Turbo Trainer Guide
- cycleshowroom0
- Sep 13, 2021
- 2 min read
Sometimes it’s hard to get on the bike when it’s cold and wet outside. Fortunately, turbo trainers are a great way of improving or maintaining your fitness without leaving the comfort of your home. In this turbo trainer guide we’ll look at all the types and features to help you choose the one that’s best for you.
HOW DO TURBO TRAINERS WORK?
Turbo trainers work by resisting your pedalling effort. The amount of resistance can be varied either manually for classic turbo trainers or automatically with smart turbo trainers. There are two basic types of turbo trainer: direct drive or wheel-on drive which work with your existing bike. The other type of trainer is an exercise bike that has no wheels but can mimic the feel of a real bike thanks to clever software and engineering.
TYPES OF RESISTANCE
WHEEL-ON OR DIRECT DRIVE?
WHEEL-ON TRAINERS Normally, your bike is attached to the turbo trainer at the rear skewer, and most turbo trainers include a sturdier skewer which you’ll need to use to secure your bike. Once your bike is attached, the rear tyre presses against a roller on the turbo trainer. As you pedal, the tyre turns and spins this roller (which is attached to the resistance unit). This is the case for most turbo trainers except for direct drive turbo trainers. Wheel-on trainers are primarily designed for bikes with a quick release skewer.
DIRECT DRIVE TRAINERS
Many companies now offer a direct drive turbo trainer as their top-end model. Direct drive turbo trainers have a cassette attached to them. To fit your bike to the trainer, you remove your rear wheel and bolt it straight to the trainer.
The benefit of this design is that there is no extra wear to your back tyre, as well as no chance of the wheel slipping. Direct Drive trainers are best for those with a bolt through rear axle. The Axle for your bike is most probably unique to that bike and a compatible axle will be needed in addition to the trainer.
A DEEPER LOOK INTO DIRECT DRIVE TRAINERS
Direct drive turbo trainers work in a different way to a traditional turbo trainer. Your bike is attached to the drive unit via the cassette, so you do away with the rear wheel entirely. This does mean it takes a bit longer to setup than a traditional turbo, but you get some useful benefits in return.
BOLT-THRU AXLE COMPATIBILITY For bikes that use a bolt-thru rear axle, a compatible axle must be purchased to fit your trainer. These are brand specific to the trainer, the thread pitch and diameter must be the same type used on your bike.
Comments