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Bike Accessories Reviews
Nashbar
Watt Master Fluid
MSRP: $360
3 stars (2 reviews)
Bicycling Review
3 stars (2 reviews)Bicycling Review
Issue: Jan 2008
Page: BI100
Page: BI100
Editorial Review
TYPE: Fluid
BASIC FEATURES: Polyurethane roller, wireless heads-up display (functions include current, average and max watts; current, average and max speeds; trip, total odometer; trip, total time; current slope and total elevation gain), folding steel base
HITS: The manufacturer of this trainer sells a nearly identical unit under its own name for about $200 more than this Nashbar-branded unit: an odd business decision, but good for you, the consumer. The polyurethane roller is incredibly quiet and nice to your high-end tires. It's not the same as the real road, but fluid is continuously variable and progressive, so it feels relatively natural. It's wireless, so you won't be looking for rear-wheel computer mounts or running wires to figure out just how long you've been staring at the wall. And it gives you wattage information, a plus because power is the most accurate representation available of your strength and fitness.
MISS: Watts are great information, but watts without heart rate don't provide a complete picture of your fitness. Also, though the computer is said to measure up to 999 watts, we found that the base likely isn't stable enough to get you there--we reached the mid 700s before we nearly tipped over.
TARGET USER: Fitness-oriented riders looking to step up their training
Reader Reviews
Average Reader Review: 3 stars (2 reviews)
Review By Jay, Rides to Race:I ordered this trainer from Nashbar and it arrived today. I purchased a new unit and was sent one which was: 1. Used. The roller had signs of wear, and tire compound was all over the inside of the box and the roller unit. It also had batteries installed which were either dead or the unit was broken. 2. Missing pieces. The required hardware to assemble the unit was missing. I called Nashbar and their reply was "sorry, we will send you a fedex return label sometime next week." I've been told I should have a new unit with all the pieces in two weeks or so. The trainer may be great, but because of the hassle of dealing with Nashbar, I'd buy a Kurt Kinetic or a Cycleops elsewhere if I had to do it again. I guess you get what you pay for.
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Review By Ken, Rides for Fitness:I like my Nashbar Watt Masters. I have both the Mag and the Fluid Watt Masters. Although between the two, I actually prefer the Mag because I have more control over the tension during the base building times of the year. The Fluid ramps up too quickly for me. I have the yellow trainer tire for the Mag but the Fluid advertises that you can use your regular tire on the Fluid Watt Master. I have found a pile of black rubber after using the standard race tires. Cheaper tires last better but still recommend the trainer tires. It is a good unit and works well. I love the knowledge of maintaining wattages and it does change the way I train for what I think is the better. So I rate the Fluid Watt Master at a 4 star and the Mag Watt Master as a 5 star.
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