Travel Trac Fluid Indoor Cycling Trainer $124.99 @ Performance Bicycle B&M only

The trainer has a few advantages over cheap stationary bikes.
-it's your own bike. Perfectly set up to how you normally ride outdoors. Training that allows for an easier transition back to outdoor riding. I know when I do spin classes all winter, I still have a transition period hopping on the tri bike even if the conditioning is there. So essentially you get to train how you normally ride. You're rarely in an optimal riding position on a cheap stationary bike. My Lemond bike has adjustments galore so i can be as dialed in to my normal riding position as possible.

-resistance and gearing. Smoother resistance as you pack it on compared to cheap friction resistance on lesser stationary bikes that rely on big heavy flywheels to stay smooth. You also shift gears on your bike to increase resistance. It's predictable and easy to gauge for consistancy throughout workouts.

-Space: your bike is already taking up space. The trainer can fit under the sofa, in a closet or wherever. You can train planted in front of your big screen and then put everything away like it was never there. You almost need a dedicated area to use a stationary bike or you make it part of your decor. My Lemond resides next to my sofa, and I only have it because someone sold it to me for $50, and it's a $1000 bike. Tough to resist, and I don't use my trainer much anymore.

-Most will put on a training tire on the rear so there's no wear and tear on your good tires. Even a mountain bike can sport a no tread rear tire.