Bicycle stand trainers provide you the opportunity to exercise and practice cycling on your bike inside your home or garage. They give you the advantage of simulated riding during the winter months or when weather conditions do not allow for outdoor cycling. Each type of trainer provides different benefits and drawbacks a varying cost, so choosing the one that best fits your needs can lead to a better indoor cycling experience.
Roller Trainers
Roller bicycle trainers provide an indoor training option for experienced cyclists looking to replicate outdoor riding. The rear bicycle wheel rests on two free-spinning rollers, and you are responsible for balancing your bike. This type of trainer requires constant movement and attention while using them. Their simplicity allows them to be the least expensive but most difficult type of trainer to use. Roller trainers provide no resistance, so they do not provide a realistic road simulation. Experienced cyclists with good balance looking for a high-intensity workout similar to a group indoor cycling class may find that simple roller trainers meet their needs.
Mechanical Resistance Trainers
Mechanical resistance trainers use one of three mechanisms connected to the rear wheel of a stationary bicycle to resist its movement. The three resistance mechanisms are wind, fluid and magnetic resistance. Mechanical resistance trainers provide benefits over simple roller trainers but for an increased cost. Unlike roller trainers, mechanical resistance trainers consist of a frame designed to stabilize the bike so you do not have to maintain your balance, which can be a safer option for less experienced users. These trainers provide a somewhat realistic indoor riding experience, but the experience is less realistic than that provided by traditional roller trainers. Additionally, these trainers do not allow you to replicate the side-to-side movement of outdoor cycling.
Resistance Mechanisms for Mechanical Trainers
Wind resistance trainers use one or two fans driven by the flywheel to create resistance. This type of trainer can be loud and provides the least amount of resistance, which increases with wheel speed, making it the least expensive option for resistance trainers. The fans can vary in size, providing differing levels of resistance. Wind trainers can be a cost-effective option for casual cyclists wanting a low-impact exercise.
Magnetic resistance trainers provide adjustable resistance using a magnetic flywheel driven by the roller. Adjustable resistance allows you to simulate changes in road condition. Unlike with wind resistance trainers, magnetic trainers provide resistance that remains constant regardless of wheel speed. Their flexibility and quietness make them a moderately-priced option for indoor training.
Fluid resistance trainers use a turbine located in fluid-filled chamber to provide adjustable resistance with a quiet, smooth motion. Like wind resistance trainers, resistance produced by fluid trainers increase with wheel speed, but it is adjustable. They provide the most realistic road simulation and are also the most expensive of the three. Fluid trainers carry the risk of leaking and require a mat placed underneath them to prevent staining the floor. Some fluid resistance trainers have a combined magnetic mechanism that reduces the probability of leaking.
Virtual Computrainers
Virtual computrainers use a motorized roller system combined with computer software to provide a realistic and visual cycling simulation. These trainers are designed for competitive cyclists looking to maximize their training when normal outdoor riding is not possible. Some computrainers allow you to connect to an online network to participate in virtual races against other users. These systems are expensive and generally not the most cost-effective option for an average recreational cyclist.
Selecting a Trainer
The appropriate trainer for you will largely depend on cost, riding skill, goals and trainer features. Simple roller trainers are the least expensive and provide a high-intensity workout without resistance, but you must maintain your balance so they may not be suitable for inexperienced users. Mechanical resistance trainers vary in price and features, and the variety of choices make them more suitable for a majority of cyclists. Computrainers offer a higher cost, realistic virtual training experience for competitive cyclist looking to simulate outdoor riding conditions.
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