A Guide to Choosing a Bicycle Trainer

Bicycle Trainers are the convenient way of bringing outdoor cycling indoors, especially when the weather gets cold.  Bicycle trainers are effective for training for competitions and staying fit through cardio.

Bicycle Trainers are fairly simple exercising systems.  The resistance mechanism on the trainer is what allows you to get a complete workout.  As you push the pedals, a roller system turns and the resistance begins to work.  The market is filled with a large selection of trainers that come in various prices and styles and have all sorts of features.  The following is a helpful guide on choosing a bicycle trainer that is right for you. 

Choosing the Type of Resistance
The ability to change resistance is the leading decision-making factor to consider when choosing a bike trainer. Another factor to think about is the level of noise.  As mentioned above, bicycle trainers function on resistance, which comes in 3 major types.

• Magnetic: Magnetic Resistance is probably the most popular type as it is affordable, reliable and requires little maintenance.  Magnetic resistance also offers more than one level of resistance and is more quiet.  The downside is that the actual riding experience is less realistic and you will likely have to get off the bike to change resistance. 

• Fluid:  The benefit of fluid resistance is that the resistance increases as you add more speed.  This means that you get a more realistic experience compared to actual cycling and you don't have to get off to adjust.  Resistance is changed by shifting gears on the bicycle.  Fluid resistance bikes are the least noisy.  On the other hand, fluid resistance trainers cost more and require more maintenance. 
• Air-Resistance: For a more natural ride, air-resistance trainers are the closest to outdoor cycling.  Again, resistance automatically increases as you speed up, however, there is only one resistance level.  Although air-resistance trainers are the noisiest, they are reliable and simple.

Roller Bicycle Trainers
The Roller, a popular type of bicycle trainer, is beneficial for those who already own a road bike.  Although they are on the pricier end of the spectrum, Rollers help improve your ability to handle a bike.  To set up, you must place the bike's rear wheel on a set of rollers.  Some people remove the front wheel in order for the bike to be supported on a fork stand.

Setting Up Your Bicycle Trainer
Bicycle Trainers generally come in two different storage types.  Those that fold up are convenient for those who want to be able to set up the bike in a temporary spot.  You can also fold it away in storage to open up space.  If you are planning on setting your trainer in a permanent spot, roll away trainers are your best bet.  Roll away bike trainers, however, are bigger and can take up more space.  They are also more difficult to store away.

Other Features
Bike trainers come with many perks nowadays.  From heart rate monitors to fly wheels, bike trainers can be chosen based on the features they offer.

• Heart Rate Monitors: Many cyclists will not train without a heart rate monitor.  Those who live with health conditions will benefit from a monitor in order to know when to slow down or speed up.  Anyone with a high heart rate should monitor himself to prevent complications.  Competing cyclists use heart rate monitors as a training tool for racing.

• Frames: A durable and steady frame is crucial for having a quality trainer.  Frames are generally made from an alloy and should keep all the parts steady to prevent malfunctions.

• Flywheels: Flywheels can be added on to a trainer to increase inertia.  Many cyclists prefer bigger flywheels when training indoors.  Roller bike trainer allow for more natural freewheeling with a flywheel.

Ranging from $100 to thousands of dollars, indoor bike trainers offer great cardio exercise options and are ideal for cyclists in training.  You can really break a sweat with a quality indoor bicycle trainer.