The Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer is a rugged and solidly constructed bicycle trainer that comes fully assembled out of the box which is nice. The Blackburn Trakstand is NOT designed for the avid or pro cyclist that demands the best out of their equipment but rather it is intended to be an affordable entry into the wildly competitive and popular fluid trainer category that won't break your wallet. Setting up the bike on the Blackburn Trakstand fluid trainer is very much a straightforward operation and as with most bike trainers, you have to set adjusting knobs to match the width of the rear triangle of your bike and then lock it into place.
After logging a few miles on the Blackburn fluid trainer I noticed that the flywheel was a bit louder than some of the other fluid trainers that I've used and the true road feel was a questionable affair. Don't get me wrong, it was not unnervingly loud and nor was the ride horrible, but it is a bit louder than some trainers. Now that said, the Blackburn Trakstand will still provide a quality workout at a very affordable price. The only true flaw that I noted was that the tensioner sometimes loosen up from the vibration of the flywheel. Over the course of a 30 minute ride, I had to tighten the tensioner twice. My unit might have been an anomaly and a zip-tie in the right place cured the issue altogether so again, not a deal breaker.
Who Should Buy the Kurt Kinetic Pro Trainer
The Blackburn Trackstand Fluid Trainer is a capable mid-level trainer that is targeted at the occasional cyclist who wants an economical trainer that will see occasional use. If you are going to log big miles or really put a hammering workout onto this trainer on a regular basis then I would skip this pick and spend a few more dollars. If you are looking for an occasional use trainer that is simple to operate, maintain and will provide a competent workout, then the Blackburn Trakstand fluid bike trainer is a good choice.
The Blackburn Fluid is smooth, silent and progressive, with a resistance curve that accurately replicates the feel of hills, headwinds and hard efforts on the road. Combine this with a reasonable price and a good reputation for quality and a Blackburn fluid trainer could be the perfect indoor bike trainer for you.
Best trainer I have ever bought
Review Date: October 20, 2009
Reviewer: Kelly, Beverly Hills, CA
I have had 4 different trainers over the years, this one is by far the most stable and quiet I have ever used. It is easy to set the resistance, and it is extremely sturdy. Recommended.
Superb First Impression!
Review Date: February 17, 2009
Reviewer: S. Leitch, No. California
I ordered this Sunday afternoon, paid for normal shipping, and hoped it would be here by Friday, but not really expecting it until the following Monday. So I was completely shocked and elated to see it arrive this morning (Tuesday!).
I had the bike up on the unit in 5 minutes. I had to re-orient my QR clamp, and I was a little unsure how much to tighten the "adjustment knobs", but I figured when the frame of the trainer started flexing, it was probably tight enough. ;>) Then adjusted the roller tension, and off I went on a 10 mile test run averaging 13.6 mph @ 78 crank rpm. I tried a little of a interval thing I read online where you take your cadence from 90 to 110 to 90, shift to next taller gear, and continue. I'll be working on that, LOL.
Overall it seems like exactly what I want. Got a good sweat inducing workout in 45 minutes, and doing the interval 'games' helps keep it interesting.
Good product, minor snags, would recommend purchase
Review Date: April 8, 2009
Reviewer: Future Green Girl, Chicago, Il USA
I got my trainer in record time, way before I expected it. Amazon has always been great for me when it comes to shipping intervals. I had my bike up and mounted in about 10 sweaty minutes. You might need a helper when getting the trainer and your bike to make friends together. (Maybe a lighter-weight modern bike is easier to manage by yourself. I have a big old cheap mountain bike clunker purchased before all the titanium and what-not.) I had a good workout once I got everything in place. The instructions are a bit foggy, but once you look at the box (!) you can pretty much manage. It's sturdy and offers a firm, stable mount. Know that you'll be tipped forward when you're seated. You can spend some more money for a front-wheel stand if that bothers you. Also, once you get the resistance levels and your gears synced together in the right mix, it works out fine. Other reviews mention noise, but as far as I'm concerned, it's not an important issue. Slap your earphones on and get on with it. The positives far outweigh the hazy set-up instructions and getting the resistance right, but all in all, it's a good buy. I recommend it to anyone needing a good indoor trainer that's sturdy, well-made, and works right out the box!
The Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer is a rugged and solidly constructed bicycle trainer that comes fully assembled out of the box which is nice. The Blackburn Trakstand is NOT designed for the avid or pro cyclist that demands the best out of their equipment but rather it is intended to be an affordable entry into the wildly competitive and popular fluid trainer category that won't break your wallet. Setting up the bike on the Blackburn Trakstand fluid trainer is very much a straightforward operation and as with most bike trainers, you have to set adjusting knobs to match the width of the rear triangle of your bike and then lock it into place.
Best trainer I have ever bought
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