I purchased the CycleOps 2 Fluid Trainer and bought the climbing block to go with it. First comment, I can't see using this trainer without the block because your back tire is raised quite a bit when connected to the trainer. Other trainers might be lower to the ground and maybe this block isn't as necessary. Second comment, I don't feel it's much of a "climbing" block as it is a "leveling" block. Each slot does have variations in the grade, but they're not extreme... you won't feel like you're climbing Alp D'Huez. The minor flaw is that there's no identification on the block in terms of what slot you're using. There are theoretically 6 different ways you can position your bike in this, and if you're like me and you constantly break it all down and put it away, you never know which slot you had your wheel in before without putting the bike in, eyeballing the level of the bike, and possibly getting on the bike to see if it feels right. Kind of a stupid oversight in product design if you ask me. 4 stars

I went looking for more info on this product as i was curious about the "4 separate height adjustments" on the ribbon brochure and i could only see 3 possible positions. It turns out that 2 of the separate height adjustments are using a 2nd climbing block in combination with the first: back-to-back and front-to-back.

As far as i can tell there are the three positions with the one climbing block. Measuring how high the front tire is raised gives the possible height increases of 1.25 inches, 1.75 inches and 2.125 inches (these are eye-balled so not perfect).

The combination of a CycleOps trainer and my wife's bike raises her back tire 1 inch off the floor so like the previous reviewer, Adam Rhuberg said, the block is more like a leveler than a climber. Unless you buy that 2nd climbing block of course. 4 stars

If you buy a Cycle-Ops it is worth the few extra bucks to pick up this block. What it does is allows you to simulate varied terrain. If you want to practice hills you can on the block. Besides the simulated terrains, which really works, it allows your bike to be perfectly still and will not sway when you are working out. I have one that I use every time I break out my trainer and can't see using the Cycle-Ops without it. It is definitely worth the few extra dollars to provide you with a better workout. 5 stars

This stand is perfect. It gives you a few different settings and provides stability. This is a must with any of the trainers, because it makes your bike level; otherwise you would be exercising at a serious decline. 5 stars

This block helps to hold the bike a bit more steady but overall, I don't think that it is needed. Apparently, you can stack two blocks to increase the grade but I haven't tried this (I don't want to buy another block).

If you are tight on money, I would suggest passing on this item. 3 stars