Bike trainers offer you the ability to ride your road or mountain bike indoors during inclement weather or the off-season. The best bike trainers will have the preferred set of features for your training session. When choosing the best bike trainer, consider setup requirements and how the trainer will affect your bicycle.
Resistance Trainers
The most common type of bike trainer is a resistance trainer, which attaches to your rear wheel and holds the bike in place while providing resistance as you pedal. There are three types of resistance trainers: fluid, magnetic and air. Air trainers are rare and do not provide the quality training that magnetic and fluid trainers offer. Magnetic trainers use static resistance. As you pedal faster, the resistance does not change, allowing for higher cadence, or pedaling speed. Fluid trainers use progressive resistance so it is harder to pedal as you pedal faster. Progressive resistance does not allow fast cadence, but offers a more dynamic training session. The best resistance bike trainer will offer the type of resistance that corresponds with your training needs.
Rollers
Rollers are the best choice if you prefer the most affordable and realistic bike trainer. With rollers, you do not secure your bike to the trainer. Rather, you place your bike on a frame with padded axles. Your tires rest on the axles as you ride. Because rollers do not secure your bike, you must maintain balance while riding. However, this does provide a more realistic ride as you maintain balance and shift from right to left as you pedal.
Effects
Resistance trainers can negatively impact your bicycle in one of two ways. First, many trainers apply their resistance to the rear wheel and tire. With consistent training, this contact can significantly wear down your rear tire. If you choose a resistance trainer, consider also investing in a cheap trainer tire so you don't wear down an expensive performance tire. Second, most resistance trainers secure the bike with a threaded locknut that tightens onto your bicycle's rear hub. Overtightening this attachment can compress your hub bearings and damage them.
Considerations
When considering rollers, think of where you can set them up. Rollers often require more room because you may need to get off the bike quickly if you lose your balance. No matter which type you chose, place a rubber mat below the trainer to avoid scratching or marring the floor surface with the trainer feet. A mat will also help catch fluids that may leak as you train, including oil, grease, sweat and trainer lubricant.
Member Comments