How to choose a cycle trainer

As the weather starts to cool down and the days grow shorter, it's natural to seek alternatives to outdoor cycling. If you've been thinking about indoor training solutions, this guide will help you navigate the options available. Let's dive in...

Types of Home Trainers

Roller Trainers:

Rollers are great for improving pedal smoothness and bike handling skills. Athletes often use them for cadence drills and core balance exercises. However, they have limitations, such as increased tyre wear and difficulty for beginners.

There are downsides to using rollers as a primary indoor training tool. They heat up quickly, leading to premature tyre wear, and have limited resistance, making them unsuitable for high-intensity interval training. Additionally, mastering the skill to ride rollers can be challenging for novices.

Wheel-on Basic Cycle Trainers:

These trainers are what most people picture when they think of home trainers. They typically feature an "A" frame design that clamps onto the rear axle and uses a roller to contact the rear wheel. The roller connects to a flywheel, creating resistance.

One advantage of these trainers is their affordability, lightweight design, and portability. However, they do have some drawbacks. Using regular bicycle tyres can cause rapid heating and premature wear. They also generate significant noise, especially with treaded tyres. Trainer-specific tyres can mitigate these issues, but you may need a dedicated bike or wheel for optimal performance.