Transcript
Page 1: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Gordon Withers, Student Coach of the

California Polytechnic State University

Triathlon Team

June 1, 2009

Prepared by:

Leanne Lopes, Technical Writer

Sam Reynard, Technical Writer

Jenn Tan, Technical Writer

Sara Wolters, Technical Writer

Page 2: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Informational Abstract

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Informational Abstract This report researches four different bicycle trainers for the Triathlon Team’s group

order. Each of the four bicycle (bike) trainers meet your minimum specifications

and we recommend one based on the evaluative criteria. Our research includes

websites, bicycle magazines, and personal interviews. This report concludes that

the Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer best meets your

needs.

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Table of Contents

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Table of ContentsInformational Abstract................................................................................................................ i

Table of Contents........................................................................................................................ii

Table of Figures..........................................................................................................................iv

Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report.................................................. 1

Scope .......................................................................................................................................... 1

Minimum Specifications......................................................................................................... 1

List of Options ........................................................................................................................ 1

Evaluative Criteria.................................................................................................................. 1

Sources....................................................................................................................................... 2

Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers ...................................................................... 3

Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G.............................................................................. 3

Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Warranty................................................................................................................................. 3

Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 3

Assembly........................................................................................................................... 3

Noise .................................................................................................................................. 4

Portability.......................................................................................................................... 4

Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 4

Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer......................................................................................... 5

Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 5

Warranty................................................................................................................................. 5

Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 5

Assembly........................................................................................................................... 5

Portability.......................................................................................................................... 5

Noise .................................................................................................................................. 6

Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 6

Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer....................................................................................... 7

Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Warranty................................................................................................................................. 7

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Table of Contents

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Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 7

Assembly........................................................................................................................... 7

Noise .................................................................................................................................. 8

Portability.......................................................................................................................... 8

Resistance .......................................................................................................................... 8

Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer ........................................................ 9

Cost ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Warranty................................................................................................................................. 9

Ratings.................................................................................................................................... 9

Assembly........................................................................................................................... 9

Noise ................................................................................................................................ 10

Portability........................................................................................................................ 10

Resistance ........................................................................................................................ 10

Conclusion and Final Recommendation .............................................................................. 11

Minoura Findings .................................................................................................................. 11

Nashbar Findings................................................................................................................... 11

Blackburn Findings................................................................................................................ 11

Performance Findings ........................................................................................................... 11

Final Recommendation ......................................................................................................... 11

Glossary ...................................................................................................................................... 13

Reference List ............................................................................................................................ 14

Page 5: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Table of Figures

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Table of FiguresFigure 1: Image of Minoura VFS-G Trainer ............................................................................. 3

Figure 2: Image of Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer............................................................ 5

Figure 3: Image of Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer ......................................................... 7

Figure 4: Image of Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer ........................... 9

Figure 5: Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria................................................................... 12

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Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

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Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

This report investigates four different bike trainers for the California Polytechnic

State University Triathlon Team. For your order of approximately 25 bike trainers,

we recommend purchasing the Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid

Plus Trainer.

Scope This section details the minimum specifications, options, and evaluative criteria

discussed in this report.

Minimum Specifications You specified that the bike trainers must:

• use fluid resistance,

• be portable, and

• cost no more than $275.

List of Options After our initial investigation of bike trainers, we narrowed the choices to the

following four:

• Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G Trainer,

• Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer,

• Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer, and

• Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer.

Evaluative Criteria This report will evaluate the following criteria to compare the four trainers:

• Lowest cost including shipping,

• Longest warranty, and

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Introduction to Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

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• Highest Road Bike Review or Mountain Bike Review rating as well as

comments in reviews regarding assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.

Sources We investigated each trainer by interviewing bicycling experts, reading bike retail

websites, and reading bicycling magazines and their accompanying websites. We

interviewed experts at Specialized, Art’s Cyclery, and Foothill Cyclery, which are

all San Luis Obispo-based bike shops.

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Minoura Variable Fluid System-G Trainer

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers

For the following pages, we will discuss and compare each of the four bike trainers

that we investigated.

Minoura Variable Fluid System (VFS)-G The Minoura VFS-G, pictured right in Figure 1, fits

wheels sized 26 to 29 inches and weighs 9.0 kg

(approximately 20 lbs). The following sections detail

its cost, warranty, and ratings.

Cost ModernBike.com sells the VFS-G for the lowest price

at $236.94 including tax, standard shipping, and

handling.

Warranty None of the websites that sell the VFS-G offer a warranty or guarantee of

satisfaction.

Ratings Dave Atkinson of Road Bike Review (2009) gives the VFS-G an overall rating of 3

out of 5 stars. The following details comments from his professional review as well

as customer reviews on assembly, portability, and resistance.

Assembly

The Minoura VFS-G requires a great deal of assembly, but according to Atkinson at

Road Bike Review (2009), the process of assembly is straightforward. He also

asserted that with each new bike he wanted to train with, he had to rebuild the unit

based on the tire. To make this process easier, the necessary hex wrench comes with

the bike, and the designers left a space on the frame to store the wrench.

Figure 1: Image of Minoura

VFS-G Trainer

(roadbikereview.com)

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Minoura Variable Fluid System-G Trainer

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Fortunately, after the user assembles the unit according to his/her tire, the gravity

frame automatically adjusts to the bike’s wheel. The weight of the user on the bike

puts pressure on the tire, which automatically adjusts to keep the bike in place

(Minoura VFS-G Variable Fluid System, 2009).

Noise

No reviews describe problems with noise. Kwrides at Bike Forums (2008) describes

the VFS-G as “whisper quiet” and says that besides the chain, only shifting causes

noise from the trainer.

Portability

The VFS-G maintains ease of portability. It carries well, folds flat, and can be stored

when not in use.

Resistance

The VFS alone utilizes a hybrid of fluid and magnetic resistance. The fluid side

features an “internal vane system,” which provides an exponential power curve to

simulate the feel of an actual ride. The magnetic system accelerates the total power

curve for building muscle (Minoura VFS-G Tire Drive Trainer, 2009). The total

resistance for the trainer maxes out at nearly 600 Watts (Atkinson, 2009).

A rider can utilize any of seven different levels of resistance while riding, according

to ModernBike.com (2009). However, Atkinson indicates that the resistance remains

too high, even at the lowest setting. Customer Kwrides at BikeForums.net (2008)

agrees and claims he/she could not cycle above 80 rpm without quickly having to

shift to the small ring to keep his/her heart rate down.

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer

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Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer Nashbar’s Adjustable Fluid Trainer, pictured right in

Figure 2, has a smooth fluid resistance unit with five

levels. The internal flywheel creates a natural-feeling

pedal action. This trainer has a wide stance frame with

non-skid rubber feet to enhance stability and reduce

noise and vibration. The bike attaches quickly and easily

with an improved mounting mechanism complete with

lined axle cups. A handlebar-mounted changer allows

the user to easily change resistance levels. The trainer

also includes a quick release skewer for optimal fit.

Cost The Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer costs the least amount of money out of our

four options. Nashbar, the only vendor of the trainer, sells the product at the price

of $160.95, including shipping, on their website (BikeNashbar.com).

Warranty Nashbar does not offer a formal warranty for the Adjustable Fluid Trainer, but they

guarantee 100% satisfaction and allow refunds and/or exchanges.

Ratings Road Bike Review gives the product a 2.85 out of 5 rating. The following details

information about assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.

Assembly

On Nashbar's website, both reviewers describe the Adjustable Fluid Trainer as easy

to install and use. You can find a document with further information about

assembly at http://www.nashbar.com/images/nashbar/web/PDFs/NB-

FTA5%20Adjustable%20Fluid%20Trainer.pdf.

Portability

The reviewers described this trainer as versatile, durable, and easy to set up. Users

explained how they use the trainer especially in the winter; they did not specify any

problems with portability.

Figure 2: Image of Nashbar

Adjustable Fluid Trainer

(nashbar.com)

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer

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Noise

Both reviewers explained the noticeably loud and bothersome noise, although it did

not distract them to the point that they wanted to return the product. The user can

reduce noise by setting the trainer on carpet and using a rear tire with a smooth

tread pattern (Nashbar, 2005).

Resistance

Five levels of resistance provide users with the settings they desire to work out at

various levels. For example, lower range settings are useful for warm-ups; middle

range settings match level road conditions; and higher settings allow for high

climbing conditions. Resistance level increases as the user pulls the lever closer to

his or her body (Nashbar, 2005).

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer

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Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer Blackburn’s TrakStand Fluid Trainer, pictured right

in Figure 3, features a steel folding frame and an

extra-wide 24 inch-wide base for added stability

during rigorous training sessions. The progressive

fluid resistance increases exponentially with speed,

mimicking real-world conditions.

The trainer fits 700c, 650c, and 26-inch diameter

wheels and uses a dual-centering mount to

accommodate slim road tires as well as fat

mountain bike tires (Blackburn, 2009).

Cost The TrakStand Fluid retails at $229.99 on the

manufacturer’s website, but citysports.com offers the best deal for only $149.97 and

$5 shipping.

Warranty Blackburn offers a 5-year limited warranty on all trainers and excludes damage

from heat or physical damage caused by abuse, neglect, improper repair, improper

fit, or alterations (Blackburn, 2009).

Ratings Gary Lee of Road Bike Review rated the TrakStand Fluid at 2.5 out of 5 because of

issues with the tensioner (Road Bike Review, 2008). The following details

information about assembly, noise, portability, and resistance.

Assembly

This trainer ships completely assembled and simply requires installation of the

actual bike. Initially the user must first set the adjusting knobs to the rear tire’s

width before securing the bike with lock rings, but the adjusting knobs only need

resetting when using a different bike.

Figure 3: Image of Blackburn

TrakStand Fluid Trainer

(blackburndesign.com)

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer

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Noise

According to members of ConsumerREVIEW.com the flywheel vibrates excessively,

much more than other fluid trainers, which tends to loosen the tensioner during

long or vigorous training sessions. Besides being very loud, this also hampers the

user’s ability to maintain a steady rhythm by decreasing resistance and requiring

the user to constantly dismount and adjust the tensioner (ConsumerREVIEW, 2007).

Portability

The steel frame folds for easy storage, comes completely assembled, and weighs

24.5 lbs (Blackburn, 2009).

Resistance

This trainer uses progressive fluid resistance, which exponentially increases with

speed to emulate real road conditions. However, the flywheel’s faster, vibration-

inducing spin reduces its efficiency and feels more like magnetic resistance (Road

Bike Review, 2008).

Page 14: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer

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Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer The Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable

Fluid Plus Trainer, pictured right in Figure 4,

boasts a new mounting system for an easy bike

setup and includes a replacement rear skewer to

ensure a proper fit. It comes with a handlebar

mounted shift lever that provides five levels of

gear adjustment to change the resistance. The

Travel Trac is also compatible with most road and

mountain bikes.

Cost Performance bike regularly sells the Travel Trac for

$229.99, but they now sell it for 30% off at $159.99.

Shipping would cost approximately $11.00 per unit,

which rounds the total price to $170.99.

Warranty The company does not offer a warranty, but they do offer a 100% guarantee policy.

This policy allows a customer to get a refund or exchange the bike trainer as long as

the customer has his or her receipt.

Ratings The reviews on the Performance bike website averaged a 4 out of 5 satisfaction

rating. The ratings on Road Bike Review website averaged a 3.85 out of 5

satisfaction rating. Most reviews agreed that the Travel Trac works well for its price

range, but in some cases, the users said the resistance was lower than they would

have liked. The following details information about assembly, noise, portability,

and resistance.

Assembly

The Performance website did not list any information about assembly. After calling

the company, the salesclerks did not know about the assembly either.

Figure 4: Image of

Performance Travel Trac

Century Fluid Plus Trainer

(performancebike.com)

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Discussion and Comparison of Bike Trainers: Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus Trainer

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Noise

Only three out of 16 reviews (from Road Bike Review) mentioned that the trainer

was slightly noisy. All the other reviews said the unit was smooth and quiet.

Portability

This trainer easily folds up for portability and storage.

Resistance

Four reviews (out of the 16 reviews) on Road Bike Review mentioned that this

trainer had slightly less resistance than they thought it should have. The rest of the

reviews favored the level of resistance.

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Conclusion and Final Recommendation

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Conclusion and Final Recommendation The following sections summarize our findings for each bike trainer. Please refer to

Figure 5 on the following page for a visual summary of all evaluative criteria.

Minoura Findings The Minoura VFS-G, which costs $212.98 received a rating of 3.0 out of 5 by Road

Bike Review. They offer no warrantee. According to reviews at Road Bike Review

and Bike Forums, the combination of fluid and magnetic can provide too much

resistance.

Nashbar Findings The Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer, which costs $149.95, received a 2.85 out of 5

rating on Road Bike Review. Nashbar offers a 100% guarantee on products.

Reviewers noted an excessive vibration in the trainer that created problems with the

tensioner.

Blackburn Findings The Blackburn TrakStand Fluid Trainer, which costs $154.97, received a 2.5 out of 5

rating on Mountain Bike Review. Blackburn offers a 5-year limited warranty. User

noted noise, vibration, and tension issues because of the flywheel’s heavy vibration.

Performance Findings The Performance Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer, which costs

$170.99, received a 3.85 out of 5 rating on Road Bike Review. Performance offers a

100% satisfaction policy with refund or exchange. Some users reported an

unsatisfactory resistance level, but the consensus was that this bike trainer is a good

buy for its price range.

Final Recommendation We recommend that you purchase the Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus

Trainer because of its reasonable price, satisfaction policy, and favorable user

reviews. Although the Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer costs the least and the

Blackburn Trakstand Fluid Trainer has a 5-year warranty, we find the perfect

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Conclusion and Final Recommendation

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balance of price and usability in Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Plus

Trainer.

Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria

Minoura

VFS-G Nashbar Blackburn Performance

Lowest cost

including shipping $236.94 $149.95 $154.97 $170.99

Longest warranty or

equivalent guarantee None

100%

satisfaction

policy with

refund or

exchange

5-year

limited

warranty

100%

satisfaction

policy with

refund or

exchange

Highest rating on a

scale of 1-5

at Mtbr.com or

Roadbikereview.com

3 2.75 out of

12 reviews

2.5 out of 2

reviews 3.85

Assembly Complicated Complicated Pre-

assembled

No

information

Noise Quiet Noisy Noisy Quiet

Portability Yes Yes Yes Yes

Resistance High Medium Low Medium-to-

Low

Figure 5: Summary Table of Evaluative Criteria

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Glossary

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Glossary Gravity frame: the frame used on the Minoura VFS-G, which uses the gravity from

the weight of the rider to automatically adjust the roller pressure (“Minoura VFS-G

Variable Fluid System,” 2009).

Hex wrench: a wrench that accompanies the Minoura VFS-G, which is used to

adjust the trainer to different tires. The trainer has a specific storage space on the

trainer for the hex wrench so that easy adjustment is possible (Atkinson, 2008).

Fluid resistance: resistance that provides selectively variable resistance, makes little

noise, and simulates the feel of bicycling on a road. Additionally, the resistance

increases exponentially as the rider uses more speed (Trainers: Webster’s Quotations,

Facts, and Phrases, 2008).

Flywheel: large-diameter wheel keyed to the end of the shaft of machines such as

jaw crushers and the function of which is to restrict fluctuations of speed by

absorbing and releasing quantities of kinetic energy for small speed variations (F-

Dictionary of Quarrying Terms, n.d.).

Tensioner: A knob on a bike trainer which allows the bike to move forward and

back on the rollers while maintaining contact with the flywheel, thereby creating

resistance while pedaling (R. McDonald, personal communication, May 15, 2009).

Page 19: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Reference List

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Reference List Kelly. (2009, April 15). Personal Interview. (J. Tan, Interviewer)

Kelly, a salesperson at Foothill Cyclery, explained the functional and cost

differences between magnetic resistance and fluid resistance bike trainers

and recommended researching Cyclops and Blackburn trainers.

Atkinson, D. (2009). Minoura VFS-G Review. Retrieved May 15, 2009, from

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/accessories/resistance-

trainer/product/vfs-g-28814

Professional bicyclist Dave Atkinson reviewed the Minoura VFS-G’s

assembly, resistance, noise, and price.

Atkinson, D. (2008). Minoura VFS-G Trainer Pro Review. Retrieved May 15, 2009,

from http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/minoura-vfs-g-trainer-pro-

review/

Professional bicyclist Dave Atkinson reviewed the Minoura VFS-G's

assembly, resistance, noise, and price.

Blackburn Trak Stand Fluid. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from ConsumerREVIEW:

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/trainer/blackburn/trak-stand-

fluid/PRD_365426_153crx.aspx

Featured consumer feedback about the trainer. Reviews included time spent

testing the trainer, price paid, bike setup, trainer strengths and weaknesses,

and an overall impression of the product.

ConsumerREVIEW.com. Blackburn Trak Stand Fluid. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/trainer/blackburn/trak-stand-

fluid/PRD_365426_153crx.aspx

The webpage featured consumer feedback about the trainer. Reviews

included time spent testing the trainer, price paid, bike setup, trainer

strengths and weaknesses, and an overall impression of the product.

F-Dictionary of Quarrying Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved May 29, 2009, from The Institute of

Quarrying: http://www.quarrying.org/dictionary/f.html

Page 20: Bicycle Trainer Recommendation Report

Reference List

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Provided definition of “flywheel.”

Icon Group International, Inc. (2008). Trainers: Webster's Quotations, Facts and

Phrases. San Diego, CA, USA: Icon Group International, Inc.

Featured definition of fluid resistance.

Kurt Kinetic Road Machine vs. Minoura VFS-G vs. Cyclops. (2008, February 5).

Retrieved May 15, 2009, from

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=383606

Featured consumer feedback about the Minoura VFS-G’s assembly,

resistance, noise, and overall satisfaction.

Lee, Gary. Blackburn Trakstand Trainer Pro Review. Retrieved May 6, 2009, from

http://reviews.roadbikereview.com/blog/blackburn-trakstand-fluid-trainer-

pro-review/

Gary Lee provides professional reviews of road bikes and their various

accessories.

Mark. (2009, May 3). Assistant Store Manager of Art's Cyclery. (S. Wolters,

Interviewer)

Sara interviewed Mark at Art's Cyclery, who provided incomplete

information regarding a potential discount on the Blackburn Trakstand Fluid

Trainer.

McDonald, R. (2009, May 15). (L. Lopes, Interviewer)

This employee of Specialized in Morgan Hill encouraged us to purchase the

CycleOps bike trainer. We talked about the qualities of each bike trainer we

considered, and he suggested purchasing the most expensive models for

longer lasting trainers.

Minoura VFS-G Variable Fluid System. (2009). Retrieved May 15, 2009, from

http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?igpk=2126175286&TID=367

Provided information regarding price and resistance.

Nashbar Adjustable Fluid Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 14, 2009, from Bike Nashbar:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_172965_-1___14002

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Reference List

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Performance Fluid Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2009, from Road Bike Review:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/training/trainers/performance-

inc/PRD_21691_1663crx.aspx

This website had 16 reviews of the Performance bike trainer that I used to

evaluate the trainer.

Products: Trainers. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2009, from Blackburn:

http://www.blackburndesign.com/trainers.html

The official website provided basic product information and warranty terms.

Thomas, M. (2009, April 26). Owner of Michael's Bicycles. (S. Reynard, Interviewer)

Sam interviewed Michael Thomas of Newbury Park, who provided

information regarding a discount on CycleOps trainers if the team would

recognize his shop as a sponser.

Travel Trac Century Adjustable Fluid Plus Trainer. (n.d.). Retrieved May 15, 2009, from

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=20982&subcategor

y_ID=9999

This website provided information about the Performance bike trainer and

included some customer reviews.


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