Indoor bike trainers

Short days, slippery roads, freezing temperatures and unpredictable weather don't have to interrupt your training. With an indoor bike trainer, you can keep riding comfortably at home, whatever the conditions outside. Depending on the type of trainer, you can use your own bike or a dedicated indoor training bike. There's no need to layer up for winter rides, and even in summer, you can train without traffic lights or fading daylight getting in the way of precise interval sessions and performance tests.

Want to tackle legendary Tour de France climbs without leaving home? Compatible smart trainers and virtual cycling platforms bring famous routes to your screen, complete with changing gradients and interactive training features. Look for ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity if you want to connect your trainer to compatible devices and apps. Depending on the model and price range, you'll find accurate power measurement, quiet operation and a wide range of resistance settings and connectivity options.

There are indoor training options for beginners and experienced cyclists, from traditional rollers to fully integrated smart bikes. Terms such as indoor bike, indoor cycle trainer, bike trainer, ergometer and smart trainer are sometimes used interchangeably, but they describe different types of equipment. Here's how the main categories compare:

• Rollers (also called free rollers)
• Wheel-on bike trainers
• Direct-drive bike trainers
• Stationary indoor bikes

Rollers work much like a treadmill for cyclists: you ride your own bike on moving rollers while staying in place. Unlike fixed trainers, they allow your bike to move naturally beneath you, creating a riding feel that's closer to cycling outdoors.

Traditional rollers typically feature three parallel drums mounted in a frame, with your bike's wheels resting on top. While the basic design is straightforward, some models also connect to compatible training software through a smartphone, tablet, laptop, TV or bike computer. Depending on the setup, you can follow structured workouts, explore virtual routes or measure your power output and performance.

You can use rollers with both road bikes and mountain bikes. Dedicated trainer tires help reduce noise and minimize tire wear during indoor sessions.

Wheel-on trainers were the standard choice for home cycling workouts for many years. Today, many models also support connected training features. The setup is simple: secure your bike in the trainer using a compatible quick release, thru axle or axle adapter. The rear tire rests against a resistance roller, allowing you to pedal in place. Some trainers include the necessary mounting hardware, while others require a separate adapter. If your axle standard isn't compatible with the supplied parts, you'll find additional adapters and axles in our shop.

Because the rear tire stays in contact with the resistance roller, tire wear is greater than with direct-drive trainers. Dedicated trainer tires offer a durable, abrasion-resistant alternative that helps protect your regular road tires.

Direct-drive trainers have become increasingly popular and accessible. To set one up, remove your bike's rear wheel and mount the frame directly onto the trainer using a compatible quick release or thru axle. The trainer features its own freehub and cassette, replacing the rear wheel's drivetrain connection. Compared with wheel-on trainers, direct-drive systems generally run more quietly and don't require special trainer tires.

Some direct-drive trainers also allow limited side-to-side movement, giving you a more natural ride feel when pedaling out of the saddle or shifting your weight. Many models feature integrated power measurement and detailed data tracking, helping you monitor your performance and training progress.

Smart indoor bikes combine the functionality of traditional exercise bikes with the connected features of modern bike trainers. They're always ready for your next workout because you don't need to mount your own bike. Adjustable saddle and handlebar positions also make them convenient for households where several people share the same equipment.

Although indoor bikes typically cost more than conventional trainers, they offer a wide range of training features, connectivity options and adjustments for a more immersive indoor cycling experience.

Traditional wheel-on trainers secure your bike at the rear axle, with the rear tire pressing against a roller connected to a flywheel or resistance unit. Depending on the design and price range, trainers use magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid or motor-driven resistance systems. These systems control pedaling resistance to simulate different riding conditions, including changes in speed and gradient.

Magnetic resistance systems are particularly suitable for beginners. They use magnets positioned near a metal flywheel to generate resistance without direct contact. Moving the magnets closer to the flywheel increases the resistance.

Electromagnetic resistance systems use electrical induction to control resistance. Electronic controls adjust the braking force according to the selected workout or resistance setting. Some designs generate the electricity needed for resistance control as you pedal, allowing you to train without an external power supply.

A fluid resistance system uses a liquid, such as silicone oil, to create resistance as a shaft rotates. The faster you pedal, the greater the resistance becomes. You can also adjust your pedaling effort by shifting gears.

Motor-driven resistance systems provide advanced ride simulation. An electric motor works with the flywheel to reproduce changing gradients and can even assist its rotation to simulate the sensation of descending at speed. These systems typically require an external power supply and are commonly found in premium trainers.

Magnetic and fluid trainers remain popular choices because many models work independently of an external power supply.

Smart trainers take indoor cycling beyond basic resistance training. Depending on the design, they may be wheel-on trainers, direct-drive trainers, smart rollers or dedicated indoor bikes. Along with recording performance data, compatible systems allow an app or connected device to control resistance automatically. This makes it possible to follow power-based workouts or simulate changes in gradient along a virtual route. Beyond stability, realistic ride feel and low noise levels, smart trainers stand out for their extensive connectivity options. Many connect to Windows PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets via Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ and work with compatible training and fitness platforms such as Strava, TrainingPeaks and Garmin Connect.

One of the biggest advantages of a smart indoor cycling trainer is the interactive training experience. Video simulations and augmented reality software from platforms such as Bkool, Rouvy and the Tacx Cycling App let you experience famous routes, climbs and race stages on screen. Dedicated training apps such as Zwift, TrainerRoad and SYSTM (formerly The Sufferfest) offer structured workouts, performance tracking and personalized training programs. Zwift also brings virtual workouts, events and races with game-like features to indoor cycling. Ride alongside cyclists from around the world, compete against friends or simply enjoy the motivation of training with a community.

Many smart trainers connect to smartphones and tablets through ANT+ or Bluetooth. A compatible phone mount or tablet stand keeps your workout data and training apps within easy view.

Indoor cycling can generate plenty of sweat, especially during intense sessions. Sweat guards and trainer mats help protect your bike and floor from moisture, while mats also reduce vibrations. Some manufacturers offer smart fans that adjust airflow to match your riding speed, helping you stay cool while making virtual rides feel more realistic.

For an even more immersive experience, compatible gradient simulators raise and lower the front of your bike to reproduce climbs and descents.

You can also combine indoor training with work or other activities. Dedicated trainer desks provide a convenient surface for a laptop, tablet or other essentials, so you can stay productive while turning the pedals.

Discover the wide selection of smart and useful accessories for turbo trainers, rollers and indoor bikes in our online shop.

Explore our selection of indoor trainers, rollers, smart bikes and compatible accessories. Compare features, connectivity options and resistance systems in the detailed product descriptions to find the right setup for your training goals.