a Kinetic inRide Power Sensor , allow accurate and consistent measurement of power based on wheel speed.

Learn more about Kinetic Power here. Kinetic trainers are precisely calibrated and tuned to provide exactly the same amount of resistance every workout, from start to finish. Kinetic uses a thermodynamically neutral medical grade silicone fluid in our trainers because it provides consistent, repeatable workloads and is not affected by temperature.

Kinetic fluid trainers feature an engineering breakthrough - our patented magnetic drive system for a lifetime of leak-proof performance. With other fluid trainers, the drive shaft enters the fluid chamber. This spinning drive shaft is the weak point of the unit.