Guide to Cycle Turbo Trainers

Although winter generally brings cold days, sometimes with rain, sometimes without, it doesn’t mean we should sit on the sofa all day. Yes we are at the mercy of the elements but the indoor cycle turbo trainer allows you to train and keep fit in the comfort of your own home.

I have done a fair few miles on turbo trainers and think they are great for keeping fit. This guide should hopefully explain everything you need to know about how to get moving on your own turbo trainer.

A turbo trainer consists essentially of a steel tube frame which you attach to the rear axle of your bicycle. Your rear wheel is pressed against a steel or rubber cylinder. This cylinder drives a resistance unit which provides the resistance required to provide you with a realistic cycling experience.

There are a variety of cycle turbo trainers out there so choosing the one that suits your needs and budget can get a bit overwhelming. Although they do all look fairly similar, each trainer has its pros and cons:

Wind turbo trainers

These are the cheapest of the cycle turbo trainers, they provide resistance by driving a fan. The resistance increases the harder you pedal. These turbo trainers are often best left in the garage because of the noise.
Pros: Good value, realistic feel, can provide cooling through the fan.
Cons: Loud, the resistance is limited.
Ideal if: You are new to indoor cycle turbo trainers or on a budget.

Recommended wind turbo trainer:

CycleOps Classic Wind Turbo Trainer

Magnetic turbo trainers

These are mid-level cycle turbo trainers, which rely on magnets to provide the resistance. They are slightly more expensive than wind turbo trainers and much quieter. Some models of magnetic trainers will come with controls which can be fitted to the handlebars to increase the resistance throughout the training session.
Pros: These turbo trainers are quiet, great for training at fixed setting.
Cons: Reliability, Not so realistic ride feeling.
Ideal if: You want a medium priced turbo trainer with some flexibility with regards to resistance.

Recommended magentic trainers:

CycleOps Classic Mag Turbo Trainer
Tacx Sirius Soft gel Turbo Trainer
Tacx Flow Turbo Trainer

Fluid turbo trainers

These are high end cycle turbo trainers. They are the quietest of the trainers so you won’t disturb other people while training indoors (and can watch tv while cycling). They use fluid-filled chambers to create resistance.
Pros: Almost silent, progressive resistance.
Cons: Fluid can leak in rare cases, Price.
Ideal if: You are serious about your training and/or need a quiet machine.

Recommended fluid trainers:

CycleOps Classic Fluid 2 Turbo Trainer
Elite Crono Fluid Elastogel Turbo Trainer

Most cycle turbo trainers will adapt to fit any type of bike, so you can use anything from a mountain to road bike. However you might want to replace your mountain bike tire with a special smooth tire if it is very knobby. This will allow for a quieter and smoother ride. Owning a cycle turbo trainer will increase the amount of time you can train and the cost is nominal when compared to full stationary training bikes.

When using a turbo trainer you might want to put a fan in place to replicate the wind flow & cooling of outdoor cycling. You should also remember to keep water or an energy drink to hand to keep hydrated. You may also benefit from using some form of heart rate monitor to track your progress and fine tune your training. For added stimulation and entertainment, switch the telly on or watch a cycling DVD to keep you motivated.

Don’t let winter get you down, get yourself a cycle turbo trainer.

And if you are cycling outside in winter make sure you read our handy winter cycling guide.