Now that the winter is in full effect (OK maybe not so full, but it’s still a little cold), Eyegirl and I needed a solution for keeping up with our exercise when our 15 layers of thermal running gear are in the laundry or we’re too lazy to put them all on. (Often the case, or like me in particular – foot irritated from too much running on the treadmill – more on that later.)

The solution? An indoor bike trainer! (In fact, we got one for each of us.) At first I was concerned that a trainer would be A) too loud and/or B) not challenging enough for a tough workout.

I picked up the TravelTrac Mag+ trainer from Performance Bike after harassing the employees with my questions for too long.

It was relatively easy to set up, and I was happy to find that both of these concerns were unwarranted. Plenty of Internet reviews talk about the noise level of trainers and the TravelTrac Mag+ is of course not magically silent. We need to turn up the volume to watch TV while riding, but the most important test is passed with flying colors: One of us can sleep while the other is riding in another room with the door closed.

Regarding the resistance level, those worries were also (way) unfounded. The Mag+ offers 5 resistance levels in addition to the bike’s own inherent gears. With my bike in a relatively high gear, resistance levels 2 and 3 are plenty challenging. I think I have ventured to 4 on one occasion and I don’t think I have even tried level 5. So, there is plenty of room to improve!

For Eyegirl, I accidentally ordered the TravelTrac Fluid model, not realizing I had selected a different one online. More thorough review of that model will come later.

Anyhow, we are quite happy with the trainers so far. Are you having success with your winter exercise?