CycleOps Fluid 2 Trainer

It's like the Honda Accord of trainers...there have been discussions here if you search.  I have one and it works fine.  The Kurt Kinetic is the other one people go with.  I guess that one is the Toyota Camry.

Kurt Kinetic Road Machine. Might cost a tiny bit more (around $275 is you shop around online and use discounts that are readily available--just got mine from bicycleoutfittersindy.com for a little under that shipped to my house) but is guaranteed never to leak. I really like it but I think the two are practically interchangeable, although IMO the KK is a better trainer because of the "never leaking" thing (even though Cycleops has good customer service according to folks on here- I'd rather never have to send mine back and deal with any kind of customer service, if you know what I mean).

I have not had any issues with my Fluid 2, but I have also only used it over one winter season so far.

I've had my COF2 a couple years now -- bought it on ebay.  No leaks and use it year-round for pre-dawn rides.

It seems that the Kurt Kinetic might be better by a hair.

But from endless discussions about about trainers, it doesn't seem you can go wrong with either.

The only thing to watch out for is that some old CycleOps leaked; a problem which has apparently been fixed.  That's something to watch out for if you're buying used, but shouldn't be a problem if you buy new.

Thanks to everyone for all the tips! After a little price checking, I'll become one of the basement trainer elite. 8^)

Just got mine a few weeks ago, works like a charm.  Love it.

I've had mine for over 4 years with no issues.