Many people started their biking journey this year and want to continue it through the colder months. What if riding outside in subzero temperatures isn’t for you? Thankfully, we have options! Indoor bike trainers can sound intimidating, but there are options for cyclists of all skill levels. We have a few simple steps to determine what setup is best for you.
What Is a Bike Trainer?
A bike trainer is a device that attaches to a bicycle’s rear wheel to allow riders to pedal indoors. This can be helpful when the weather is bad or when the rider doesn’t have time to ride outside. Bike trainers are often used by cyclists to warm up before races and are generally more compact and less expensive than stationary cycling machines found at gyms.
Benefits of Indoor Bike Trainers
Before we discuss the different types of trainers and how to use them, let’s look at some of the biggest benefits of using a bike trainer:
- There are many affordable options starting under $300.
- Many trainers easily connect to a bike you already own.
- Ride anytime no matter what the weather is like outside.
- You can easily store an indoor bike trainer when not in use, unlike most exercise equipment.
- Obviously, there are health benefits to any exercise, but bike trainers offer many fun ways to keep you inspired.
So, how do you get into riding your bike on a bike trainer? First, pick out the best indoor biking setup for you and your bike, then create a habit of it. Remember, even though it’s just like riding your bike, it’s also a totally new activity that your mind and body will need to adjust to. Just keep riding and improvising to make the experience what you want it to be. You will be in top riding form come spring and summer!
Ready to add indoor biking to your list of bad-weather hobbies? Keep reading to learn more about each type of bike trainer and determine which one will give you the best experience for your biking goals. You can also view our Indoor Bike Trainer Buying Guide.
Types of Bike Trainers
The first step in deciding on the best indoor bike trainer for you is to know the different types of trainers. We’ll highlight the differences so you will have an easier time determining which direction to go.
Wheel-On Trainers
Wheel-on bike trainers are very popular because they’re easy to set up and have a lower price point than some of the other options. They also work with virtually any bike out there. Like direct drive trainers, wheel-on trainers hold your bike aloft via the rear axle, but they differ in that you don’t remove the wheel. Instead, your rear tire is placed against a roller, so when you pedal it spins the roller. The resistance is then applied to that roller, which in turn makes it harder to pedal.
PROS
- Easy to use and store
- Less expensive
CONS
- Can be loud
- Can lead to tire wear
- Don’t allow you measure ride statistics as much as direct-drive trainers
Direct-Drive Trainers
Direct-drive trainers often look similar to wheel-on trainers and operate in much the same way. However, for these trainers, you’ll remove your rear wheel and connect your bike’s chain to a cassette attached to the trainer. These trainers are often at higher price points than wheel-on trainers, but they provide a smoother and more stable ride. Direct-drive trainers will also work with most bikes.
PROS
- Realistic, road-like ride feel
- Prevent added wear on your rear tire
- Quieter
- Accurately measure power output and other ride statistics
CONS
- Heavier
- More expensive
Bike Simulators
Bike simulators are often at the highest price point and provide an amazing real-world cycling feel. They offer the most complete and realistic indoor cycling training experience and can be used with interactive apps that offer workout control and fitness feedback, such as speed, cadence, and heart rate. They are also easily adjustable for different riders. Another benefit is that you can keep your outdoor bike available to grab and go.
PROS
- Closest experience to a real bike
- Highly adjustable and stable setup
- Keeps your bike free for outdoor riding
- Can be paired with interacting training apps
CONS
- Expensive
- Requires sufficient indoor space
Indoor Bike Rollers
Bike rollers are typically at the lowest price point, but they also require the most technique and probably the most room inside your home. These are rollers that sit under your wheels, and you simply ride your bike over them. They basically operate like a treadmill does for runners. Bike rollers are affordable and easy to set up, but they also require a great deal of balance.
PROS
- Great way to practice bike handling skills
- Easy to set up
- Compatible with all bikes
CONS
- Upfront learning curve
- No resistance settings
How to Choose an Indoor Bike Trainer
Whether you’re looking to keep cycling during cold winter months or just want to add some indoor training to your workout routine, there are a wide variety of bike trainers available to suit your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Price: How much are you willing to spend on your indoor bike trainer? Bike rollers are usually the least expensive, but they entail a learning curve, require balance and technique, and don’t provide many features in terms of workout stats. Wheel-on trainers are a step up in price and offer plenty of convenience with a few drawbacks. Then come direct-drive trainers and bike simulators. It all depends on which features are most important to you.
- Connectivity: Direct-drive trainers and simulators are sometimes able to connect with apps that provide real-time workout feedback and a social community—features that are important to many indoor cyclists.
- Bike Fit: Some trainers are only compatible with certain bikes, while others can work with practically any bike on the market. (And some trainers, like simulators, don’t require a bike at all.) Check with the manufacturer to see if your bike will work with your desired trainer.
- Additional Parts: Many direct-drive trainers require you to buy a rear cassette that’s compatible with your bike’s drivetrain, and some other trainers may also require external parts. If it’s simplicity and ease of setup that you’re looking for, then bike rollers or wheel-on trainers may be the way to go.
- Noise: Wheel-on trainers and rollers tend to make a lot of noise—maybe not an issue if you’re listening to music or don’t mind zoning out, but probably a consideration if you live in a shared space.
- Room: Finally, some trainers (especially simulators) take up a lot of room, while wheel-on trainers can often be folded up and stored efficiently. If you don’t have a lot of space in your home to work with, this may be an important factor.
The Best Indoor Bike Trainer
Wahoo Fitness Kickr Smart Power V6 Wifi Trainer
As mentioned above, there are a lot of variables to consider when you’re looking for the perfect indoor bike trainer. But in our view, you can’t do much better than the Wahoo Fitness Kickr V6 trainer. This direct-drive smart trainer has lightning-fast wifi for easy connectivity, and it offers the most realistic ride feel and precise power. Its carbon steel body is ultra-stable, and it’s always “ride ready,” with easy configuration for different cyclists. The price point is a bit higher on this one, but the fun and rigorous workout and enhanced ride feedback in the connected app make it worth it to invest in this top-of-the-line indoor trainer.
Helpful Pointers For Indoor Bike Trainers
Find Apps to Help with Your Workout
There are many different apps that can help you track your workouts and make them more invigorating and enjoyable. This is especially true with a smart trainer. There are some amazing subscription-based apps that have completely reimagined the indoor bike trainer. A few top examples are Zwift, Wahoo SYSTM, and TrainerRoad. There are many others that you can find, and some trainers will recommend their own. You can do some research and explore which apps work best for your training.
Don’t Forget the Bike Trainer Accessories
There are a variety of bike trainer accessories that make indoor biking even more thrilling. Some can make your indoor biking more realistic by mimicking wind and hills. Others can provide safety to you and floor services like a mat to put underneath the trainer to keep it from sliding or scratching the floor.
Indoor Bike Trainer FAQs
Can I use my regular bike with an indoor trainer?
In some cases, but not all. For example, some direct-drive trainers require a rear cassette that’s compatible with your bike’s drivetrain. Check the trainer and bike’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
How easy is it to attach my bike to an indoor trainer?
It’s generally fairly easy, especially with a wheel-on trainer. Direct-drive trainers, though, do have a rear cassette that connects to your bike’s drivetrain, so this is slightly more complicated. If your bike has a quick-release skewer or thru-axle, that may also require adapters or special connections.
What’s the difference between smart trainers and classic trainers?
Smart and classic trainers differ in how they apply resistance, connect to other devices, and measure power. Smart trainers can wirelessly change resistance to simulate hills and match the topography of virtual workouts. Classic trainers don’t have electronics and use air, fluid, or magnetic resistance. Furthermore, smart trainers connect to virtual training apps, bike computers, and other devices, while classic trainers can only connect with the most basic apps. Finally, smart trainers measure the work you put in during a ride and are generally more accurate, while classic trainers only measure the force applied to the bike.
Ready to Get Started on Your Indoor Bike Trainer Experience?
Stop into your local ERIK’S shop to talk with an experienced professional and determine the right indoor bike trainer for you! And/or browse our online selection and see which trainers are the perfect fit.
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