Well, you’re probably checking out this review because you heard that an indoor trainer is a great option for keeping fit over the winter months, or that the Blackburn models (in addition to this Mag 3 trainer, they also make the terrific Mag 6 trainer) are truly excellent trainers. If so, you’re in the right place!
Keeping up with your regular training schedule during the winter months is a pain because of slippery roads, rain and snow, and the early dark hours that hinder your outdoor cycling. The risk of injury due to bad roads and sudden bad weather is a common problem among bikers who want to follow a year-round fitness program. But having a great indoor trainer in the comfort of your own home, especially something like the Blackburn Mag 3 trainer, makes training possible all year round.
Discover the BEST deals on Amazon for this Blackburn Mag 3!What’s to like about the Blackburn Mag 3?
This Blackburn trainer is a good choice for the budget conscious biker who is looking for an affordable yet sturdy machine. The three-level resistance setting is appropriate for beginners and average cyclists who need a good workout to keep them in shape, ensuring that you develop stamina and strengthen your leg muscles, keeping you fit and ready to take a challenging outdoor ride anytime (when Spring calls).
The Blackburn Mag 3 provides resistance through the drag created by a magnetic field on a spinning metal disk. It is equipped with a fan to reduce the heat generated by the resistance system, which results in a certain noise level that may bother some bikers who train indoors. You may find that the resistance decreases slightly when you have used the trainer for more than an hour; as the resistance system heats up, its efficiency is definitely impacted.
Setting up the trainer doesn’t take up much time – you just unfold it and attach your bike while adjusting the rear axle skewer on both sides of the tire to keep the setup level. Just so you know, you may find that the rear tires will produce a squeaking noise if not fitted snug with the trainer. When properly screwed to the rear wheel, the noise level decreases greatly and the setup is very stable. It’s largely down to the boxed steel frame that keeps the setup stable and it really does feel solid and sturdy while you pedal. Adding a riser block to your front tire will only help your stability and we highly recommend purchasing one (should cost another $15 or so).
Some of the Mag 3’s main features
- The magnetic resistance has three settings. You can use the lower settings while warming up, and then increase to a higher resistance setting as you progress in your workout.
- It’s well-priced, at around $150.
- The trainer has a redesigned boxed steel frame that is lightweight and compact when folded for storage.
- It is equipped with dual adjuster cones that are compatible with 26” and 700c wheels. It should also work with 27.5″ and 29″ wheels, but make sure you change over any knobbly MTB tires for slick training tires.
- Lifetime warranty.
Things to take into consideration…
The resistance is limited and is probably only suited for those of you starting out. It will not suit cyclists and bikers who want a more thorough workout to develop their stamina and muscles for mountain climbs and sprints (you’ll probably want something like this or this if you’re after something more professional).
The noise level of the trainer might bother some of you (don’t forget that magnetic trainers are undoubtedly a noisier option compared to fluid trainers), especially when you have used it for more than an hour and the magnet starts to get hot. Using road bikes with slick tires will reduce the noise level, but it is definitely going to be a noisier affair with mountain bike tires.
Bang for your buck?
The Blackburn Mag 3 is a great option for beginners, and definitely an upgrade on something like the bestselling Magnet Steel trainer, and others in that super-budget price range.
It might not be as quiet as fluid trainers, but it’s certainly survivable as long as you turn up your headphones or the TV. It’s going to keep you fit over the winter months and is sturdy, stable, durable, and reasonably priced.
However, if you can squeeze in another $60 or so to your budget, I’d definitely suggest going for its more updated sibling, the Blackburn Tech Mag 6.
