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Why Use a Turbo Trainer and Which One to Buy?

What is a turbo trainer?

A turbo trainer is a device that allows you to convert your regular bike into a stationary indoor bike. This lets you simulate outdoor riding without leaving your home, making it a time-saving tool for cyclists. Nowadays smart bikes are becoming more popular as an all-in-one solution. Due to the resistance provided, using a turbo trainer or smart bike feels like riding on a gentle incline. With no coasting or rest periods, an hour on a turbo can be equivalent to 1.5 hours on the road if you follow structured workouts.

Turbo trainers or smartbikes are not just for winter. While nothing beats a summer ride outdoors, you can achieve more intense, controlled workouts with a turbo. Platforms like Zwift allow you to create structured training sessions, turning your turbo trainer into a year-round training tool.

Instead of viewing indoor training sessions as a chore, consider them a smart solution. If it’s raining or icy outside, why risk cold and slippery conditions? Indoor training lets you stay warm, dry, and focused on pushing your limits.

Which Turbo Trainer or Smart Bike Should You Buy?

When choosing between a turbo trainer and a smart bike, consider your budget, space, and training needs. Wheel-on turbo trainers are affordable and easy to set up, but they tend to be noisier and less accurate compared to direct-drive trainers, which offer smoother performance and more precise power readings. If you’re serious about tracking progress and using apps like Zwift, smart trainers provide real-time feedback and automatic resistance control, making them ideal for structured training.

For those with a higher budget and limited space, smart bikes are excellent all-in-one solutions. These stationary bikes eliminate the need to use your own bike, offering a compact, highly accurate, and fully immersive indoor cycling experience. Smart bikes are more expensive but are perfect for serious cyclists looking for top-tier performance and convenience.

Entry-level

For beginners, an entry-level turbo trainer with adjustable resistance (around £100+) can be a great way to start. This type often includes a handlebar-mounted control unit to adjust resistance on the fly, complementing your gear changes. Although they’ve become less popular due to smart trainers, they’re still a solid option for starting out.

Mid Range

If you’re willing to invest a bit more (around £250), smart trainers offer a fully interactive experience. These trainers connect to apps like Zwift or TrainerRoad, automatically adjusting resistance to simulate climbs and events. You’ll also be able to track your power output, making sure you stay within the correct training zones.

Recommendation:

The Kickr Snap is an excellent mid-range option. While it’s a wheel-in trainer, it offers smart capabilities and decent power measurement. You may need a spare wheel with a trainer tyre for better accuracy and less wear. Price: £249.

Best value for money

For those looking for great value, the Kickr Core is a direct-drive trainer, meaning your bike’s rear wheel is removed. It’s a more affordable version of the top-tier Kickr but still delivers exceptional performance with up to 1800 watts of resistance. It costs around £449.99, making it a fantastic deal for serious cyclists.

Top of the range 

If you’re after the very best in indoor training, top-tier models (around £1,000+) provide unparalleled power accuracy and ultra-quiet performance. These direct-drive trainers simulate road feel in a realistic way and are ideal for advanced cyclists.

The Kickr (now reduced to £899.99) is a standout option in this range. Alternatively, the Kickr Move Smart Trainer introduces fore-aft motion, allowing your bike to move naturally for a more immersive riding experience. Price: £1,149.99.

Money no object 

For those willing to splurge, consider the Wattbike Atom (£2,395.99), a stationary bike with a built-in direct-drive turbo trainer. It’s super accurate, stylish, and space-saving—perfect for indoor use. It’s currently on offer at £2,145, making it slightly more affordable. Another high-end option is the Kickr Bike Shift Indoor bike trainer, now reduced to £2,199.99.

Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about your cycling goals, stepping up to a smart trainer that measures power is a great investment. These trainers provide the feedback you need to track and improve your performance. While on-bike power meters are also an option, starting with a smart trainer is the most affordable way to dive into power-based training.

Before making a decision, it’s always a good idea to read reviews and, if possible, try out a few models. After all, the best trainer is the one that fits your needs and feels right for you.

James Walsgrove

My cycling career started in 2005 when I purchased my first road bike and I was immediately hooked. Since then I have completed numerous cycling challenges including Ironman, Lands’ End to John O Groats, Mt Ventoux (all 3 ascents), London to Paris, the BBAR challenge which included a 12hour TimeTrial, Ride London and the Mallorca 312 6 times now.