Conquer Your Goals Indoors
There are many ways you can Conquer Your Goals in 2023. Cycling indoors can not only be more convenient but can be much more beneficial for building your fitness and escaping the cold and dark weather conditions. Rather than forking out a set amount each month on a gym membership, a turbo trainer will be cheaper in the long run and offers unlimited use without having to leave your home/garage.
While training indoors has its challenges, such as keeping yourself entertained, there are several ways to make your training more interactive. Software such as Zwift allows users to ride and race with friends in a virtual environment and maximise your training data.
There are several ways to train indoors. Below is a guide to help get you started training/riding indoors this year.
Classic Turbo Trainer
With a budget in mind, classic turbo trainers are the best option when it comes to saving money. Classic turbo’s offer resistance via a roller which sits up against the rear tyre of the bike. We would recommend using a specific turbo trainer tyre for this type of turbo, as most usual rubber tyres will lose their grip with the heat from the roller.
While these Classic turbos are more accessible, there are higher-end versions called SMART trainers which offer the same capabilities as Direct Drive turbos such as Bluetooth compatibility and connectivity to third party apps and software.
Recommendations to get you started
Direct Drive Turbo Trainer
Direct Drive Turbo trainers are the best option if you want to get the most out of your training and performance. There is much less power transfer lost, as the turbo acts as your rear wheel meaning all power goes directly into the gearing. Although more expensive, these turbos are a lot more accurate and allow you to connect via Bluetooth to many third-party devices and software.
There are a few additional items you will need in order to train on a direct-drive turbo. First, we would recommend an additional cassette that is compatible with your bike and the correct speed e.g 10, 11 or 12 speed. We would also recommend you check the rear spacing of your bike to ensure your bike is compatible with the trainer. Direct Drive turbos will require adapters to suit your bikes spacing, whether it is quick release (9x135mm) or thru axle (12x142mm) for example.
Recommendations to get you started
Rollers
Although they take some skill to ride, rollers are a great and easy way of increasing your leg speed and pedal efficiency. Rollers offer no resistance at all, meaning you only have the gearing on your bike to offer more resistance and you will be pedalling at a higher cadence. Rollers can also be very convenient as they can be set up almost anywhere with a flat surface and can be folded away and transported with ease.
There are also different types of rollers to choose from. While the conventional type is the most common type, there are versions that feature specifc bluetooth sensors to monitor speed/cadence for the more data-driven cyclists. For those who want more stability, there are also rear-wheel rollers to choose from which stabilise the front wheel for a natural indoor training experience.
Rear wheel rollers not only offer more stability but they allow riders to maximise their training performance with a natural indoor training feel and without any movement. Rollers like the Wahoo RollR ensure the transition from outdoor training to indoor cycling is easy and allows for more convenience when fitting your bike to the trainer with one easy to use clamp.
Aswell as convenient, the RollR also connects to Bluetooth compatible devices such as third party sensors like power meters and Wahoo accessories such as desks and fans for an immersive smart bike experience.
Recommendations to get you started
Indoor Bike
If you want to get even more out of yourself this year, an indoor bike would be recommended. This will offer even more convenience, without having to take the wheels off your bike etc. As well as more accessible these indoor bikes offer more accuracy in terms of power data. In recent years, indoor bikes have evolved to feel more like your own bike and riding position.
Indoor bikes are easily adjustable allowing you to dial in your optimum riding position. With these bikes you will notice a much smoother ride than most turbo trainers, making for a better riding experience.