SEARCH FOR A TURBO TRAINER
A turbo trainer (or bike trainer as it is sometimes called) is a device that fits under the back wheel of your standard bike, effectively turning it into a stationary exercise bike. This means you can exercise in the comfort of your own home using your everyday bicycle if the weather is too bad to venture outside. However, turbo trainers are more than just a replacement for a trip out on you bike in the rain or snow; they're a very useful training tool that can be used to supplement your long rides out in the countryside. If you're interested in investing in a turbo trainer to use as part of your training regime you'll no doubt want to know a bit more about the different types of trainer available and what the benefits and drawbacks are for each type. Below is a description of the different types of turbo trainer braking mechanisms available, with their respective pros and cons:
Wind Turbo Trainers
Wind trainers are at the entry-level of Turbo Trainers and they are becoming more difficult to find in later models as the manufacturers move towards more advanced technologies. Low in cost, they operate using a vortex blade designed to generate a progressive resistant drag. To change the level of resistance you simply use your bikes gears as you would on the open road. The main disadvantage of the wind trainer is the limited level of resistance on offer, since once you reach the highest gear on your bike the trainer won't offer any extra variable resistance. This means extra effort needed to travel up hills (if out on the open road) is not simulated and you are effectively cycling on a zero incline road. Given the wind turbo trainers use a vortex blade, they are the nosiest style of turbo trainer available, so you probably do not want to use one of these systems if somebody is going to be in the same room as you. However, if you are using a wind trainer alone or in a garage and you simply want a simple and easy to use device then a wind bike trainer could be right for you. Check out different Wind Turbo Trainer designs here.
Magnetic Turbo Trainers
Magnetic trainers are a solid choice for most, whether you looking for an entry-level trainer or a more advanced trainer. This is reflected in the large choice of magnetic cycle trainers available. The resistance is generated by two magnets pointed towards each other. Magnetic turbo trainers can have a varying degree of resistance that can be adjusted by a controller either on the breaking unit itself at your back wheel or attached to your bike handlebars. The resistance they give is solid and can be used for both strength and fitness training thanks to the different levels of resistance on offer. Magnetic bike trainers range in price from about £130 to 400+. Check out a range of magnetic bike trainers here. As a rule, the higher the price the quieter the turbo trainer.
Fluid Turbo Trainers
Fluid Turbo Trainers work on a similar concept to wind resistance trainers. The trainer is connected to a fan which is suspended in a viscous fluid to create the resistance. The feel of the resistance provided by fluid turbo trainers is pretty close to what you would expect riding on a real road, and it is possible to vary resistance by changing gear on your bike. Some manufacturers have designed hybrid magnetic / fluid trainers that allow extra variable resistance, meaning you can push yourself harder as you would when going up hills on a real road. Fluid trainers can be more expensive but are said to give the most realistic experience when compared to riding on the open road. Browse the range of Fluid Turbo Trainers available.
Motor Brake Turbo Trainers
You will only find motor brakes on the very high end turbo trainers such as the Tacx Genius. The motor brake allows the trainer to simulate steep gradients up and down hill and it will even drive the rear wheel when simulating a steep downhill decent. These systems often come with Virtual Reality software to hook up to your PC allowing you a virtual ride of somewhere hot while it's raining outside or just help break the monotony of staring at the wall while training. The big plus with virtual reality trainers is the technology is still developing, with online tournaments becoming popular; want to race against your buddy in New Zealand without flying around the world? With virtual reality cycle trainers, you can. They also link in with heart rate monitors to allow you to monitor your improvements as your training progresses. A motorised roller provides resistance while the front fork clips into the frame or on some models like the Tacx Genuis there is an option for a steering unit that allows the front tyre simply to slide in the unit, allowing you to steering in the virtual environment while you are racing. These units run advanced race simulators so if you wanted to sample a section of the Tour De France or race your friends overseas without leaving your home, this would be the kit for you. Price is the main issue with one of these, starting at around 700 for an entry level unit they can range right up to £1500+, but if you are serious about indoor training these turbo trainers are for you. Check out the different virtual reality turbo trainers available.
SEARCH FOR A TURBO TRAINER
Need more help? Visit the homepage and browse/filter all turbo trainers, or check out our popular Best Turbo Trainer 2013 Guide or our new Best Turbo Trainer 2014 Guide.
