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I'm in the market for a Turbo trainer. Anticipate that I'll be using it quite a lot, as it will replace my rollers, which I use around 3-4 times a week. It will be used for structured training, not just a bit of spinning when it's raining. Don't really want to be spending any more than around £150 - less if possible! I've started some research, and there are loads of brands out there, other than the well known ones such as Cycleops and Taxc. There's also the question of wind, magnet or fluid - It's a blimmin maze! So any thoughts/experiences/opinions would be much appreciated.
Wind = very noisy.
Fluid is apparently most realistic feeling but you can't adjust resistance. Fluid plus magnet gives the feel of fluid with adjustability of magnet, but you are unlikely to get one in budget.
I got an elite chrono elastogel fluid one from Wiggle, £140. Not adjustable, but just change gear... it is quiet. When my Mrs is on it I'm happy enough sat in the same room with the TV volume turned up just a couple of notches. For the money I'm happy with it.
Check out second hand ones. A lot of people buy them thinking they will use them and suddenly discover they are difficult to store and don't make you fit over night.
Slightly restricts your options but if you are not in a hurry you should find something good.
Decathlon had an elite mag elasto gel for £99 with 5 resistance settings. Seemed very good for the money.
What about one for MTB wheels? I believe there's one that clamps onto the rim instead of the tire. Any good? Noisy?
WorldClassAccident I think you're right. I'll keep a close eye on Ebay and the STW classifieds, and see what comes up.
What about one for MTB wheels?
The Tacx I've got fits both road and mtb wheels which I believe most do - I just run a slick or turbo specific tyre on the MTB rim. If you get the "MTB one" that runs on the rim then you need a non disc rim and it will wear the rim out quicker than usual.