Turbo Trainers & Bike Rollers

Simply set up, clamp the bike - and off you go. The roller trainer is one of the most popular training tools among cyclists, and not without reason. For one thing, it allows you to use your bike for indoor training in bad weather or in winter. And secondly, its small size makes it so handy that it can also be used wonderfully in smaller apartments or on the move.

In principle, the roller trainer is a type of bike trainer in which you can clamp your bike - whether road bike, MTB or gravel bike, for example - and then pedal just like on the road. This distinguishes it from the indoor training bike, which is a stationary training bike. Clamping works with any bike - provided the dimensions match those of the roller trainer.

There are now a variety of different roller trainers - from simple and inexpensive free rollers to affordable wheel-on trainers and technically sophisticated smart roller trainers with digital functions that allow you to control the resistance and therefore your training with extreme precision. Many roller trainers now offer the option of networking with apps or communities for targeted training control and joint training.

There are basically three types of roller trainer:

• Free roller - your bike is not fixed.
• Wheel-on roller trainer - your entire bike is fixed in place.
• Direct drive roller trainer - the roller trainer is clamped into the bike instead of the rear wheel.

You may have seen pictures of track cyclists warming up on a roller trainer before a race. These are usually free rollers where the bike stands on three rollers without a fixed connection. The front wheel rolls on one roller, the rear wheel on two. When pedaling, you have to balance the bike yourself, which is easier than it looks due to the centrifugal forces.

The advantages of the free wheel are that it is relatively inexpensive, fits all bikes, is simple and easy to store and trains your sense of balance and coordination. The disadvantage is that riding on the free roller requires some practice. In addition, the resistance cannot be controlled. You also have to get off your bike for breaks, which is not the case with a fixed roller trainer.

A wheel-on roller trainer is a roller trainer in which the bike is clamped, with the rear tire firmly placed on the roller of the trainer by the clamping device. The resistance created in this way gives cyclists the feeling of riding on the road.

This type of roller trainer is usually cheaper than a direct drive roller trainer and is easier to store as it is more compact. However, there may be more wear and tear on the tires as the pressure of the rollers wears them down and there may be a higher noise level during training.

Direct drive roller trainers are the most modern version of training rollers. Here, the bike is connected directly to the trainer. To do this, the rear wheel is removed and the frame is clamped onto the trainer. The trainer has a cassette that replaces the rear wheel and the power is transmitted directly to the trainer via the chain and the cassette.

This type of roller trainer usually offers a more realistic riding resistance and a more accurate measurement of power. They are also usually quieter than wheel-on roller trainers as there is no friction between the rollers and the tires. However, they are usually more expensive and can be more difficult to store due to their larger size.

The advantages of wheel-on and direct-drive roller trainers include a secure footing, precisely controllable training - the resistance can be set very precisely and interactive training simulations. Breaks and coasting are also possible without getting off. More expensive models also simulate a very realistic riding experience, including inclines and cornering. The latter variants are also known as smart trainers and have digital connectivity options so that you can train on online platforms such as Zwift or Rouvy. The only disadvantage of the fixed roller compared to the free roller is the additional weight and the associated slightly less flexibility when setting up and dismantling.

Whether a free roller or fixed roller is better for you depends primarily on your training requirements, your budget and the space available at home. It also plays a role in whether the noise level is compatible with your living situation. After all, roller trainers can get quite loud during training. The rule of thumb here is: The more expensive and higher quality the device, the lower the noise level.

As a general rule, roller trainers for beginners do not come with many extras, while higher-quality models often include useful bike trainer accessories. You can also connect many high-quality roller trainers to your smartphone or computer and control your training via apps. Top models - combined with a screen and fan - simulate the feeling of riding the corresponding route very accurately during training.

• To train with a bike roller, where the resistance unit is moved via the contact between the rear wheel or tires and a roller, you need a smooth rear wheel.
• A mat shocks the noise level and absorbs moisture, as do special sweat catchers for the top tube. You can find suitable mats and protectors in our range.
• For comfort and a realistic riding experience, there are bike trainer accessories such as fans, travelblocks and training control software.

No matter which roller trainer you choose, you can train on your own bike regardless of the weather. If you want to control your training interactively, share it with others or train via an app, you need to invest in a higher-quality smart roller trainer. In any case, you will find all types of bike rollers in our range. There's just one thing you shouldn't forget once you've made your purchase: once you have a suitable trainer at home, there are no more excuses, even on days with bad weather.