Home cycle trainer in actual home environment

About 1 month ago, I bought a 2nd hand bike trainer for my wife. She wanted a way to work out that is easy, fuss free.  
I googled to learn more and there were a whole gamut of options. They include learning from bike tech whizz Steve who has a very informative write up on a minoura LR340 and DC Rainmaker whom super detailed comparison of Bike Trainer made me realise a few things.  
1) Wind and magneto based trainers are more cost effective, but noisy. This might be a big consideration if you live in close environment which can affect others. 
2) Fluid based trainer gives a more "graduated" feel, meaning that if u pedal harder, the effort gets harder. Shift to harder gear, it get tougher. Just like riding in real life.  Also they tend to be quieter 
3)There are rollers option which gives a more realistic ride feel. But they require some agility.
With all the googling, reading and talking to folks who have one.  
I chose to go for a fluid based bike trainer route - with a realistic ride feel and noise consideration in mind. My option was either Cyclops Fluid2 or Kurt Kinetic Road Trainer. Yes and they were more expensive. 
I eventually  bought it secondhand at Togoparts as I saw that many folks tried and didn't enjoy the trainer. I was lucky, I got it at 1/2 of the retail price.  Something to consider if you don't mind using 2nd hand stuff. 
This is how it looks at my home now. 

Attached to my Stripe MTB

We, yes I said WE as my wife and I used it pretty much every day now. She actually uses it more than me. Morning half an hour and in the evening, when our gal is sleeping, she would go spin it. This is HUGE WIN for us! The ability to just get on the bike without leaving the home for us with a busy lifestyle and child is just great! 

Here's some experience touch points I made to enhance the product"performance". Its not pretty but it works! 
- Rigged up iPad holder so can watch movies while cycling. Get one from Daiso, zip tie to handle bar. Bang. Done! Wife loves it!

wire iPad holder from Daiso, held in place by Zip Ties

-Water bottle bag for easy access. Not so useful as we are in a home. 

- Towel wrap on bike to catch sweat. Hold it with cloths peg. Very domesticated approach, not so nice but it works. 
- Realistic bike feel and more cooling. Put a fan in front and set in low speed. Nice! 
I am not a tech writer and I don't aim to be one. I am just like many of you, a cyclists who has a day job and family commitments. But I hope to share with you my perspective as there is a lack of article that addresses our point of view. 
Hope this sharing will help you in deciding if a bike trainer is suitable for you.  Keep on spining! 

Tokyo bike, birthday gift from wifey!

Tokyo bike from Wifey... really!

Front view and for the eagled eyed...  rear brake cable housing is too short 

Not another bike!! Seriously, I didn't buy it and I am not complaining. It was a very nice birthday gift from Kim for my birthday last Oct 2012.  She knows that I love bicycles and felt that this bike suit me very much. She also revealed originally she wanted to get me a Go-Pro camera... dunno how come became a bicycle...any way.... I am ok!
Tokyo bike is Old skool and not racy at all. Sensible and just what a bicycle would look like if u ask any one on the street. More here if you want to know more. And I am not paid to sell Tokyo bike... just sharing my experience

Riding back with Encik after WWD 2013. Notice my flag? That really helps keep u notice with traffic

The bicycle is a 650C wheel bike, which is good for shortie like me. More nimble then a 700c but more stable then a 20".  It rolls well and esp on smooth tarmac, very smooth and quick. Not race race quick but glide quick. Components wise, is a shimano "dunno what series". I don't really care as it shifts ok and the chromo-frame is quite comfortable. Changed out the handle bar to a sweep back version and brooks flyer seat for a even comfy ride.
Featuring a carradice pendle bag which I can keep my DSLR and barang barang like medical box, tool kit and all.  I can easily swap it to the bike using an allen key to loosen the mounting bracket (along the bike seat rails). Sometimes you see it on my moulton, sometimes here on Tokyo bike.
Yes, its abit uncle but I like it very much. Perfect for slow down smell the roses kind of ride. Thank you Dear!  Now enjoy the photos!

My Gentle Hero lucky charm... keep me safe and polite :) 

Arigato! hai! Tokyo bike dezz! 

old skool pedals and it works well

Brooks Flyer. Heavy like crazy but comfy like ur fav sofa

Metal frame keeps the Carradice bag from swinging side to side. Allen bolt under seat can swap out to other bikes

I used it for 1.5 years and it works very well. 

how it looks inside

Side pocket can keep a repair kit nicely. I also stick my flag pole here

looking from the rear