by Patrick Davis

Trainer season is here in the midwest. Temps are dropping and snow is looming in the near future. This doesn't mean cycling has to stop. It just means the next few months are filled with blasting tunes, movie watching, and fun trainer rides.

Trainers are, for the most part, made to last forever. They have great warranties and, unless Mark Cavendish locks in, these things will get most riders through decades of riding. Over time, however, some parts might not work as great as when they were new.

If you own or are thinking of purchasing a CycleOps trainer you are in luck. They make a great product that lasts for a long time and works every time. In addition, they make it easy to get ahold of the bits and pieces needed to keep you training.

CycleOps Lifetime Warranty

One thing to mention is the lifetime warranty CycleOps offers on their products. As a local shop and online company we have had customers need warranty help in both settings. In our experience, CycleOps does a great job fixing or replacing the product and keeping the customer happy. Make sure to keep your receipt because the warranty applies to the original owner only. Also, it applies to hardware parts that do not wear out through use.

CycleOps Replacement Parts

If you have worn out or lost parts, before shopping for a new trainer, turn that “piece of crap trainer” back into an important training tool. Take a look at this list of products we have that wear out over many miles of use.

1. Trainer Foot. Those little rubber feet on the legs of the trainer are pretty darn important. Not just as a buffer between metal and floor, but little do many people know these act as a leveling tool. They are drilled off-center so you can twist them around and get a balanced trainer even on an unlevel surface. The problem with these little feet is they sometimes fall off and get lost. These trainer feet are compatible with “classic series” trainers. This includes the Fluid2, Magneto, Mag, Mag+, and Wind trainers. For about $5 you can get a replacement. (Part number: 13899)  Buy Now

2. Trainer Bolt Action Kit. These trainers can put up with a lot of abuse before needing a little TLC. As with anything, when there are moving parts, things get worn down. The locking mechanism on these trainers plays an important role in keeping your bike safely locked in.

When do you know these pieces need replaced?

• The knob does not stay in the slider due to it getting stripped out.
• The slider does not hold the skewer properly. Sometimes with improper use the slider end can get worn down and not hold tightly.
• Your trainer skewer looks nothing like a skewer anymore. These things get abused and need replaced from time to time.

Kit with spring slider: This replacement Bolt Action Assembly Kit is for CycleOps classic series trainers built in 2014 and newer (black frame). The kit includes the slider tube with internal spring, the lever handle, and a trainer skewer. (Part number: 21710)  Buy Now

Kit with plain slider: This replacement Bolt Action Assembly Kit is for CycleOps classic series trainers built before 2014 (gray frame). The kit includes the slider tube, the lever handle, and a trainer skewer. (Part number: 20921)  Buy Now

3. Trainer Skewer. This is the part most likely to get lost over the summer. You took it off last spring to put on the nice lightweight skewer that color matches your bike. Unfortunately, that fancy skewer isn't made to withstand the forces of the trainer, nor is it shaped correctly to make a secure fit. Pick up a couple extra trainer skewers, one for each bike that you will put on the trainer.  Buy Now

4. Trainer Knob Kit. Are you having troubles tightening the trainer roller to your tire? A lot of older generation trainers have this knob style tightener and with use it may eventually need replacing. The kit comes with knob, knob nut, and L-bolt. It is pretty easy to swap out and get back to riding. This is for all classic series trainers, not the pro series. (Part number: 19883)  Buy Now

5. Trainer Clutch Knob Kit. Do you have a current clutch knob  that does not work well, or want to upgrade from the old trainer knob or cam lever? Never worry about number of knob turns when trying to get consistent feel from ride to ride. Simply turn the knob until it clicks. This is compatible with all classic series trainers. (Part number: 9713)  Buy Now

6. Shifter for Mag Trainers. This is either an add-on or replacement part. Mag trainers have multiple levels of liner resistance. There are two ways to change resistance to match different workout types. Riders can change resistance levels by getting off and adjusting it on the unit itself. However, getting off your bike ruins the flow of the ride. This lever quickly and easily attaches to your handlebars. All Mag (not Magneto) trainers can be retrofit to work with this adjuster. (Part number: 9703)  Buy Now

7. 20/24” Wheel Adapter. The wheel adapter is great for putting a kids bike or recumbent on a trainer. This adapter changes the flywheel and drum height to match a 20" or 24" tire. With some simple tools and this kit, the whole family can be riding in no time! Can be used with classic series trainers (Wind, Mag, Mag+ Magneto, and Fluid2). (Part number: 9705)  Buy Now

8. Roller Belt. Maybe you use rollers instead of a trainer. Is your roller belt fraying, slipping, or broken? This monster rubber-band-looking replacement will get you riding again quickly. Installation is very simple. All models of CycleOps rollers use the same belt so there are no questions of compatibility. (Part number: 14040)  Buy Now

If the part you need isn't listed above, please ask in the comments or give us a call.