Looking to buy a turbo trainer to keep fitness levels up when it’s freezing outside? The most popular style of cycle trainer is a stand that locks the rear wheel and offers resistance for harder training. Some people prefer roller trainers, but these are trickier to use, as balance is critical to stop you falling over.
This article offers advice on the former, the best indoor bike trainer brands and how much you should expect to pay.
Types of Bike Turbo Trainer
There are three basic types of resistance bike turbo trainer: magnetic, wind trainers and fluid cycle trainers. This article on how to choose an indoor bike trainer gives a detailed explanation of the difference between them.
Prices vary from just over £100/$160 to over £100/$1,600, with magnetic and wind trainers being cheaper than fluid resistance models. Basic models are great if you just want to train in front of the TV and keep fit without worrying about heart rate, cadence or power output. If you’re a gadget geek and want to monitor your training, however, then you will need to spend a lot more, especially if you want to be motivated by 3D virtual reality technology.
Tacx, Cycleops or Elite – Best Turbo Trainer Brands?
The three big brands in the turbo trainer market are Tacx, Elite and Cycleops. They all offer a wide range of options across the price bands. Tacx is perhaps the best known as its Satori turbo trainer (see main picture) is often chosen by racing teams on the tour scene. Retailing at around £170/$270, it has a 10-position remote resistance lever and highly stable legs to offer “unbelievably high levels of power;” perfect for both roadies and mountain bikers.
If you’re looking for a fluid trainer, then the Cycleops Fluid 2 is one of the best for road riders. Retailing around £245/$400, the PowerTuned technology and precision-balanced flywheel delivers an authentic road feel and resistance can be altered by simply shifting the bike gears.
Elite offers one of the cheapest indoor cycle trainers on the market, the Maglite at just over £100/$160. It has several excellent reviews on the ChainReactionCycles website and does just what it says on the tin: a no-frills basic bicycle trainer.
Indoor Cycle Trainer Features
Features to consider when looking for an indoor cycle trainer include:
- Easy resistance change while riding – best models allow you to use the gears to change resistance.
- Noise level – one to consider if you plan to train in front of the TV while other family members are trying to watch their favorite program!
- Ease of storage – can it be moved quickly to change location or to take to races?
- Strength of the frame – it needs to be strong and sturdy, as you don’t want to feel you’re going to fall when riding flat out.
Tips for Indoor Cycle Training
Once you’ve decided on your chosen turbo trainer, here are some tips for indoor cycle training:
- You may need a fan to keep cool when training indoors, depending on how hard you plan to work out.
- If your trainer doesn’t come with a front stand like the Tacx Satori, get a piece of wood to prop under the front wheel. This will eliminate the bike’s downhill angle and also give a harder workout if you put several blocks under the front wheel.
- Make sure you put a mat under the turbo trainer to protect the floor surface in case of any damage and also to prevent the trainer from sliding under maximum exertion.
Buy Bike Trainers Online
Look at websites like ChainReactionCycles, Wiggle and Evans to buy bike trainers online in the UK. You will have the widest range of choice and access to customer reviews by buying online. These sites also deliver worldwide, but US customers can also look at JensonUSA or Amazon to find best prices and cheaper delivery charges.
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Also of interest may be
- Winter Cycle Training on an Indoor Bike Trainer
- Winter Cycle Training Camps for Road Cyclists
- Best Indoor Bike Trainer for Mountain Bikers
- Best Cycling Stretches to Ease Tight Muscles and Help Back Pain
Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
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