Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro vs. Fluid 2 – Comparison in 2023
Cannot seem to decide between the infamous Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro and the Jet Fluid 2? Do not worry.
We have given our level best to sort it all into something that is easily palatable.
Welcome to our article about the battle of the fluid-based trainer giants. We positioned one against the other based on features that are important to those looking to bike train at home. So, give it a read.
Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro vs. Fluid 2 Comparison in 2023
Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro
First up, we have the OG turbo resistance trainer from Cyclops, the Jet Fluid Pro.
We will start off why this product from Cycleops matters and what makes it different from all the other trainers being sold everywhere right now.
Primarily, unlike the other trainers available in the stores right now, this Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro is not a magnetic trainer.
It does not make use of a magnetic system in order to provide resistance. Rather, the Jet Fluid Pro utilizes a jet flywheel submerged in a fluid.
So, what does that equate to? We get a more realistic ride from a Jet Fluid Pro as if we were actually riding a bike down the road.
The ride is much quieter than the one provided by its magnetic counterparts.
The inertia distribution is much better, too, as the resistance is built up by a fluid. And the fluid flows and provides increasing resistance.
According to the laws of physics, when an object passes through fluids with an increasing rate of motion, the resistance on that object increases too.
Which is why we get a ride experience similar to that provided by a bicycle. Let us talk about unboxing.
In the box, you get the trainer itself, a skewer (quick release), an instruction manual, and a coupon thingy from real rides.
tv and VirtualTraining. Let us be real. We are never making use of these coupons, heh.
And the ride quality is very smooth and does not wear you down. The resistance will feel a little off at first, but we ought to remember that this unit also plays the part of a resistance trainer.
That extra resistance will help you build your endurance, and you will definitely feel the increased dexterity the next time you go on a bike trip.
As you train, or cycle rather, on this Jet Fluid Pro, you need to change gears as you would on an actual bike.
Your bike will be more forward-inclined, so you need to learn to adjust to the slightly awkward balancing at first.
All in all, with the stellar resistance distribution, the Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro raises the standard for trainers.
PROS
CONS
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Cycleops Fluid 2
Now, pitting against the Cycleops Fluid Pro, we have a Cycleops Fluid 2. Another absolutely stellar product from Cyclops.
This unit was manufactured after Saris acquired Cycleops, introducing newer means of manufacturing.
The results? Same levels of performance as the Fluid Pro at a more competitive price bracket.
The tire contact area is bigger on the Fluid 2 than its predecessors. You will see a marked improvement in noise reduction as well as any and all tire slippages that may occur.
The tech behind is rather simple but effective. And the packaging is a premium affair, as is a standard on all of Cycleops’ offerings.
A silly thing to nitpick on, we know. But, the user experience always starts with unboxing the packaging.
The pack itself is fairly compact, and we faced no difficulties in getting the parts and the unit out about and installed.
Some assembly is required before we can get down to cycling with our new trainer.
The resistance unit comes separate from the primary frame, and setup is also required for the locking pin.
Pretty straight forward, should not take you more than 5 to 10 mins to get it all sorted out.
Let us talk a little about the build quality. The unit, like the previous Cycleops trainer we’ve reviewed, is very robustly built, pretty much made to withstand some significant thrashing about on your bike.
No complaints regarding that sector. This will easily see you through years of heavy workout regimes.
Moreover, the resistance curve is smooth, with more and more resistance being piled on as you go faster.
This is achieved via the use of certain fluid technology, far superior to the technology used in magnetic trainers.
The build-up is quite smooth, and you would not feel any fatigue whatsoever from the get-go.
One thing we did notice straightaway is that it is not as quiet as the Fluid Pro. Do not get us wrong.
As far as these trainers go, the Cycleops is in a league of its own when it comes to sound-dampened operation.
It is just that this Cycleops Fluid 2 is a little louder than the Fluid Pro.
PROS
CONS
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Cycleops Fluid 2 or Jet Fluid Pro Bike Trainer?
Let’s get to know their differences in detail.
Assembly
We do not have to worry about any assembly whatsoever (to the trainer itself) with the Jet Fluid Pro.
And we simply take it out of the package, extend the legs, and we are all set. Just connect your bike, and you can be cycling plus resistance training in under 5 to 10 mins.
Fluid 2, however, requires some assembly. Taking the content out of the box, you will notice that the resistance unit comes separate from the rest of the frame.
The locking pin also needs to be set in place. And the setup is toolless. For just the trainer, you should have in place within 5 to 10 mins.
Bike plus trainer, you are looking at a time frame of about 10 to 20 mins. But the setup process itself is very easy.
You will be able to sort out what goes where as you start getting everything out of the package.
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Packaging
The packaging the Fluid 2 comes in is slightly more compact than that of the Fluid Pro. They weight about the same, however.
Plus, the unboxing is the same premium experience we have come to expect of Cycleops products.
Storage
The award for the best storage goes to Fluid Pro. It can be toned down into a unit that is more compact in size than what Fluid 2 assumes when folded down.
Granted, it is nothing significant, but hey, real estate is important, and we could consider every centimeter of it.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here we have the most commonly asked queries regarding the comparison between the two products:
1. How do these Cycleops trainers work?
The resistance and the general operation in these Cycleops trainers are done so using a fluid technology, which is different from what we see in traditional magnetic trainers.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe resistance is distributed such that more resistance is piled on you as you cycle faster.
2. Is the Fluid Pro from Cycleops one of those smart trainers?
Nope. The base model is what we would call a dumb trainer. That is, it does not come with any computers or gadgets that help monitor your stats.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou can, however, make it into a smart trainer by using a Rouvy or a Zwift training program.
3. Will the Cycleops wear out my tires?
You are essentially cycling on the metal cylinder of the resistance unit. While it is not as dramatic as cycling on the road or on the sidewalk, if there is any form of contact, there will be resistance.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eAnd thus, there will be some wear. It would not, however, be as much as cycling on the road.
4. What is the resistance curve for a Cycleops trainer?
While it is difficult to show on a graph without specialized equipment, we can say that the curve is gradual, yet not exponential.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThat is, the more speed you pour on, the more resistance the trainer throws at you.
5. How long will a Cycleops last?
With proper care, we reckon it will last for years.
Conclusion
And thus, we are at the end of the queue for our Cycleops Jet Fluid Pro and Fluid 2 article.
Cycleops are certainly the way to go if you are seeking to acquire something quiet and with a smooth resistance delivery.
I hope we made the differences clear between the two. See you in our next article.