What is the Best Bike Trainer? The Answer May Surprise You
There are different types of bike trainers and each has it’s own distinct benefits and drawbacks. But which version is the best? We will explore the differences here and the answer may surprise you.
The purpose of a bike trainer is to allow cyclists the opportunity to ride their bicycle indoors. This can be very helpful for a number of reasons.
If the weather is bad a cyclist can still continue training without interruption. For other people just seeking the great aerobic workout cycling provides, the bike trainer can allow this indoors.
Some people may be rehabbing from an illness or surgery and cycling indoors with a bike trainer device can help them get great exercise.
An indoor bike trainer also referred to as a stationary bike stand or a resistance trainer is a much more affordable way to cycle indoors as compared to having to buy a fully dedicated stationary bicycle. It can also be an easier, more comfortable form of exercise because riders get to use their own bike, which they are familiar with.
Most all indoor trainers are built the similar, with one exception. They all have a frame, a device for securing the bike in place and something that presses around the rear tire providing resistance as the cyclist pedals. Where they differ is in the mechanics used to provide resistance.
There are basically three types of indoor trainers. One uses air to provide resistance, another uses magnets for the resistance and the third uses fluid for resistance.
Each has its one unique characteristic.
Which is the best? A lot will depend on what the indoor cyclist is looking for and how much they can afford.
The air resistance bike trainers utilize a fan and the air creates the resistance. These are very reliable and considered to be more affordable than the other versions. The big drawback is that they are the nosiest version in the group. Also, their resistance is fairly limited. For many people that cycle indoors only occasionally, this can be the way to go.
The second type of stationary bike stand utilizes magnets for resistance. They use a roller powered magnetic flywheel. It is much quieter than the air version and generally costs a little more. These provide a higher level of resistance than the air systems. The big downside here is that in order to change the level of resistance, the pedaling must be stopped.
The fluid type trainers combine a magnetic flywheel and fluid chambers for their resistance. They are quiet and most closely resemble the feel of riding a bike outdoors. This system also allows for changing the level of resistance while pedaling, similar to changing gears. As you might have guessed, these are also the most expensive.
So which is best? If a person plans on using the trainer a lot the fluid system will be the winner because it offers the most versatility for the money and the cost seems to be justified. If however, the use will be minimal and the little bit of extra noise is not a bother, the air system is a good value for the money.
Here’s another way to look at it. Consider how many months of winter you have. In the West there will probably be only minimal days that cycling has to take place indoors. But in the northern states and in the East, where winter lasts longer, more days of indoor cycling may justify better the more expensive choice.
In any event a bike trainer is a great investment and you will surely enjoy many hours of indoor cycling with whichever one you choose.
Mark writes on a variety of topics including cycling. If you are looking for more ideas on how to train with your bike indoors when the weather is bad take a look here at Exercise Bike Stand. Also, here is where you can go for a great selection in the Stationary Bike Stand.
Related posts:
Posted in Flywheel Articles