Indoor Cycling Buyers Guide: Which Trainer Is Right For You?
When it’s cold, dark and wet outside, it can be a challenge to train or ride outdoors. That is where turbo trainers, rollers, and smart indoor bikes let you keep fit, improve performance, and even enjoy realistic virtual rides all from the comfort of your home.
This guide covers the different types of trainers available, along with their pros, cons, and best uses, so you can find the right setup for your training goals.
Which Trainer Is Right For You?
Indoor cycling provides structure, consistency, and efficiency. With no traffic lights, headwinds, or bad weather to slow you down, your rides become pure training time. Whether you’re chasing fitness gains, preparing for an event, or just trying to stay active through winter, there’s an indoor option to suit your needs.
Watch our video or read on to find out more.
Wheel-On Turbo Trainers
Wheel-on turbo trainers are the simplest and most affordable type of indoor trainer. Your bike is clamped in place with the rear wheel pressed against a resistance unit. This setup doesn’t connect directly to training apps, but it does provide a solid workout without a big investment.
You can add additional sensors such as speed and cadence to track your progress, which connect to a cycling computer via Bluetooth. While this doesn’t offer the same interactivity as smart trainers, it does give you useful ride data.
- Budget-friendly and easy to set up
- Compact and portable
- No built-in smart features
- Noisy compared to other options
- Tyre wear is common
Best For: Cyclists on a budget or those who want a no-frills way to ride indoors.
Wheel-On Trainers
Smart Trainers
Smart trainers bring technology into the mix by adding built-in sensors and wireless connectivity. They measure cadence, power, and speed, and can link to apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Rouvy. With this setup, you can ride virtual routes, complete structured training plans, or join online races with real-time performance feedback.
There are two categories of smart trainers. Wheel-on smart trainers are the more affordable option, but you still need to adjust resistance manually. Interactive direct drive smart trainers go further by automatically adjusting resistance to match the terrain in your chosen training app, providing a more immersive experience.
- Live data on speed, cadence, and power
- Engaging virtual experiences
- Resistance control for realistic training (some models)
- Higher cost than classic trainers
- Setup can be slightly more technical
Best For: Riders who want interactive, app-driven training offering variety for increased motivation.
Smart Trainers
Direct Drive Trainers
Direct drive trainers replace your bike’s back wheel with a cassette mounted directly onto the trainer. This setup provides a smoother and quieter ride compared to wheel-on options, as well as more accurate power data. The design also eliminates tyre wear and makes the trainer more stable during intense efforts.
The main drawback is that direct drive trainers are heavier and take up more space, so they’re less portable. They also require a bit more time to set up since you need to remove your rear wheel each time. For riders looking for a premium indoor training experience, however, they’re hard to beat.
- Quiet and stable
- Realistic ride feel
- No tyre wear
- High power accuracy
- Larger and heavier
- Slightly more involved setup
Best For: Riders who want a premium indoor training experience with realistic performance feedback.
Direct Drive Trainers
Rollers
Rollers are the traditional option for indoor training and remain popular with experienced riders. Your bike sits freely on three cylinders, meaning you need to balance and pedal just as you would on the road. This makes rollers excellent for improving technique and pedalling efficiency.
They’re lightweight and easy to store, but they do come with a steeper learning curve. Because you need to balance the whole time, they demand more concentration than a fixed trainer. Resistance is also limited compared to other setups, making them less suited for high-intensity training. Smart rollers that clamp the font wheel in place are easier to ride while still offering a realistic ride feel.
- Excellent for improving pedalling efficiency and bike handling
- Simple, lightweight, and compact
- Steep learning curve — balance is essential
- Limited resistance compared to other trainers
Best For: Experienced riders wanting to refine technique and stability.
Rollers
Indoor Training Bikes
Indoor training bikes are the top-end solution, designed purely for riding indoors. Unlike turbo trainers, they don’t require your own bike — everything is built into a purpose-made machine. These bikes are whisper-quiet, fully adjustable, and packed with features such as power measurement, gradient simulation, and app connectivity.
Because they’re so advanced, indoor bikes are highly accurate and customisable, letting you replicate your road bike fit exactly. They’re stable and durable, but also the most expensive option, requiring permanent space in your training area.
- No bike setup required
- Ultra-quiet and stable
- Fully adjustable fit
- Highly accurate power and app integration
- Higher initial investment
- Requires a permanent space
Best For: Serious cyclists who want the ultimate, hassle-free indoor training solution.
Indoor Bikes
Apps, Connectivity & Accessories
Training apps and accessories can transform your indoor experience. Apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Rouvy keep you motivated with virtual rides, group events, and structured plans. Most trainers connect via Bluetooth or ANT+, though some may need adaptors depending on your setup.
Power measurement varies by trainer, with cheaper models estimating output while premium trainers measure it directly. If you already own a power meter, you may want a trainer that can sync with it, ensuring your indoor and outdoor numbers match.
Accessories also make a big difference. A fan helps keep you cool, while sweat guards and mats protect your bike and floor. Riser blocks can level your front wheel, and having a large screen setup makes virtual rides more immersive and engaging.
Training Accessories
From budget-friendly wheel-on trainers to fully immersive indoor training bikes, there’s an option for every rider. Your choice will depend on your budget, how realistic you want your indoor experience to be, and whether you’re motivated by structured training or simply keeping the pedals turning.
With the right setup, indoor training can keep you consistent year-round and help you return to outdoor cycling stronger and fitter than ever.