Indoor bike trainers take your regular bicycle and transform it into a stationary bike, great for inclement weather. They cost anywhere from 0 to more than 00. What factors will help you to find the best one?
Before you invest any money in an indoor bike trainer, you should recognize the types of resistance levels and training you as a cyclist need. Road racers desire high resistance levels, and recreational cyclists might just want a beginner trainer to make their outdoor ride an indoor workout. Which best fits your needs?
The two types of indoor bike trainers are: mechanical resistance cycle trainers and roller trainers. The first locks the rear wheel, and the latter are stationary bike stands with rollers.
First time buyers will gravitate toward resistance trainers because their secure frame will keep inexperienced cyclists from falling off. One available style is a wind trainer, which provides a low level of resistance at a low price. These also can be quite noisy. A second option is a magnetic indoor bike trainer, where magnets keep the wheels from turning, making for a quieter ride. With a higher resistance level, magnetic trainers give a more intense workout for some; however experienced cyclists who pedal hard might make the magnetic resistance slip. Therefore, the last option, fluid trainers, would be better for expert riders. These very quiet, very expensive mechanical resistance trainers use a silicon fluid-filled casing and offer non-slip resistance.
Pricey, electronic indoor bike trainers offer much more than their cheaper counterparts:
Precise workout control through an accurate resistance control, incline settings and specified power output targeting.
Comprehensive feedback, like heart rate, speed, cadence, ride distance, ride time and more.
Software which gives cyclists the opportunity to compete against one another or their own records.Which features of indoor bike trainers appeal to you? Do you desire to monitor your speed and distance, while topping your fastest record? Or, do you just want to put in an outdoor workout in your house for a few cold months during the year? Answering these types of questions will help you to get the best indoor bike trainer.