When inclement weather strikes, or sharing the roads at night becomes too hazardous, cyclists turn to bike trainers to ride their bicycles indoors. Trainers allow you to use your road bicycle so you can maintain the same ergonomics and feel. In addition, trainers are smaller than stationary bikes and can easily be stowed out of the way when not in use.
Roller Trainers
The most challenging type of bike trainer is the roller trainer. It is also considered to give the most realistic riding sensation. These trainers consist of a frame holding a metal roller, one for each wheel. To stay vertical, pedal the bicycle and since there are no supports to hold the bike, you have to use your balancing skills. Cyclists often start using rollers by having a support, or something to hold onto, nearby to help getting on and off the bicycle without falling.
Wind Trainer
Wind trainers utilize a fan mounted on the trainer to provide resistance. The bicycle's rear wheel is locked into a the trainer so there are no issues with balance. These trainers are often the least expensive, but are considered to be quite noisy. Wind trainers are recommended for occasional workouts and indoor group cycling.
Magnetic Trainer
Similar to the wind trainer, the magnetic trainer provides a stable platform for the bicycle by locking the rear wheel to the trainer frame. Resistance is provided by magnets that create friction on the rear roller. Magnetic trainers offer adjustable resistance settings, manually or electronically controlled, that allow you to replicate climbing, sprinting and a variety of road conditions. These trainers are also known as being the quietest.
Fluid Trainer
Fluid trainers utilize a turbine inside a fluid-filled housing to provide resistance to the rear roller. The faster you pedal, the greater the resistance. Fluid trainers provide quiet rides as well and provide a more realistic road-like feeling. One note of caution is that fluid trainers are known to leak from time to time, so it is advisable to put a rag or rubber mat underneath the turbine housing.
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