The Benefits of an Indoor Road Bike Trainer
A trainer will help you develop your power and bike handling skills in a controlled environment. However, not all trainers are equal.
There are a myriad of options, ranging from simple mats which keep your floors clean, to sophisticated gear which simulates headwinds, climbing, and sway. Here are six things to consider when buying an indoor road bike.
Safety
For many cyclists, having an indoor bike trainer is a key element of their training. This lets them eliminate the impact of the weather or terrain on their outdoor rides. You can also take advantage of third party cycling apps, such as Zwift, Rouvy, and others, which offer virtual racing and other training features.
If you're looking for an direct-drive turbo trainer or a wheel-on option there are a few safety steps you can implement to make your experience more enjoyable. For example, if you choose a direct-drive model that requires the regular road tire and cassette, it's recommended to keep an additional trainer-specific tire in your car to avoid excessive wear on your regular tires.
A second important safety measure is to make sure that your trainer is set up and secured properly. This could mean placing an appropriate block -- like a book or two -underneath the front wheel to level it on a non-level floor. This will stop your bike from sliding backwards, which could lead to the possibility of a crash.
It's also a good idea to set up your trainer in a space that isn't trafficked areas of the house and away from areas that could disrupt guests or family members. You'll be sweating a lot during your workout, and it's suggested to keep a towel in your bag to wipe off any drips prior to staining furniture or surfaces.
Make sure that your smart trainer is compatible with the app you prefer to use. This will let you monitor and compare your performance, including power output, cadence and virtual speed. Some trainers will connect to your computer, smartphone or tablet and transfer data directly to an app or a website.
It's important to keep in mind that a stationary bicycle does not replicate the skills needed for cycling outdoors. Most indoor trainers can't reproduce the turning, braking and descending that is an integral part of cycling. Getting outside whenever possible will help build these crucial skills while also developing critical stability muscles that cannot be replicated by trainers only.
Efficiency
Trainers help you maximize the amount of time you're spending riding. This is accomplished by removing roadside interruptions, such as traffic intersections and stop lights. This makes structured interval training extremely efficient and enables you to get the most of every minute you spend riding.
They also allow you to avoid high winds, which can be dangerous and can even damage your bike. A good trainer will simulate wind resistance to allow you to enjoy an authentic riding experience and build your strength.
You'll generally want to select a direct-drive exerciser that uses centrifugal force to create a resistance. These systems employ rollers and a pressure plate that spin. They can be louder than fluid trainers. However, they're usually more precise in terms power and compatibility with a wide range of third-party training applications and platforms.
Smart trainers can communicate wirelessly with connected devices such as smartphones or tablets. They can connect to virtual training platforms such as Zwift, and adjust the resistance to simulate terrain. These capabilities are usually more expensive than basic trainers however they offer an immersive and enjoyable training experience.
Smart trainers usually have a display which shows your speed and strength and will automatically react to changes in resistance. This is particularly useful during your workout when you're trying to reach certain power goals. Many trainers have a feature known as ERG Mode that will lock your power output at a predetermined level regardless of cadence this is great for structured interval training.
exercise cycle for sale come with a built-in fan that can help cool your body and keep you from getting sweaty. This will also help reduce the sound generated by the trainer and help you stay at ease during your workout. You'll also want to get an anti-sweat guard to shield your bike from salt and other debris that may build up during a lengthy workout session. It's also a good idea to invest in flooring mats to stop your bike from sliding on the floor or scratching your flooring.
Variety
Training with a trainer lets you to build strength and improve your cycling skills from the safe and comfort of your own home. There are numerous accessories that will make your experience more enjoyable and relaxing. You can download apps that let you ride alongside other cyclists or play against them in virtual worlds. Some bike trainers cost more than others, however an entry-level trainer is available at a very low price.
Bike trainers come in many different designs, but they all feature a propeller or flywheel which spins through an liquid to produce resistance. exercise bikes for sale are quieter than wheeled-on magnetic units and offer a more realistic riding experience. They don't permit users to adjust the resistance in small increments.
Wheel-on or magnetic bike trainers are cheaper but generate a lot of noise as the tire turns on the rollers. They also wear out the tire quickly, and they can cause the wheel to slide on the rollers, taking away from a real-life riding experience.
Direct drive trainers take off the rear wheel and connect to the cassette via a freehub body (not always included with trainer). They are more expensive than magnetic and wheel-on versions, but are nearly silent. They work well with most road cassettes, however you may need to buy adapters or a new cassette to ensure compatibility.
Smart bike trainers use an integrated power meter to measure the power and cadence of your pedals and automatically control the resistance based on your speed data. They are the most expensive but provide a more immersive and effective training experience.
Some smart trainers are compatible with the renowned Zwift and other training apps to give you a social and interactive riding experience. These programs are available for both mobile and desktop computers. Some are free, but premium memberships offer additional features such as a comprehensive profile and live streaming. Smart bike trainers have more complex installation and may require calibration before use, as well as software periodic updates. They are the best option for serious cyclists looking for a stimulating and energizing indoor cycling experience.
Social
In the past, indoor training was considered a last resort for cyclists unable to ride outside due to the weather or other factors. Indoor bike training has now become an increasingly popular option for riders thanks to advanced trainers and virtual platforms such as Zwift.
A variety of trainer types are available today and include options from rollers that allow you to pedal with almost no resistance to direct-drive trainers that can replace your rear wheel and offer more realistic riding experience for a premium price. In addition certain trainers include additional features that can help you enhance your performance, like an energy curve that targets specific training areas or built-in cadence monitoring.
Smart trainers are a game-changer, as they connect to your smartphone or computer through the ANT+ wireless protocol to provide real-time stats and control your bike. This technology allows you to enjoy a full-on experience with the help of apps that allow you to train on popular routes or even race against your buddies online, bringing a social aspect to your indoor biking exercise.
These apps can help you improve your skills as they include exercises specifically designed for road races, or cycling in general. The app will alter the resistance of your bike to match the elevation on the virtual route. exercise cycle for sale can help you simulate climbing and acclimatize yourself to the conditions you'll encounter on a race course.
When you train indoors, it's important to pay attention to your posture and pedaling stroke to simulate the position of the real bike. This will allow you to develop good habits which will translate to outdoor riding and help you to do when you're tired.
The purchase of a top trainer that gives you a real road feel is a great option to ensure that you get the most enjoyable workouts. The Wahoo KICKR BIKE for instance, is incredibly smooth and quiet ride and grade simulation technology that can help you maintain speed on downhills that are virtual.