Choosing an Indoor Cycling Trainer
If you’re an avid cyclist who wants to be able to train and improve on your own time, having an indoor trainer is essential. These cycling training systems allow you to stay fit, lean and supple while also brushing up on your stamina, and many of them are even portable to allow you to do all of this on the go.
However, buying a trainer is not just as simple as picking the first one you come across. There is so much to understand about these systems, the different types on offer, and how they can benefit you, along with other factors like noise, resistance and costs. Read on as we break down everything you need to know in order to make a solid and informed indoor trainer purchase.
Why You Should Keep Training in Winter
Some cyclists stop training in winter and resume again when the weather heats up, but the pros always suggest training throughout winter as well. This way, you will be able to maintain your fitness and balance in time for the upcoming cycling season, which you can easily do thanks to the help of an indoor trainer no matter how chilly it gets outdoors.
Using an indoor trainer to train during the winter has three major advantages; namely, for your precision, your endurance, and your entertainment. When it comes to precision, using a trainer will allow you to precisely control your resistance and set the power to your preferred limits.
Training on an indoor trainer in winter will also do wonders for your endurance. The constant resistance supplied by these machines provides a greater stimulus and a more challenging session compared to an outdoor ride, sans stopping, drafting and free-wheeling.
Last but not least is the entertainment factor. When it’s cold out, you might be more inclined to stay at home in front of the TV with a mug of hot chocolate than you would be to train. However, with an indoor trainer at your side, you will be able to enjoy whatever entertainment you please, including virtual training environments through a number of smart apps and programmes.
The Benefits of Using Your Own Equipment
There are also plenty of benefits to using your own training equipment as opposed to going to a gym or training centre. Firstly, you will have no time limits or constraints to adhere to, allowing you to completely set your own schedule and roster.
Secondly, you can train in whatever way feels most comfortable to you at home, without having to worry about your appearance and the likes. Lastly, you will also save money in the long run through negating fuel costs and gym memberships.
How Indoor Trainers Work
When choosing an indoor trainer, it’s important to bear in mind that there are four different types available; wind, magnetic, fluid, and roller. Ultimately, a trainer offers a set-up similar to a cycle that provides resistance to emulate that which you would experience when riding a real bike on a track.
All four of the aforementioned devices have notable differences and advantages as well. Some (like wind trainers) are easier to use but make more noise, and some (like fluid trainers) may have more resistance settings than others. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which indoor trainer will best suit your needs – but be sure to read reviews and specs before you go ahead and make your purchase.
The Best Brands to Go For
There are many different brands of indoor trainers that you can choose, each with their own pros and cons – and of course, their own price tags as well. However, when it comes to excellent value for money, we recommend Wahoo as well as Elite as excellent indoor training products to all of our South African cyclists.
This brand offers a wide selection of indoor trainers and equipment to suit your budget and your needs, all of which is of the best possible quality and build. You can buy all the Wahoo equipment you need conveniently on our website too, saving you time that could be better spent training for your next big race.