Spending time indoors on your bike is inevitable in Canada if you want to stay in good riding shape for the summer. Indoor training rides don’t have to be unpleasant though, with the right setup they can be rewarding and entertaining. With the huge range of trainer options out there, choosing the right one for your riding style can be a challenge. Bicycling.com recently wrote an article on choosing between rollers and stationary trainers.
There are a few key considerations when choosing a trainer:
Experience level:
When choosing between rollers and a stationary trainer, consider how much time you’re willing to invest in learning the system. Rollers, while providing a realistic road feel right out of the box, do take some time to learn, and that learning curve is steep (as anyone who’s fallen off a set of rollers can attest).
Also consider how much benefit you’re going to get out of a high-end stationary trainer. A smart trainer like Kinetic’s Smart Control can control resistance levels, read power output, and a host of other metrics which you might not capitalize on if you aren’t willing to invest more than an hour or two a week into indoor training. At that point a simpler stationary trainer like the Rock and Roll might be more appropriate.
Time spent on the Trainer:
Looking outside at a couple of feet of snow or torrential rain is a great motivator to keep indoor training. If you’re used to spending a few hours per week on the bike through the summer, and want to continue that frequency indoors, you stand to get the most out of your workout by using a smart trainer. Kinetic and Wahoo fitness both make smart trainers which will tell you the information you need to get the most out of your time indoors. Monitoring power output, heart rate and cadence will ensure that you’re building muscle and endurance, while lowering the risk of injury. Trainers also allow for a higher power output and more intense interval work, better for building power on the bike.
On the other hand, if you’re an experienced rider looking for an hour or two per week of indoor spinning, an inexpensive set of rollers might be perfect- allowing you to spin out your legs and stay flexible, and providing a better core workout in a shorter time.
Budget:
Investing in your health and fitness over the winter is very important, and a tight budget doesn’t preclude the opportunity to get some quality indoor kilometers in. Rollers are the clear winner for those looking to get training for less- Kinetic’s Z-Rollers come in under $400 for a full set-up of high-end rollers. While they don’t have the technical features of a smart trainer, they’ll give you a great workout for a much lower price.
If you think rollers are the way to go, check out this video with some tips for first timers!
Items to consider:
Kinetic Z-Rollers
Perfect for developing better balance and technique
• Precision machined aluminum rollers and premium bearings provide a smooth, quiet ride
• Lightweight aluminum frame folds down for easy transport and storage
• Kinetic backs it up with an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty
LTP part number: 183406-01
MSRP: $399.99
Kinetic Road Machine
Stable, easy-to-use and ideal for beginners looking for a top-quality trainer.
• The most reliable fluid trainer available
• Quiet, smooth, progressive resistance precisely replicates outdoor ride feel
• Pairs with Kinetic inRide Watt Meter for power training
• Unmatched stability and durability
• Lifetime warranty
LTP Part number: 183400-01
MSRP: $469.99
Wahoo Kickr Power Trainer
The ultimate trainer for those looking to head into the summer stronger and fitter than before.
• Connected to your iPhone, the KICKR revolutionizes stationary training by setting your
resistance or power threshold via your favorite App
• Super flywheel engineered to simulate an ultra-realistic road feel
• Direct power measurement happens at the hub for consistent and calibrated data
• Adjustable to fit most bikes and foldable legs for easy portability
LTP part number: 183525-01
MSRP: $1699.99
