Indoor Cycling Buyer's Guide
Welcome to Western Cycle’s Indoor Cycling Buyer’s Guide! Whether you're training through the off-season, staying fit indoors, or enjoying a flexible cycling routine from the comfort of home, indoor bike trainers are an excellent solution. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about indoor trainers—from choosing the right model for your goals, to setting up your perfect indoor cycling space, to discovering essential accessories that enhance your ride. We’ll also provide video tutorials and expert tips from our team to help you make the most informed decision possible.
Let’s get started on finding your ideal trainer setup!
Trainer Types
Training Bike
A trainer bike is a complete, standalone indoor cycling solution that mimics the feel and performance of a real road bike. These high-tech machines are ideal for dedicated cyclists looking for precise resistance control, built-in smart features, and ultimate stability. With adjustable settings and built-in power meters, trainer bikes deliver an immersive, customizable training experience—perfect for serious riders looking for premium indoor workouts.
direct Drive
Direct drive trainers provide a direct connection between your bike and the trainer by removing the rear wheel and attaching the bike’s drivetrain to the trainer’s cassette. This type offers a smoother, quieter ride with more accurate power measurement and less tire wear. Direct drive trainers are popular among serious cyclists for their performance, stability, and compatibility with virtual training platforms.
Wheel On
Wheel-on trainers are a convenient and affordable option, allowing you to attach your bike directly to the trainer without removing the rear wheel. The bike’s tire rests against a resistance unit, providing a simple, easy-to-use solution. While they may produce more noise and tire wear than direct drive models, wheel-on trainers are a great choice for casual cyclists or those new to indoor training.
Interactive
Interactive trainers take your workout to the next level by connecting to apps like Zwift or TrainerRoad, allowing you to experience virtual rides and automatically adjusting resistance based on the terrain. These trainers bring outdoor rides indoors, simulating hills, sprints, and descents, making your training sessions more engaging and realistic.
Smart
Smart trainers are designed with built-in technology that, with the right sensors, can measure your speed, distance, and cadence. Some can connect to cycling apps, allowing you to track your performance in real-time and follow structured training plans. Smart trainers are primarily wheel-on models.
Classic
Classic trainers are the most basic type of trainer, typically relying on mechanical resistance units to create a challenging ride. These trainers do not have built-in connectivity or smart features but are durable and affordable options for those looking to get an indoor workout without the need for data tracking or virtual platforms.
The Apps
One of the biggest advantages of modern indoor cycling is the ability to enhance your training experience with apps that bring data, structure, and virtual rides to your sessions. From immersive virtual worlds to structured training plans, cycling apps allow you to customize your workouts, track your performance, and ride with cyclists from all over the world. In this section, we'll introduce some of the most popular apps that pair perfectly with our trainers, helping you get the most out of every ride.
zwift
Zwift is the most popular virtual cycling platform, combining the thrill of video game-like graphics with serious training tools. It allows you to ride through virtual worlds, join group rides, race other cyclists, or follow structured workouts.
MYWHOOSH
MyWhoosh is a free virtual cycling app offering immersive routes and training programs. It’s designed for riders who want to challenge themselves with dynamic virtual courses while tracking their performance.
WAHOO x
Wahoo X is a comprehensive training app offering targeted workouts and structured plans. It’s focused on data-driven performance improvement and integrates seamlessly with Wahoo trainers for maximum optimization.
ROUVY
Rouvy is a leading virtual cycling platform that connects with your indoor trainer to bring the world’s most scenic routes to your home. It offers realistic augmented reality rides and structured training programs to help you stay motivated. Rouvy is compatible with most smart trainers and is a must-try for cyclists who want to experience real-world rides from their living room.
Trainer Road
TrainerRoad is an app dedicated to structured, data-driven training. It offers customizable workouts and detailed performance tracking for cyclists who want to improve through precise and focused plans.
ZWIFT
$24.99/Month
- Connectivity: Compatible with most smart trainers (Bluetooth, ANT+), and supports power meters and heart rate monitors
- Features: Virtual worlds, structured workouts, races, group rides, training plans, and real-time metrics
- Pros: Highly immersive experience, social interaction, large community, variety of virtual courses
- Cons: Requires a strong internet connection, graphics may need powerful devices for best experience
MyWhoosh
FREE - *In App Purchases
- Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth and ANT+ compatible trainers
- Features: Virtual routes, training programs, real-time data tracking, group rides
- Pros: Free to use, offers engaging virtual environments, regular updates
- Cons: Smaller user base compared to Zwift, fewer customization options
Wahoo X
$19.99/Month
I
- Connectivity: Compatible with smart trainers, heart rate monitors, power meters (Bluetooth, ANT+)
- Features: Structured training plans, personalized workouts, strength training, yoga, and mental training
- Pros: Comprehensive training plans, multiple disciplines, integrates with Wahoo ecosystem
- Cons: Focuses more on structured training, less engaging for casual or social riders
Rouvy
$207/Year
- Connectivity: Connects to most smart trainers, sensors, and power meters
- Features: Augmented reality rides, real-world route library, virtual racing, structured training plans
- Pros: Unique AR features; extensive selection of real-world routes; competitive pricing
- Cons: Augmented reality can be taxing on devices; less social or gamified than some other apps
Trainer Road
$29.99/Month
Connectivity: Compatible with smart trainers, power meters, heart rate monitors (Bluetooth, ANT+)
Features: Structured training plans, performance tracking, power analysis, FTP tests
Pros: Data-driven approach, excellent for improving performance, personalized training plans
Cons: No virtual worlds or social features, higher price point compared to other apps
Why Ride Connected?
Riding connected opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your indoor training. By pairing your trainer with cycling apps and smart devices, you can unlock features like virtual worlds, real-time feedback, and interactive challenges that keep you motivated and engaged. Whether you're chasing personal fitness goals, competing with friends, or just making the most of your ride, connected training enhances your experience and helps you get more out of every session.
Structured Workouts
Structured workouts guide you through tailored training sessions, designed to improve specific aspects of your fitness, such as endurance, speed, or power. Connected apps offer detailed, science-based plans that adjust your resistance and track your progress automatically, allowing you to focus on your effort while following a clear path toward your goals.
Virtual Rides / Events
Virtual group rides and races bring the social and competitive elements of outdoor cycling into your home. You can ride alongside cyclists from around the world, participate in group events, or race in real-time. These features help keep your training fun and dynamic, giving you the chance to challenge yourself and stay connected with a global cycling community.
Data TRacking
Data tracking is one of the biggest advantages of riding connected. Apps can monitor your key metrics, such as power, cadence, heart rate, and distance, giving you precise insight into your performance. With access to this data, you can measure your progress, make informed adjustments to your training, and set achievable goals based on real-time feedback.
What does all of this mean for me?
No matter where you fall on the spectrum of cycling, indoor trainers and connected apps can provide a tailored experience that meets your unique needs.
For the casual rider seeking an easy way to keep the pedals moving during the winter, indoor trainers offer a convenient and accessible solution. You can hop on your bike anytime, enjoying a low-impact workout while watching your favorite shows or listening to music. With user-friendly apps, you can choose laid-back rides or gentle workouts that help maintain your fitness without feeling overwhelming.
If you're a hobbyist looking to kick off next season in better shape than ever, indoor cycling can serve as a powerful training tool. With structured workouts and virtual group rides, you’ll find the motivation and guidance to push your limits. You can easily track your progress and set achievable goals, making it easier to build strength and endurance throughout the off-season.
For the serious racer aiming to make significant gains and crush the competition, riding indoors provides a focused environment where you can hone your skills. Advanced trainers and data-tracking apps will allow you to analyze your performance in real-time, follow structured training plans tailored to your specific goals, and simulate race conditions to enhance your competitive edge. The ability to engage in virtual races and group rides adds an exciting competitive element that keeps you motivated and ready to take on any challenge come race day.
COme down and see us!
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our wide selection of indoor trainers, or better yet, come down to Western Cycle and hop on one of our in-store demo trainers! Experience firsthand how easy and enjoyable indoor cycling can be, and see which trainer fits your needs best. Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect setup to keep your pedals moving year-round. Don’t miss the chance to discover how indoor training can elevate your cycling experience—stop by today!