wheel of your bike and utilizing either
magnetic or f luid resistance. They’re
perfect for beginners since they tend to
be lighter and more portable than more
complex trainers (though they’re usually
noisier and less accurate). They’re also
often the most affordable type of indoor
trainer, thanks to their basic features.
If you’re looking to jump into the world
of virtual training with platforms like
Zwift, many friction trainers now come
with “smart” options, such as ANT+ and
Bluetooth Smart connectivity.
Installing your bike on a trainer can be
tricky. Bikes today have evolved to include
a number of rear axle widths and attach-
ment styles, which means not all bikes will
fit on all trainers. Check to see if you need
to buy a thru-axle adaptor (also called a
skewer) before purchasing yours. Some
trainers come with one—you’ll swap it
out with the rear thru-axle that’s already
on your bike, and it’ll allow the bike to sit
securely in the trainer.
THE NEXT LEVEL: TEST YOUR SKILLS ON ROLLERS
// If you’re already familiar with friction
trainers, and you’re looking to make
indoor training even more challenging,
consider rollers. Rollers are easier to
set up, though the spacing of the roller
drums has to be set initially for your bike’s
wheelbase (and possibly changed if you
use more than one bike). That said, they
require more skill to ride. At first, concen-
trate on keeping the front wheel straight.
Set them up in a doorway so you can use
it for balance as you get the hang of the
rollers, and if you’re riding on carpet, lay
down an old blanket or towel to prevent
the tires from damaging your f loors if
you happen to slip off (yes, cycling rug
burn is a thing). The downside to rollers
is that while you’ll definitely work on your
coordination and refine your pedaling
technique, certain rollers are not suitable
for all kinds of workouts, like standing
and sprinting.
On average, rollers are more affordable
than indoor trainers. Most are about the
same price of a good but pretty bare-
bones trainer. That’s partly because the
basic technology of rollers hasn’t changed
much in decades. However, that also
means there are fewer options. Resistance
is supplied by the size of the drums them-
selves (larger drums = less resistance);
some rollers have added, adjustable,
magnetic- or fan-based resistance that
can increase the cost. For example, Inside
Ride’s E-Motion Rollers offer an optional
ANT+ Bluetooth resistance controller and
come in at around $1,200, or close to the
same price as many high-end trainers.
Apart from the smart features, they’re
one of our staff favorites because they
also come with safety bumpers that keep
your bike in place. That said, they are an
investment, as most rollers are in the $300
to $500 range.THE EXPERT UPGRADE: TRY A DIRECT-DRIVE
TRAINER // If you’re ready for a shiny new
addition to your pain cave, and you want
to train like the pros, consider a direct-
drive trainer. It is similar to a friction
trainer, as it provides a stable platform for
indoor training. It differs, though, in how
it hooks up to your bike—it requires a bit
more setup. Direct-drive trainers attach to
the rear dropouts, so you have to remove
your rear wheel. Instead of your rear wheel
sitting on a resistance roller, your chain
will connect directly to the resistance
unit, which is the cassette attached to
the trainer. These are typically the most
expensive kind of trainer, but they’re also
the most accurate and offer the highest
levels of resistance. Plus, they’re much
quieter than friction trainers. While
rollers still offer the most natural-feeling
ride, advanced trainers are continuously
getting closer to a better road feel. The
Kinetic Rock and Roll Smart Trainer, for
example, pivots side-to-side for a more
natural sensation in out-of-the-saddle
efforts, and the Wahoo KICKR Climb
is an add-on that hooks up to your fork
to simulate a grade when you take your
climbing workouts inside.1 / THE SUFFERFEST/
$99/YEAR OR $12.99/MONTH
This app has training
plans and structured
workout videos, including
yoga, strength-training,
and sports-psychology
audio modules, all
geared specifically
toward cyclists.2 / TRAINERROAD/
$129/YEAR OR $15/MONTH
This data-driven app
provides a personalized
approach to training by
offering workouts, train-
ing plans, a customizable
calendar app, and perfor-
mance analytics.3 / ZWIFT/
$14.99/MONTH
In the ultimate virtual
cycling community,
Zwift members can
race other riders, ride
through five worlds,
and get access to over
1,000 workouts and
flexible training plans.When being stuck inside feels like a snoozefest, add some
structure and excitement with these training programs.BEAT BOREDOM
In addition to a trainer, complete your indoor
setup with a few essentials to get the most out
of your workouts (and make them more enjoyable). Some
trainers require a riser block for the front wheel, and
while a thick book could suffice, we recommend getting
a block that’s designed to hold your wheel. Other must-
haves include a thick mat to save your floors, a strong
fan for particularly sweaty sessions, and a TV or laptop
stand to view your training program or binge Netflix.FYI
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