In recent years, indoor bicycle trainers have gained popularity among cycling enthusiasts as a convenient and effective way to maintain fitness levels and improve cycling performance. Whether you opt for a smart or non-smart technology-connected trainer, both options offer unique benefits to riders. In this blog post, we will explore the features and advantages of both types of indoor bicycle trainers, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best. I will also make a video as soon as I get all of my equipment!! I will show you both types of trainers, how to set them up, and how to use them!
Indoor Smart Bicycle Trainers: Smart bicycle trainers are designed to connect with various technologies, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, offering an interactive and immersive training experience. This is what I use now, I use the Saris M2 Smart Indoor Electromagnetic Resistance Bike Trainer with the XOSS Heart Rate Monitor. I also use a front wheel riser.
Here’s how they can benefit you:
- Virtual Riding Experience: Smart trainers can simulate real-world cycling routes through interactive training apps, providing an engaging and realistic riding experience from the comfort of your home. You can virtually explore scenic routes, compete with friends, or participate in online races.
- Training Programs and Data Analysis: These trainers often come with pre-designed training programs tailored to different fitness levels and goals. Additionally, they collect and analyze data such as speed, power output, cadence, and heart rate, helping you track your progress and optimize your training regimen.
- Resistance Control: Smart trainers automatically adjust resistance based on the selected route or training program, mimicking real-world terrain changes. This feature allows you to experience uphill climbs, downhill descents, and flat roads, enhancing the authenticity of your indoor training sessions.
Indoor Bicycle Trainers (Non-Smart): Non-smart indoor trainers, also known as traditional or basic trainers, offer a simpler yet effective way to train indoors. This is what I started with, well specifically, I started with the Saris Mag Trainer. I did use my XOSS Heart Rate Monitor. I also added two of these super affordable XOSS Vortex Cadence/Speed Sensors, one for speed and one for cadence, so that I could better track my workout and it would work better with the Rouvy app.
Here are some benefits they provide:
- Affordability: Non-smart trainers are generally more budget-friendly compared to their smart counterparts, making them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget or beginners who want to dip their toes into indoor cycling. I got my first “dumb” trainer (some cyclists call the non-smart trainers this) at the Habitat For Humanity Restore for $15!!! Thrift stores are great places to find used trainers, especially this time of year when people are giving up on their New Year’s resolutions.
- Simplicity and Ease of Use: These trainers are straightforward to set up and require minimal technical knowledge. Simply attach your bike to the trainer, adjust the resistance manually, and start pedaling. No additional devices or apps are necessary.
- Physical Conditioning: While non-smart trainers lack the virtual riding experience and data analysis features, they still provide an effective workout. By pedaling against resistance, you can improve cardiovascular fitness, build leg strength, and enhance endurance – all within the comfort of your own home. But…with a heart monitor, speed, and/or cadence sensor, you can easily turn your “dumb” trainer into a smart trainer; that’s what I did.
Indoor bicycle trainers, whether smart or non-smart technology-connected, offer unique benefits to cyclists of all levels. Smart trainers provide an immersive virtual riding experience, training programs, and data analysis, while non-smart trainers offer simplicity, affordability, and physical conditioning. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your preferences, budget, and training goals. So, get on your bike, choose the trainer that suits you best, and enjoy the benefits of indoor cycling throughout the year.
Until our next adventure, keep wandering and wondering!! 🌍✨