The simple technology of wind trainers revolutionized indoor bike riding. Before wind trainers you pretty much had two options: ride your bike on rollers with no resistance or ride an insanely expensive ergometer where you couldn't replicate your road riding position. All the same, wind trainers had drawbacks aplenty. Kinetic by Kurt has addressed the weaknesses of traditional wind resistance units with the Cyclone Wind Trainer, one that rides well, travels well, and comes in at a great price.

Early wind resistance units were simply 'squirrel cage' fans—small diameter, louvered cylinders running off tiny rollers that spun quickly and were painfully noisy when going all out. The units were so light, there was almost no momentum in the unit while riding and the moment you let off the gas, speed would drop to nothing. Another problem was their durability; it was too easy to knock the fan out of true or damage the louvers when you traveled with them in your trunk along with other race gear.

Working with the idea that they needed to produce wind resistance and have some sense of momentum, Kinetic by Kurt made their roller 2.5in in diameter for easier rolling, less tire wear, and quieter operation. They also decided to work with two fans on either side of the tire roller. Each fan is 6in in diameter and weighs 2.2 lbs. In other words, they both act to produce resistance and provide momentum. And because of their design and heft, the fan wheels are plenty durable. The noise of the spinning fan blades doesn't become noticeable until 25mph, and at that point you'll be cranking out 349 watts (check out power curve here) anyway. At that point, the noise might even be a motivator. Kinetic by Kurt has found that their sponsored pro riders enjoy the attention it brings to their time trial warm-ups.

The frame, green as always, is the same as used with the Road Machine. The base is 32in (81.28cm) wide when open. The bike is attached to the trainer via two threaded knobs, with a locking quick release on the right side. When folded flat it is 26in (66.04cm) wide and 6in (15.24) tall. The overall weight of the system is 27 pounds (12.27kg).

The Cyclone Wind Trainer comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty. It fits wheels from 22 to 29in in diameter. It is supplied with its own quick release skewer as it is assured a good fit in the cone cups that secure your bike to the trainer.