Indoor Trainer

Various types of roller trainers are available on the market to suit different needs. These differ both in terms of their design and their range of functions. This means that the training experience can vary considerably. Which roller trainer is the right one for you depends on your own requirements. There are basically three different types:

1. Free roller: With the so-called free roller, the bike is not clamped. It is mounted on rotating rollers, which enables training without further fixation. However, due to the high demands on balance and body control, these trainers are only suitable for very experienced athletes or professionals.
2. Fixed roller: On the fixed roller, the rear wheel is fixed in the usually foldable training device. The rear wheel runs on a brake roller. The resistance is controlled both by the bike's gears and by a control unit that can be attached to the handlebars, for example. Such roller trainers are inexpensive and quick to assemble. This makes them ideal for beginners and price-conscious amateur athletes.
3. Direct mount systems: With a direct mount system, the chain of the bike is guided directly over a sprocket set of the roller trainer. These devices are extremely quiet, often offer smart expansion functions and also guarantee a realistic riding experience. However, direct mount systems (especially smart systems) come at a price. They are therefore ideal for ambitious amateur athletes and professionals.

Smart rollertrainers offer real touring flair
Smart roller trainers bring real racing bike and mountain bike flair directly into your living room. By controlling the resistance, it is not only possible to simulate alpine climbs and descents. If you like, you can even simulate routes you have created yourself or real race courses. And best of all: by linking it to various apps and software products, ambitious amateur athletes can also link the roller trainer to their TV or computer and train in virtual space together with thousands of other cyclists from all over the world. And even with competitions and leaderboards.

The price is a decisive factor when buying a roller trainer. After all, the price range for high-quality trainers between simple fixed rollers and smart trainers can easily range from 100 to 1,000 euros. The rule is: the more ambitious the athlete, the higher the range of functions can be. On the other hand, those who ride infrequently are generally well served with a robust model from the lower to medium price segment.

The realism of the riding experience depends largely on the braking system. While models with air resistance are inexpensive, their volume is high. The riding experience is much more authentic with roller trainers with magnetic resistance. On the other hand, if you are looking for a particularly quiet device, a roller trainer with flow resistance is the right choice. However, smart roller trainers with electromagnetic resistance offer an absolutely realistic simulation of the riding experience.

Systems with a fixed roller are generally much louder than roller trainers with a direct mount system. If you have to be considerate of your neighbors, you are better off with such a device. You can also reduce vibrations and rolling noise by using training mats and special training tires.

Not every roller trainer is compatible with every bike. In principle, roller trainers are set up for road bike tires, as the trainers are generally used with road bikes. However, many models are also compatible with other types of bike. The most important factor is the tire or wheel size. Each manufacturer provides specific information on this. The mounting system is also important. For example, some roller trainers require a quick release. Bikes with a rigid axle can possibly be converted with an accessory kit. The most straightforward option is the free roller. This can basically be used with almost all types of bike.