Set Up Is Easy
Training Is Sophisticated

To be clear, there are basically two options for indoor cycle training: stationary bikes or trainers.

A Trainer is an apparatus – like the one pictured here – that allows you to train indoors using your outdoor bike whether it’s road or mountain.

The Trainer pictured here is CycleOps, which is one of the better brands, but there are many brands and styles to choose from.

A Stationary Bike is stand alone. It doesn’t attach to your bike and needs no other equipment.

The variety of stationary bikes is also endless: spinning, upright, recumbent, moving handles and more.

Some bikes come with computers and some don’t.

Some are designed to mimic the feel of outdoor cycling and some not. That’s important because if you’re interested in augmenting your road training, you want a bike that produces the same feel.

One warning, though. If cross training is your aim, then stay clear of strangely designed bikes. There are better ways to cross train.

The Wattbike pictured above is considered the cream of the crop. It’s used by pros and amateurs alike. They are standard equipment in gyms these days but can be purchased for home use as well.

Trainers vs Stationary Bikes

I only discovered this recently, but there seems to be debate over which is better: trainers or stationary bikes. [Read more…]