One heck of a quality fluid trainer – the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

OK, so can I talk to you about stationary bike stands and the noise levels associated with them? Because let’s face it, that’s one of the biggest factors for many in deciding what trainer to buy – and definitely one of the most popular questions we’re asked: Just how noisy is that xxx trainer…?

Why do they always need to be so loud? I love training indoors – especially when the weather outside is too cold or wet to get my daily miles in – but the biggest problem I know that many of you have with most indoor trainers is that they sound like you are riding next to a jet turbine. I mention this because I finally purchased the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer after testing it out at friends. And what instantly hit me when I first climbed on the trainer was how quiet it is, especially compared with many other indoor trainers on the market today.

Apparently, those clever designers at CycleOps were able to provide this type of super-quiet ride by improving the position of the sealed-cartridge. It practically eliminated most of the noise.

Though I should point out at this stage that ANY trainer you ride with regular mountain bike tires is going to sound close to a Boeing 737. From experience, change your rear tire to a training slick, which you can get your hands on almost everywhere. Your ears, or those of your neighbors and dear ones, will thank me later…

Now, for some cyclists this may not be a big deal. But I spend a lot of time – I mean, a LOT – of time in the saddle during the off-season and it’s usually in front of the television or listening to music via my Samsung Buds. And knowing I don’t have to worry about excessive noise levels is one heck of a deciding factor for me.

Check out the best deals for this CycleOps trainer right HERE!

What convinced us about the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer?

OK, so the CycleOps Fluid 2 isn’t just about noise levels – and here is where I’ll point out some of the other benefits that convinced me to buy this trainer.

First, it gives a realistic ride. And before you ask “How can riding a bike indoors on an indoor trainer in the middle of your living room be realistic?”, I’ll hit you with my answer – when you are riding your bike out on the road and you accelerate from a standing still position, you have to overcome the inertia of your own weight in order to get to cruising speed. With many of the cheapo stationary bike trainers, you can reach your desired speed without breaking sweat. But with the CycleOps Fluid 2, the resistance is replicated, creating a more realistic riding experience.

This is important for a lot of reasons: it helps build up and maintain your quads, hamstring and other leg muscles you will need in live cycling conditions. Plus, it reduces the “culture shock” when you transition from indoor training to outdoor riding once the weather finally improves in your area.

The Fluid 2 achieves this realism by including a 2.75 pound flywheel, the weight of which has to be overcome every time you accelerate. In addition, the flywheel is precision balanced, so it helps prevent premature wear patterns and also keeps your steering forks from wobbling as you train.

The cost of the CycleOps Fluid 2 is generally in the $275 to $325 range, which some cyclists may consider to be a little higher than they would expect to pay for a stationary bike trainer. But when you consider that the Fluid 2 comes with a lifetime warranty – not to mention a remarkably knowledgeable and helpful customer service department (my friend had to call them for help in assembling his model) – that price is something of a bargain.

And you don’t really have to worry about the Fluid 2’s frame creaking or bending while you are training because it’s made out of 2-inch round 16 gauge steel. It also includes adjustable foot pads, which are helpful if you have uneven wood floors in your apartment, like I do!

Another neat feature I liked is the quick load cam lever that allows you to snap your bike in and out of the trainer quickly and conveniently, all while maintaining the same resistance level. That helps alleviate the hassle of having to set up your trainer every time you want to use it. You can just kick the Fluid 2 out of the way until you are ready to ride again.

Some terrific technical specs

As I mentioned above, I was impressed with quite a few things about the CycleOps Fluid 2, but the specifications were also something to take note of. Here are a few of the major tech features:

• PowerTuned for a terrific road-like experience (PowerTuned means the internal resistance curve was tested and configured by CycleOps unique PowerTap technology)
• The fluid resistance unit gives a great, quiet ride, with noise levels measured at 20 mph at 64-68 decibels.
• One of the industry’s biggest flywheels, which allows an improved road-like feel.
• A CycleOps-unique patented fan design keeps the trainer performing for longer, and better.
• Unique adjustable feet on the trainer legs ensure you can adjust the stand on uneven surfaces.
• A spring-loaded, bolt-action lever ensures easy placement every time you want to attach your bike.
• An excellent alloy roller that reduces the wear and tear on your tires.
• An easy to turn yellow clutch knob which you can turn for the maximum roller to tire tension in each session.
• Compatible with 650b, 700c, 26″, 27″ and 29″ wheels, for both road bikes and mountain bikes that have a quick release skewer.
• The new version of the Fluid 2 is compatible with the CycleOps virtual training feature, well worth checking out.

Things I didn’t like about the CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

Although I didn’t experience it first-hand, what with some experience of setting up various trainers, my friend told me that the assembly was a little confusing and that he had to call the customer service line for help. But he added they were friendly and patient and he was able to get his set up within just a few minutes once they explained what he was doing wrong. Apparently, it also comes with a DVD, which he said he didn’t find until after he already had his snapped together.

So, how much bang do you get for your buck?

It’s definitely not the cheapest trainer stand in the industry (coming in at around $275-325), but this stand oozes quality. I’ve enjoyed a good few hours on this baby, and have been won over. I’m also hoping to look into the virtual training side of things as this really appeals, especially with the inevitable boredom of repeated sessions over the months I’m training indoors. It’s also a great alternative to the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine (reviewed here), which is priced similarly.

I recommend the Fluid 2 heartily; it also easily makes our list of the best stationary bike trainers to buy in 2022.