Turbo Trainer Guide
How do turbo trainers work?
Most turbo trainers work by fixing to your bike frame with a clamp around the quick release skewer of your rear wheel. This puts your bike into a position where the rear tyre will sit on the turbo trainer’s roller drum. As you begin to pedal, your rear wheel spins and the roller drum turns. Others work using a Direct Drive set-up where the rear wheel is removed and the frame mounted directly to the trainer.
Types of resistance
What is a smart turbo trainer?
Every big turbo trainer brand now has a range of smart turbo trainers. They are the new big thing in the indoor cycle training market. These turbos use electromagnetic resistance and can be synced wirelessly with ANT+ and/or Bluetooth Smart to your 3rd party training apps, devices, power meters and sensors. This connectivity can greatly enhance your training regime and open up fun virtual training apps to keep you motivated.
Zwift, BKOOL and other training apps can automatically change the resistance of your turbo trainer opening up the possibility of sprint training, intervals and even simulate climbs of up to 20% gradients.
You can also use apps to pre-load a set training plan to follow or plug-in GPS data and ride famous cycling routes from around world while viewing the route on your computer or smart T.V.
Zwift virtual training app
Zwift is powerful training app where you can challenge yourself against other real-world riders to a race in a 3D virtual environment. Zwift distinguishes itself from other training apps by offering a video game-like experience with immersive virtual worlds for you to ride in. As well as structured workouts, Zwift gives you the opportunity to join group rides with other riders of a similar ability and even compete in online races. It’s a great way to mix up your training and have a bit of fun.
Your power is measured by the watts you produce, which is then used to move you forward through the 3D environment. Speed is also adjusted by your height, weight and even the road gradient for added realism. You can learn with our Zwift guide
Zwift is compatible with a wide range of turbo trainers, indoor bikes and rollers with ANT+ or BLE enabled. Read our Zwift Compatibility guide for more information.
What is a direct drive turbo trainer?
Direct drive turbo trainers work in a different way to a traditional turbo trainer. Your bike is attached to the drive unit via the cassette, so you do away with the rear wheel entirely. This does mean it takes a bit longer to setup than a traditional turbo, but you get some useful benefits in return.
1The flywheel is moved to a central position
This offers a more lifelike feel compared to a traditional turbo where the flywheel is placed behind the rear wheel.
2Precision performance metrics
Most direct drive turbos are compatible with a range of power meters, sensors, apps and devices to let you track your performance data. With no rear wheel, there is no tyre slippage or roller drum tension to cause inconsistencies in your data.
3Quiet operation
Direct drive turbos are much quieter than a standard turbo trainer as there is no roller or tyre friction to create noise.
4No tyre wear
No rear wheel means no tyre. You don’t have to make that choice between wearing down your racing tyres or wrapping a spare onto your wheel to protect them.
Bolt-thru axle compatibility
For bikes that use a bolt-thru rear axle, a compatible axle must be purchased to fit your trainer. These are brand specific to the trainer, the thread pitch and diameter must be the same type used on your bike. Click here to identify your pitch thread
What accessories are available?
Training mat
A training mat will protect your floor from marks and damage, as well as sweat. These mats help prevent you skidding around when you’re really powering through and they will soak up some noise.
Sweat towel
Indoor cycle training will make you sweat. These small towels will cover your top tube to prevent damage and corrosion.
Riser blocks
With a standard turbo trainer, your rear wheel will be slightly raised, giving the feeling of descending. A riser block will lift your front wheel for a more realistic cycling position.
