Fluid vs. Magnetic Bike Trainers: Which Ones Are Better?

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If you’re considering buying a new bike trainer, you’ll appreciate this fluid vs. magnetic resistance comparison that explains their differences, pros, and cons.

You will learn the differences between magnetic and electromagnetic bike trainers and which is right for you.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The main difference between fluid and magnetic bike trainers is that fluid trainers use progressive fluid resistance. This means the faster you pedal, the higher the resistance. You can’t manually adjust it. Magnetic resistance is linear but adjustable. So, you can manually adjust it to make pedaling harder. Electromagnetically resisted bike trainers can adjust the resistance based on a 3rd party app.

Continue reading to learn more.

Table of Contents

How Do Fluid Bike Trainers Work?
How Do Magnetic Bike Trainers Work?
Pros and Cons of Fluid and Magnetic Bike Trainers
Conclusion
Fluid vs. Magnetic Bike Trainers FAQ

How Do Fluid Bike Trainers Work?

Bike trainers with fluid resistance have a flywheel and an impeller that moves through a fluid (e.g., silicone) that creates the resistance. The faster you pedal, the higher the resistance. This is because the resistance is progressive (exponential).

Power curves - linear, progressive, outdoor (for illustrative purposes only) — Power curves – linear, progressive, outdoor (for illustrative purposes only)

On the other hand, magnetic bike trainers have a linear power curve. You will learn more about them below.

The following video explains the Kinetic Fluid resistance unit and why Kinetic uses medical-grade silicone.

Examples of fluid bike trainers: Saris Fluid2 Trainer, Kinetic Road Machine Smart 2, Elite Turno

How Do Magnetic Bike Trainers Work?

Bike trainers with the magnetic resistance unit also have a flywheel, but instead of a fluid, they use a magnet. Usually, you can change the position of the magnet to adjust the resistance. The closer the magnet is to the flywheel, the higher the resistance and vice versa.

Elite Novo Force magnetic bike trainer and its resistance unit parts

Some bike trainers had a feature to automatically increase the resistance (for example, CycleOps SuperMagneto Pro). But nowadays, they are not as popular as smart trainers with electromagnetic resistance that adjust it based on an indoor cycling app.

Electromagnetic bike trainers can adjust resistance based on indoor cycling apps. They work on the same principle as magnetic bike trainers. The main difference is that their magnet is controlled electronically.

Examples of magnetic bike trainers: Elite Novo Force (read review), Sportneer Bike Trainer (read review), Saris Magnetic Bike Trainer
Examples of electromagnetic bike trainers: Wahoo KICKR, Tacx Flow, Saris H3

Pros and Cons of Fluid and Magnetic Bike Trainers

The biggest advantage of fluid bike trainers over magnetic trainers is the more realistic and outdoor-like feel. This is thanks to the progressive resistance similar to the resistance outside.

Additionally, fluid trainers are quieter, so you won’t disturb your neighbors if you live in an apartment or your loved ones.

On the other hand, they are more expensive than magnetic bike trainers, and you can’t adjust their resistance.

The following table shows the pros and cons of fluid, magnetic, and other types of resistances used on bike trainers.

Type of Resistance	Pros	Cons
Wind	• Cheapest • Progressive resistance	• Very noisy • Lack of resistance adjustability
Magnetic	• Relatively affordable • Quieter than wind trainers • Manually adjustable resistance	• Linear resistance • Maximum resistance level
Electromagnetic	• Adjustable resistance based on 3rd party apps • Very quiet	• Expensive • Require electricity
Fluid	• Progressive resistance translating into a very realistic riding feel • Quieter than wind and magnetic trainers • No maximum resistance level	• Expensive • Lack of resistance adjustability

Pros and cons of wind, magnetic, electromagnetic, and fluid bike trainers | Sources: cyclistshub.com, youtube.com, medium.com (The Pacemaker)

Conclusion

So, should you get a magnetic or fluid resistance trainer?

Go for a magnetic one if your budget is tight or if you don’t require an outside-like ride feel.

I recommend fluid bike trainers for those who don’t want to spend extra on electromagnetically-resisted bike trainers and those who prefer outside-like progressive resistance.

Feel free to contact me or write any comments in case of any questions.

Fluid vs. Magnetic Bike Trainers FAQ

Do fluid bike trainers leak?

Yes, fluid bike trainers can leak, but it is very rare. If you have a bike trainer that leaks, contact the seller or the manufacturer for more info and an eventual claim.

Are all magnetic bike trainers the same?

No, bike trainers with electromagnetic resistance can adjust the resistance based on 3rd party apps. Standard magnetically-resisted bike trainers allow you to change resistance manually.

4 Comments

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Simon

1 year ago

Interesting read! I’ve been considering getting a bike trainer for my home workouts, and this post has helped me make up my mind. I’m glad to hear that both fluid and magnetic trainers have their pros and cons. Do you have any personal experience with either type of trainer, or any recommendations for beginners? Thanks!

Author

Petr Minarik

Reply to Simon

Thank you, Simon. Yes, I do. You can check out these budget bike trainers for more info. 🙂
– Petr

Howard Friedman

8 months ago

Question- can the resistance level be adjusted by gear change with a fluid trainer?

Reply to Howard Friedman

Hi Howard,
yes.