Just purchased my first road bike so ready to set it up on a turbo trainer. After advice on best value for money trainer. Been told the £100 crono fluid elastogel is very good but can anyone offer better???

used kurt kinetic ?

No mate not a clue. Is it better?

I had a kurt (road machine) that my dad now uses

Built like a tank and I reckon a used one would be a fair bet. No idea what a crono luid one’s like

neither is a “smart” trainer AFAIK – if that matters to you then I think you may be doubling your budget ??

Fluid trainers are generally quiet compared to magnetic or fan trainers so a good starting point. Its worth getting a mat to help reduce vibration noise and to protect your floor too.

I’ve got one of those and a basic tacx, much prefer the tacx to the crono jobbie. I got it because I wanted one that was supported by trainerroad. Used it twice and reverted to the older tacx basically for stability the tacx is a solid a frame but the elasto whatnot was much more flexy which I found disconcerting. Especially as the turbo is setup next to large single pane windows.
You don’t need much tech really, but a newer smarter one will let you join the revolution on zwift etc.

I am reasonably heavy though.

What are you planning on using it for?

I know that sounds like a stupid question but zwift, trainerroad or just spin etc?

Check bike gtee terms as regards turbo use. 😉

I have owned loads over the years, from the original fan turbo (sounded like a jet engine) early fluid trainers (cycleops) magnetic trainers but the best by far is my current Kurt Kenetic Road Machine. Very smooth, reasonably quiet and a good flywheel.

My best advice is dont – turbo training is just awful and unless you have a very specific goal it will suck any fun out of riding a bike.

If you just want to stay fit and you have the option, lights and mudguards are far superior

If you must ride indoors, learn to ride rollers as this at least gives you sensations of riding properly.

I’m trying to decide whether to buy one on my trip to today’s Aldi bike sale stuff for ~£50.

I had an Elite for ~10 years and it got barely any use, but after starting my recreational/fitness cycling this year, I can see the appeal of buying one again!

But then a “smart” trainer does sound like it helps focus on a training program, rather than spinning for 10-20 minutes and then feeling bored.

I bought a Tacx flux 2240 smart trainer from Halfords for £180 and have found it really easy to set up and use with Zwift.
It makes it much more appealling to actually use, if you can afford/justify the extra money.

does the 2240 automatically change resistence with gradient?

does the 2240 automatically change resistence with gradient?

Yeah, its a good bit of kit for the money.
I found it really easy to set up using zwift, just plug it in and the zwift app linked really easily.