Low-priced, smooth ride to nowhere

Performance Travel Trac Century Fluid Trainer: Stationary rear-wheel training stand generates resistance through the tire's contact with a roller drum that must overcome the inertia of an attached fan encased in a fluid housing.

Likes: Smooth ride. Quick, easy setup. Extremely safe for novices and experts alike. Although noisier than the Minoura (right), it is still TV-friendly and quieter than similar air-fan and magnetic-resistance trainers. Folds up small for easy storage. Market's lowest-priced fluid trainer.

Dislikes: Can't be used with any knobby mountain-bike tire. Does not come with a front-tire block ($10-$15).

Price: $199. (800) 727-2453; www.performancebike.com.

January 7, 2008