indoor trainer

Quiet, durable and will make you pedal more efficiently. They will last longer than you!
Kreitler Rollers with a Killer Headwind unit attached.

http://www.kreitler.com/

I would like to suggest a visit to one of the bike shops who have donated time, prizes, and cash to promote Cross this year. Not only will they show you the different types ,they may have some set up in store to try. Minoura, Tacx or Kinetics all make good units to suit your needs. Some shops have spin classes during the off season to make the training more enjoyable. Check some out and remember, spinnin's for winnin !!
Peter H

Make some tire choices when you buy the trainer. Stationary trainers go through rubber like a hungry jackal. Prisca once covered our livingroom in little rubber pellets and pooched the tire in one ride. There are trainer specific tires. You usually have to find a balance between too much tension and wheel slippage. Bike stores are good. If you buy one with a wattage function you can do a quasi accurate fitness test.