Bicycle trainers are pieces of equipment that allow cyclists to use their regular cycle as a stationary bike. With a bike trainer, a cyclist can ride any time of day, in any weather. They're almost always a single piece that is small, easily portable and stores easily, and can be used by a cyclist of any level, from beginner to expert. Different types of trainers offer different means of resistance on the bike's rear wheel to simulate a real riding experience.
Fan Trainer
Also called wind trainers, these trainers use a fan to create resistance. According to the website Beginner Triathlete, they are the most basic, and usually the most inexpensive, type of trainers. The resistance feels the same as if you were riding on a windy day outside, and increases as you pedal harder.
Magnetic Trainer
These are the next step up from fan trainers, both in price and in features. Using tiny magnets, the rider can adjust the resistance, which increases proportionately to the amount of power the rider applies to the pedals. These trainers are much quieter than fan trainers, and the adjustable resistance allows the rider to simulate climbing, sprinting and virtually any other road conditions.
Fluid Trainer
These trainers work like fan trainers, but use fluid instead of a fan to create hydraulic resistance. They offer stronger resistance, a quieter ride and a more realistic, road-like riding experience. The resistance increases as your cadence increases, making fluid trainers great for keeping the heart rate up during a hard ride.
Roller
Rollers are nothing like the other three types of trainers, in that they are not a rear-wheel stationary trainer. The bike rests on what looks like a bed of small rollers, so you are balancing and riding as you would on the road, only on rollers. These trainers are generally best for indoor cycle workouts and as a way to improve balance. For the beginner, they offer a great calorie-burning workout. They operate nearly silently, and cause less wear on your tires than a standard trainer.
Electronic Trainer
Electronic trainers are usually magnetic trainers with a computer you can use to adjust resistance during a ride. They also offer pre-set courses that automatically change the resistance to simulate a real ride over changing terrain. Some electronic trainers even allow you to create your own courses.
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