If you’ve been thinking for a while about buying a bike trainer to cycle at home, whether due to lack of time or to avoid missing training days because of bad weather, this guide to choosing the right trainer will definitively help you with your purchase. Training with a trainer at home offers numerous benefits for improving your fitness. That’s why, even though the initial investment may be high, you’ll quickly make it worthwhile. Trainer pedaling sessions are very effective since there are no external or environmental factors that negatively affect your training. This way, you’ll make the most of every pedal stroke and quickly improve your performance. On the other hand, if you compete or regularly take part in cycling events and train with a defined plan based on intervals, training on a trainer can be a great ally to complete your plan down to the last detail, thanks to its better adjustments and effort measurement capabilities compared to outdoor rides.

Types of bike trainers: advantages and disadvantages of each

2022/10/900x600-trainer-1.jpg"> Currently, the range of bike trainers on the market can be summarized into the following types, based on their operation and how they attach to the wheel:

Magnetic trainer

This is the best-selling and most widely used type among enthusiasts. They are the most affordable (between 100 and 200 euros), compact, and the best option for occasional training, whether due to bad weather or not having several hours to train. The magnetic trainer uses a roller with magnets to provide resistance to pedaling. This resistance can be adjusted from the trainer itself, or from a remote control with a cable included with the product that can be installed on the handlebar. To mount the rear wheel, you must change the axle for a specific one that comes with the trainer. Next, you need to align both ends of the axle with the upper ends of the metal arms. This part superior of the arms includes a quick-release to secure the wheel to the trainer. Finally, you need to place a specific plastic support to raise the front wheel and keep the bike straight. This support is usually sold separately and costs on average €20.

Advantages of the magnetic trainer:

• It is more affordable.
• It is compact in size.
• The resistance can be adjusted.

Disadvantages:

• It is noisy.
• It offers a less realistic pedaling experience than fluid or direct drive trainers.
• It wears out the rear tire.

You should not only choose your trainer based on how often you will use it, but also consider aspects such as the space in your home or the amount of noise you might make

Fluid trainer

Instead of the magnets used in magnetic rollers, the fluid roller uses oil to provide resistance to the rear wheel. This results in a more realistic pedaling sensation and, very importantly, a quieter ride. The size and mounting of the wheel are similar to magnetic rollers, but it differs in that it does not have a resistance regulator. The fluid adapts its 'brake' to the cyclist's pedaling and the selected gear. They also tend to be more expensive than magnetic rollers (between 200 euros and 400 euros).

Advantages of the fluid roller:

• It is quieter.
• It is compact in size.
• It offers a more realistic pedaling sensation.

Disadvantages:

• It does not have a resistance regulator.
• Its price is higher.

Roller trainer

This is the traditional roller, and in recent years it has become quite popular again for different cycling disciplines, such as track or mountain biking. It consists of a rectangular structure with three rollers, two for the rear wheel, closer together, and one for the front wheel. The bike is simply placed on top, and the cyclist must get on and pedal at all times. Otherwise, there is a risk of losing balance, as there is no anchoring to the roller. You only need to adjust the position of the rollers to match the bike's wheelbase. For this, many models include a guide with measurements to facilitate adjustment. It is very useful for training balance on the bike and optimal for riding with high pedaling cadence. The higher the cadence, the more balanced the bike will be. They take up more space, but most can be folded for storage. As for prices, there are different ranges, and you can find economical models for only 100 euros.

Advantages of the roller trainer:

• They offer a very realistic pedaling sensation.
• They are optimal for training balance and cadence.
• You can find them in a wide range of prices.

Disadvantages:

• They take up quite a bit of space (although there are some that are foldable)
• Prior adaptation or support (a wall or a chair) is necessary to avoid losing balance at first use.

This is how the bikers at the Mountain Bike World Cup warm up on the roller trainer:

Direct drive trainer

These are the rollers most used by professional road cyclists. They use them for training, warming up before a carrera, stretching their legs afterward, or speeding up recovery. Direct drive trainers use the same type of resistance as fluid trainers, using oil. But instead of anchoring the rear wheel in the roller, you can install your own cassette, or an extra one for the roller, hook the chain, and thus do without the wheel. This prevents tire wear and provides a more realistic and quieter pedaling sensation. On the downside, they are the most expensive on the market (over 500 euros) and also take up more space than a magnetic or fluid roller, and some models cannot be folded.

Advantages of the direct drive trainer:

• They offer a very realistic pedaling experience.
• They are very quiet.

Disadvantages:

• They have a high price.
• Some models come without a built-in cassette and you have to buy it separately.

The roller trainer is the most recommended for mountain bike training due to its better qualities for practicing balance on the bike

Which trainer to choose according to use or discipline

Having presented and analyzed the different types of trainers available on the market, it's time to recommend one or another depending on the frequency of use you plan to give it, your level, or the discipline you practice. If you are only going to use the trainer in winter and occasionally, due to rain or snow outside, your choice should be a magnetic or roller trainer, mainly because of the price and because you will only need it to occasionally replace your outdoor rides. On the other hand, if you don't like the cold and prefer to exercise at home more frequently, you should opt for a fluid trainer, which is better suited for demanding workouts and your natural pedaling. At a superior level, there are direct-drive trainers, which are very useful for high-performance sessions. In addition, many of them include power sensors or specific software with a screen to control all the training values as standard. As for the discipline, the roller trainer is more recommended for mountain biking due to its better qualities for training balance on the bike, although you can also use it with a road bike. For base training or building fitness for the road, a fluid trainer is the best option. And, if you don't skimp on budget, move up a level with a direct-drive trainer.

Aspects to consider when buying a trainer

Below we offer you some aspects you should consider before deciding on one type of trainer or another, beyond the budget you have available.

Space

You should take into account the space you have at home to train when buying a cycling trainer. If you have little space, the ideal is to get a magnetic or fluid trainer, which are also foldable.

Noise

It may seem like a trivial detail, but some trainers, especially those with magnetic resistance, are quite noisy. This can be a drawback if you live in a small apartment where you might disturb your neighbors. If you don't have a room or area reserved for training and have to set up the trainer in the living room, noise is important to avoid bothering your partner, family, or housemates.

Maximum resistance (W)

Also, take a few minutes to check the maximum resistance of the trainer expressed in watts (W) and its different levels. The higher the resistance, the more hardness and wear you can add to your training sessions.

Extras: power sensor or simulators

Take a look at the extras it includes (power sensor, cassette in direct drive models...) or its compatibility with virtual cycling simulators, such as Zwift or TrainerRoad. These simulators will allow you to immerse yourself in a virtual cycling session while you pedal, compete with cyclists from all over the world online, and ultimately make training more enjoyable.