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