How to choose the right bike trainer

by Allan K. Internet Specialist

In the past, it was a somewhat boring experience to train on an indoor exercise bike, but after the advent of the Smart bike trainer, it has become a lot more exciting.

Today, people drive in virtual landscapes or on known routes with Zwift and other training apps, and you'll probably end up participating in more bike races indoors than outdoors once you get really started.

A bike trainer is also a great tool for keeping fit over the winter. It can be difficult for most people to get out if the temperature is too low, or snow, rain and wind prevent good cycling training. With a bike trainer, you can train within the year-round. If you have an interest in bike trainers there is much more information and guides on Hometrainers.dk - Find din nye hometrainer.

You can basically use a bike trainer with the bike you already have, whether it is a road bike or mountain bike. There is therefore no need to invest in a new bike for the purpose.

Which bike trainer should I choose as a beginner?

It can be quite difficult to answer because it depends on budget, level and ambitions. When it comes to Smart bike trainers that can be connected to training apps like Zwift, the price starts around approx. $400 and goes all the way up to approx. $3000 If you just need a little exercise once in a while, a cheap Smart trainer is a good solution.

Another option might be to use an older passive trainer with a speed sensor mounted on it. It provides the opportunity to drive with Zwift, Bkool, TrainerRoad and the other training apps on the market.

How much space does a bike trainer require?

The typical trainer does not take up much more space than the bike. However, it is a good idea to have a slightly larger room with air circulation, as you probably sweat a lot during use. Therefore, a fan (at least a 16”) is also needed.

Most exercise bikes can be folded up and stored away in a closet or under the bed. Wheel trainers and training rollers can typically be packed more than Direct Drive trainers.

Bike trainer noise? How can I reduce the noise?

A Direct Drive bike trainer creates a bit of noise often in the form of a buzz. However, the sound level is low and you will rarely disturb anyone with this type of trainer. A wheel trainer makes a little more noise due to the friction between the roller and the rear tire.

The noise can be attenuated by a training mat, which also absorbs vibrations in the floor. If you have invested in a wheel trainer, a change to a definite training tire can help reduce the noise.

In general, more noise is heard from the chain drive and your gear changes than from the bike trainer itself.

How do I get started?

The typical question is: "Which bike should I use?". You can use almost any type of bike with a home trainer. However, you should be aware that it must be with external gears if you use a Direct Drive trainer.

Training on a bike trainer is for everyone from the beginner to the experienced cyclist. Whether you are used to riding short rides on a regular bike, mountain bike or a road bike, just get started.

Before you make your purchase, however, there are some things to think about before you head out to buy a bike trainer. For example, you can ask yourself:

How much do you expect to use your trainer?

If you are thinking of increasing your training and using the bike trainer a lot, it may be an idea to invest in a slightly more expensive model. The more expensive models offer greater precision, resistance as well as a better driving feel, and it can be a pleasure if you use the trainer a lot.

Would you like to spend time installing your exercise bike?

Certain types of Direct Drive trainers come without an installed cassette, and some models have many smart features that can be useful but also take time to get acquainted with. If you just want to get started quickly with no frills, a wheel trainer may be a better option. Here you just to mount the bike sit up and ride.

Are you going to get bored quickly?

In that case, it is important to have a good screen that provides an overview and increases the entertainment value. It can quickly get boring just to look down at an Ipad or Smartphone, and a good big screen such as the TV in the living room can lift the workout considerably.

A wheel bike trainer is a cheap way to get started with indoor cycle training.

How does a bike trainer work?

There are a lot of features and different software where the training can be customized as needed. How many features the individual trainer can handle usually depends on the price.

In the beginning you can count on spending a little extra time on the options, but it also provides a better and more engaging driving experience as well as greater variation in training if the options are used.

The different indoor bike trainers match different needs and there are basically three different types. The wheel trainer is easy to get started with. The bike is mounted and a roller is pushed up against the rear wheel.

A Direct Drive trainer is a little more complicated. It requires a bicycle with external gears where the rear wheel is removed and the chain is put on a cassette mounted on the trainer.

The last option is training rollers, which require a certain dexterity on the part of the cyclist, as it is more difficult to keep the balance as both wheels run flat on top of the rollers.

Most bike trainers consist of a stand that you attach the bike to. This is typically done by removing the rear axle and then fitting a more powerful axle that can better withstand the load. The bike is now lifted off the floor and the resistance is usually generated via electromagnets which brake the rear wheel or the cassette. It gives the feeling of driving up larger and smaller hills.

While driving, one can visually via an avatar see oneself and others driving on the route. If you drive up a mountain where the ascent becomes steeper and steeper, the resistance will automatically increase in steps with the ascent percentages, and it gives the realistic feeling of being on the road.

Benefits of indoor cycling training on a bike trainer

No investment in a separate winter bike
No or limited cleaning of the bike
No need for definite winter clothes
You can drive in all kinds of weather and at all times of the day
You can use your own bike
You can drive in hilly terrain and mountains in your own living room
Easy to transport and pack
No noise at all
You can set it to exactly the workout you want
Connect training apps such as Zwift, Strava, Bkool etc.

Disadvantages of indoor cycling training on an exercise bike

No fresh air
No nature experiences
You do not feel the real speed from the road
It is another type of resistance you experience

Serious training for everyone with Zwift

Zwift has to some extent revolutionized home training on the bike. It's a virtual world where you can ride with others. Zwift allows you to train alone, with your training friends or ride virtual bike races.

Cycling starts every hour in different categories, depending on what you feel like. Realism is like outside. You can take shelter in a group, lead in the wind and compose your own tactics. It costs a monthly subscription to use Zwift, but you get something for your money.

Zwift also includes a number of training programs for both experienced and beginners. With them you can train for specific events or just get in shape. The training programs are designed by professional coaches.

At Zwift you drive in different worlds with different routes. There is a virtual constructed world called Watopia, where the routes are very varied and visually beautiful. There are also more realistic worlds such as France, where the routes run in the French countryside and Paris. In addition, there are virtual versions of previous World Championship routes.

If you want to drive on Zwift with friends, there are several ways to do it.

You can agree to meet at a specific time, and must of course remember to choose the same route and the same meeting place as the others.
You can use the “Ride With” function to immediately ride with someone who is already driving.
You can attend the same event, e.g. a bike race or a training ride.
You can create a meetup yourself. When you do a "meetup", there are different options. You must choose the date, time and which world + route the trip is to take place on. You must also choose whether to race or drive together. Once you have made the settings, you can invite others to join. Then everyone involved receives a meeting invitation, and can answer yes or no.