Torture tested and approved by elite race teams and weekend warriors alike, Blackburn's Tech Fluid features a resistance device that feels close to identical to riding outdoors; the faster you go, the harder it gets. The Fluid is super smooth and also so quiet you'll barely need to raise the volume on that DVD. This trick trainer boasts a sturdy folding chromoly frame with a stable base and a secure, easy-to-use FastCrank bike mounting system. Plus, the adjustable height legs can reduce the rear wheel height down to 1/4 inch off the ground for even more stability when really cranking!
Features and Information
This trainer is for use with bicycles with 700c, 650c, 26- and 27-inch wheels.
The CycleOps Fluid 2 and Blackburn Tech Fluid are both very quiet (the CycleOps a bit more quiet, perhaps). However, the Tech Fluid holds the bike more securely. In contrast, the CycleOps allows the bike wheel to move side-to-side, increasing tire wear. The Tech Fluid's feet are both individually adjustable. The CycleOps are not.
But in performance, The CycleOps wins hands down. The roller runs smoothly all the time. But the Tech Fluid's resistance and smoothness changes as it warms up. For the first six minutes, the resistance is low, and I use the highest gear, but it runs smoothly, similar to the Cycleops. Then suddenly the resistance increases and the vibration starts. It's not as bad as other reviewers have said, it's just a little rough, and the trainer remains quiet. I shift down three gears and continue riding. Then, between six and nine minutes later, the vibration stops and the ride becomes smooth again. The resistance stays the same and there are no changes for the rest of the time you ride, unless you stop and the unit cools down. The roller unit gets very hot to the touch, unlike the Cycleops, which only gets slightly warm. It's a great design with a built-in fan/flywheel to cool it off. With the CycleOps, the resistance stays the same throughout the ride.
Bottom line: I like the stability (and lower price) of the Blackburn, but I prefer the smoothness of the Cycleops. I wish someone could combine the base of the Tech Fluid with the resistance unit of the CycleOps.
Note: The Blackburn Trainer is covered by a lifetime warranty. My Tech Fluid was a replacement for an older fluid trainer whose bearings broke down. Blackburn (a Bell Sport subsidiary) didn't even ask for a receipt - they just sent me a whole new unit at no cost!
Gift:
No
Feb
13
2012
4.0
Blackburn tech Fluid
By mike5784
from chicago, il
About Me Avid Cyclist
Pros
Easy to Install and Use
Versatile
Adjustable
Very stable base
Great build quality
Stable
Durable
Cons
Must warm up
Best Uses
Road Bikes
City Bikes
Comments:
My unit seems to respond differently, very smooth for first five minutes and then vibrates for next five minutes and finally smooth for the rest of the ride which can be over an hour.
I have had the unit for over a year and it behaves the same every ride.
Gift:
No
Jan
02
2012
1.0
Not realistic ride feel
By Steve
from Katy
About Me
Pros
Stable
Cons
Vibrates when warmed up
Best Uses
Comments:
First 5 - 10 min are smooth then when fluid is warm the vibrations kick in and the ride quality is terrible. Building up speed it progressively gets worse and resistance is unrealistic.
