Cold weather doesn't have to mean the end of cycling season.
Maybe you want to keep building miles all winter. Maybe you're training for something next spring. Or maybe you just don't want to bundle up for a ride when it's freezing outside.
That's where an indoor cycling trainer comes in.
If you've never shopped for one before, though, things can get confusing pretty quickly. Smart trainer? Wheel-on? Direct drive? Do you need an app? Will your bike even work with it?
Before you start turning your living room, basement or garage into your personal cycling studio, here's what you need to know.
First Things First: What Is a Bike Trainer?
A cycling trainer lets you ride your own bike indoors.
Instead of buying an entirely separate exercise bike, your bicycle connects to a trainer that holds it securely in place and provides resistance while you pedal.
Depending on the trainer, that experience can be as simple as hopping on and getting some miles in or as interactive as riding virtual routes, tackling simulated hills and following structured workouts.
The right setup really comes down to what you want out of it.
Traditional vs. Smart Trainers
This is probably the biggest decision you'll make when shopping for a trainer.
Traditional Trainers
Traditional trainers keep things pretty simple.
Your bike connects to the trainer, the trainer provides resistance, and you ride.
For someone who wants to keep their legs moving during winter without worrying about apps, data and virtual courses, simple can be a very good thing.
They're also a great entry point if you're curious about indoor cycling but aren't ready to build an elaborate training setup.
Smart Trainers
This is where indoor riding starts getting interesting.
Smart trainers can connect with compatible cycling apps and devices to track your ride and automatically adjust resistance.
Hit a hill on a virtual route? The trainer can make the resistance harder.
Head downhill? It can ease up.
Follow a structured workout? Your trainer can adjust resistance based on what that workout calls for.
That interactive experience can make riding indoors feel a lot less like staring at the wall while pedaling.
What About Direct-Drive Trainers?
With a direct-drive trainer, you remove your bike's rear wheel and connect the bike directly to the trainer.
Why would you want to do that?
Direct-drive trainers can offer a more realistic and responsive indoor riding experience, especially for cyclists who plan to spend a lot of time training inside.
They also eliminate tire-to-roller contact, which means you're not wearing down your rear tire every time you train.
If you're serious about winter training, want more detailed performance information or simply know you're going to use your trainer frequently, it's worth exploring.
Do I Need to Be a Serious Cyclist to Own One?
Absolutely not.
Indoor trainers aren't reserved for people preparing for races.
Maybe you just bought your first Trek and don't want to lose the progress you made this summer.
Maybe your schedule makes daylight rides difficult.
Maybe you don't like riding when it's cold.
Maybe you want a workout you can squeeze in before work without driving anywhere.
Or maybe you really are training for something big.
There isn't one "right" reason to ride indoors.
Choosing the Right Trainer
At Gio's Outdoors, we carry trainer options from Wahoo, Garmin Tacx, Minoura and Elite, including the Elite Justo.
But choosing a trainer shouldn't start with asking which brand is best.
Start with asking what you want it to do.
Think about:
How often will you ride?
Occasional winter rides and a serious training schedule may call for very different setups.
Do you want an interactive experience?
If virtual rides, structured workouts and automatic resistance sound fun, start looking at smart trainers.
Do you care about ride data?
Some riders love numbers. Power, cadence, distance and performance data give them another way to stay motivated. Other riders just want to pedal.
Both are perfectly valid.
Where will you ride?
Think about the physical space where you'll set everything up. A dedicated pain cave is great, but a corner of the basement works just fine, too.
What bike are you using?
Compatibility matters. Before buying a trainer, make sure the setup works with your particular bike and drivetrain.
This is one of those times when talking to someone before buying can save you a lot of frustration.
What Else Do You Need?
Technically?
A compatible bike and trainer can get you started.
Realistically?
There are a few things that can make indoor riding significantly more enjoyable.
A Fan
You may be riding inside, but you're still going to get hot.
Really hot.
Air isn't naturally moving past you like it does outdoors, so even a basic fan can make a huge difference.
Water
Keep a bottle within reach.
You're not stopping at a trailhead or coasting down a hill to take a drink, so having your water accessible matters.
A Mat
A trainer mat can help protect your floor, reduce vibration and give all that sweat somewhere besides your carpet to land.
Yes. We said sweat twice.
You'll understand.
Comfortable Riding Gear
Your padded cycling shorts aren't just for outdoor rides.
When you're spending an extended amount of time in the saddle without the natural position changes that come with riding outside, comfort becomes even more important.
Socks, cycling shoes and body chamois can also make longer sessions considerably more pleasant.
Your Tech
Depending on your setup, you might use a phone, tablet, computer, Garmin cycling computer or watch alongside your trainer.
Figure out what information and entertainment you actually want while you ride, then build from there.
Don't Forget About Your Bike
Indoor riding may eliminate potholes, mud and questionable weather decisions, but your bike still needs some attention.
You're still putting miles on your drivetrain.
Keep an eye on your chain, check for wear and stay on top of regular maintenance.
If you're using a traditional wheel-on trainer, you'll also want to pay attention to your rear tire.
And if you've been curious about our Waxed Chain Club, winter is a pretty good time to talk to us about it. Keeping your drivetrain clean and running smoothly matters whether you're riding down the road or going absolutely nowhere in your basement.
Make Winter Work for You
Indoor riding doesn't have to replace outdoor cycling.
It's another way to ride.
When we get one of those random beautiful winter days, take the bike outside.
When it's dark, freezing or miserable?
Bring the ride inside.
Whether you're looking for a straightforward trainer to keep moving through winter or want to build a smart training setup, we'll help you figure out what works with your bike, your goals and your space.
Stop by Gio's Outdoors in Smithville, Raymore or Leavenworth and check out our indoor cycling trainers from Wahoo, Garmin Tacx, Minoura and Elite.
Bring your questions.
We'll talk bikes.
GO Adventure.
