Minoura Japan – M80-R

Minoura’s Magnetic “Eddy Current” benefits:
Quiet operation
Constant power output
Controllable resistance
We at Minoura have been the pioneers of magnetic resistance indoor trainers. In the 80’s, there were only two ways to generate resistance; Wind fan and Roller pressure.
The Fan type was very noisy, but with a reasonably exponential power curve, up to a certain speed, at which it would stop giving resistance.
The Roller pressure type had very fast wear and very unreliable resistance.


The Minoura patented system was a major breakthrough in regards to a quiet and smooth resistance system.
The basic principles of the “Eddy Current System” are simple. There are two magnets opposing each other, and an alloy disc is located between the magnets. The magnets pull or push each other, depending on their position versus each other. The alloy rotor between the magnets cut the magnetic fields, thus creating resistance. This is a very reliable resistance method, which does not alter the resistance when heating up during exercise.
Later resistance developments such as simple magnetic and fluid based systems still find it hard to cope with heat built-up in the resistance units, causing large variations in resistance. That is why Minoura has continued with the proven “Eddy Current” system.

The current versions of this unit have a similar design, but more refined and tuned for optimum performance.

The Fluid system was originally developed by CycleOps. Its mechanism is quite simple.
A turbine with fins spins in a fluid, inside a chamber. This system generates resistance with the fan blades turning inside the fluid.

The problems start with a Fluid system needing a fully sealed housing to avoid fluid leakage. Secondly a fully sealed chamber causes additional problems with expansion of fluid/air when warming up, changing the characteristics of resistance badly. Continuous repeating of the heat built-up will cause sealing issues and the fluid will start to breakdown and change characteristics even more. Therefore a reliable resistance and troublesome usage for many years, is never possible with fluid.

Trainers are traditionally used by riders wanting to build up muscles and increasing cardio. The M80 is very capable to give a workout to suit experienced riders. The unit has a very constant resistance and is very reliable.

All M-series models feature a convenient quick release type hub clamping system, allowing you to engage/release the bike very quickly. By moving the special lever up/down, the right side coupling slides in/out, fixing/releasing the wheel from the frame. This is a great time saver in setting up time, before/after your workout. After you secure the bicycle, you tighten the resistance unit against the tyre itself with a dial-knob.

• Mag resistance unit may become HOT while workout. Do NOT touch it during and at least for 15 minutes after finishing session.
• The rear wheel spins very fast and will cause serious injury if touch them. Keep children and pets away from trainer while using.
• The maximum load of M80-R is 120 kgs including bike weight.
• The couplings fit the supplied quick release skewer only. You cannot use your own skewer on Minoura trainer. You must replace the skewer before use.
• Hub nut type bike should have fitting problem. The inner diameter on coupling is larger than the standard hub nut so we cannot guarantee the stability. Replace the left side coupling to the optional special one.
• Any bike with internal transmission type hub cannot be used.
• M80-R does NOT have the Foot-Step. It's the normal knob bolt style.
• M80-R is not compatible with Watt-Master.

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It may occur that the lever will go back to "1" position automatically even if you twist the remote shifter lever to set at "L" position. This is because the remote cable tension adjustment is not done properly (the cable length is too short).

Firstly, extend the cable as straight as possible.
As the general habit of the cable, if it's coiled, the inner cable will have to be retracted and it will cause the cable shortage. You need to set the cable as straight as possible.

Secondly, check if the cable tension adjustment screw is properly adjusted.
Pull out the black plastic cap from the foot of the cable, then you will see the adjusting screw.
Check the gap between the lock nut and the screw head. If there is any space between them, tighten the nut toward screw head to make the gap to zero.

Thirdly, turn the remote lever strongly beyond "L" position. This will push the outer cable to pull out the inner cable.

It should be up to 20 degrees. Be sure over-tightening the lever may cause serious damage to the inside mechanism.

If you cannot get any good result after trying above 3 issues, contact the shop where you purchase the trainer to replace the remote cable.

You see a bolt in the center of the remote shifter. It works keeping the lever in position. Tighter the bolt, tighter the lever.

On the previous type shifter, the screw is located on the back of the lever.

Our magnetic resistance unit has a habit that the magnet will go back toward "H" position naturally, because the magnets are pulling each other.
At this time, if the center bolt has been loosened, the lever cannot be kept in certain position and will move toward H one or two steps.
To solve this problem, tighten the center bolt a little more by M4 hex wrench.
Be sure too much tightening will cause another problem that it will have to become hard to operate the lever.