Top 8 Bike Trainers For The Money

Sometimes the situation calls for doing your workouts indoors and that’s when you use your bike trainer. It could be that you don’t want to get outside due to time constraints or maybe the weather will not be so favorable.

But we all have realized how useful our bike trainers have become. They give you high-intensity workouts. Whatever the reason might be, with the bike trainer, you still do your workouts, only that they are done indoors. Some of the best bike trainers are reviewed, giving you their features and qualities to help you make an educated guess when you are looking for your bike trainer.

 

 

 

1.  Sportneer Bike Trainer

The Sportneer Bike Trainer is one of the best bike trainers available. With its design and noise reduction resistance wheel, you do your workouts in relative silence. Additionally, the life span of not only the bike tires but also the bike is prolonged thanks to the reduced friction design of the wheel. It has a wide base and low stance balance.

Assembling and dissembling the Sportneer bike trainer is easy and it is also easy to use. Its stand fits any mountain or road bike with a 26-28 inch or 700c wheel, with the rear wheel axel in the range of 4.92-6.57 inches. It has 5 adjustable anti-slip rubber feet to even out any uneven flooring.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 6 Resistance Settings
• Easy Bike Release
• Great Compatibility
• Silent Spinning
• Stability on Surface

 

 

 

 

2.  BalanceFrom Bike Trainer

The BalanceFrom Bike Trainer is built with noise reduction technology which makes workouts silent if you are using road bike tires. It features a wide base and low stance which allows it to work on any surface. To prevent damaging the floors, the BalanceFrom Bike Trainer features rubber feet.

It has 8 resistance settings and a bar-mounted resistance controller for adjusting the resistance. The rear wheel can be clamped using the quick-release clamp. It is compatible with any road or mountain bike with a 26-28 inches or 700c wheel. It comes with a front-wheel riser block.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Noise-Reduction Technology
• Works on Any Surface
• Quick Release Clamp
• 8 Resistance Settings
• Easy to Install and Release

 

 

 

 

3.  Yaheetech Magnetic Bike Trainer

The Yaheetech Magnetic Bike Trainer is one of the best bike trainers on the market. Its heavy-duty metal dual-locking mounting system gives more stability and safety. It is designed for bikes that have quick-release axles.

The Yaheetech Magnetic Bike Trainer features protective foot caps which prevent scratches on the floor. Its noise reduction technology gives you a quiet work environment. It supports up to 265 lbs. By adjusting the knob screw, you can regulate the training resistance.

The Yaheetech Magnetic Bike Trainer foldable design makes storing and transporting it very easy. It is made of quality materials and a magnet, corrosion-resistant alloy roller, and powder coated high carbon steel stand. It supports up to 264.6 lbs. It is compatible with most wheel sizes ranging from 26-28 inches and the 700c sizes.

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Quiet Working Environment
• Compatible with Most Bikes
• Supports Up to 265 lbs
• Quick Release Skewers

 

 

 

 

4.  Bike Lane Pro Trainer Bicycle Indoor Trainer

The Bike Lane Pro Trainer Bicycle Indoor Trainer features 5 levels of resistance to simulate road conditions. Its internal magnet creates resistance as you began to pedal. It is also designed with a quick-release skewer.

Its stability is due to the wide base which also provides safety. To work on any flooring, it has adjustable footpads. The Bike Lane Pro Trainer Bicycle Indoor Trainer works with most bikes ranging from 26-27 inches or 700c wheel sizes.

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Stability and Safety
• Compatibility
• Portable
• 5 Resistance Settings
• Quick Release Skewer

 

 

 

 

5.  Alpcour Portable Bike Trainer

The Alpcour Portable Bike Trainer has 6 levels of resistance to simulate most road conditions. Its noise reduction technology results in silent workouts. The Alpcour Portable Bike Trainer is compatible with most wheels ranging from 26-28 inches and the 700c wheels. It is lightweight and portable. It is made with heavy-duty stainless steel and antislip rubber pads.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• 6 Levels of Resistance
• Compatible with Most Wheels
• Stable and Safe
• Portable and Easy to Carry

 

 

 

 

6.  Deuter Bike Trainer

The Deuter Bike Trainer is built with quality and durable materials to support up to 330 lbs. Its stand forms a pyramid that provides greater stability. The resistance can be regulated from the handlebars using the drive-by-wire device.

The Deuter Bike Trainer works with most bikes with tire sizes ranging from 26-28 inches and 700c wheels. It is designed with a folding style which makes it very easy to manage. It features 6 level resistance settings. The Deuter Bike Trainer features noise reduction technology to ensure a silent workout.

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

• Supports Up to 330 lbs
• Noise Reduction Technology
• 6 Level Resistance Settings
• Stability
• Portable

 

 

 

 

7.  VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Steel Indoor Bike Trainer

The VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Steel Indoor Bike Trainer comes with a wide base and low stance which provides greater stability. Its noise reduction technology guarantees silent workouts.

Its high-quality steel pipe-coated plastic ensures it is rust-free and easy to carry. Its 6 levels of resistance and comes with anti-rubber feet which makes it work on almost any surface. The VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Steel Indoor Bike Trainer supports up to 260 lbs and works with wheels ranging from 34 to 38 inches.

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Noise Reduction Technology
• 6 Levels of Resistance
• Quick Release Skewer
• Supports Up to 260 lbs
• Works with Wheels from 34 to 38 inches
• High-Quality Steel Pipe Coated Plastic

 

 

 

 

8.  Healthline Bike Trainer

The Healthline bike trainer features a fluid chamber of added resistance thereby providing a variety of resistance options. With its widened frame and base, this bike trainer can support up to 370 pounds. It fits most road and mountain bikes with 26-29 inches or 700 Number C wheels whether it is with or no quick release.

 

 

 

 

     What We Like:

• Stationary & Durable
• Deluxe Resistance
• Quiet

 

 

 

 

Types of Bike Trainers

1. Wind Bike Trainers

For you to pedal and the workouts, resistance has to be created. How the resistance is created determines the bike trainer is classified. With wind trainers, the resistance is created as you use the pedal-powered fan when the rear wheel spins. The faster you go, the more the resistance grows. One drawback with the wind bike trainer is that it can be noisy. But, they are cheap and have a good road feel.

 

 

 

 

2. Magnetic Bike Trainers

As the name implies, magnetic bike trainers use opposing magnets to create resistance. In place of a fan, the magnetic bike trainer has a flywheel that has the opposite magnets. As the magnets get closer and closer to each other, they attract and generate resistance. The resistance, however, is fixed. Magnetic bike trainers are quiet and affordable. The new magnetic trainers are connected to a remote or app.

 

 

 

 

3. Fluid Bike Trainers

Fluid bike trainers use a chamber of fluid to fine-tune the resistance. The faster you pedal, the fluid and internal blades increase the resistance. The fluid bike trainer is superior to magnetic bike trainers, is the quietest, durable, and gives a good road-like feel. However, some riders have mentioned overheating or leaking when the bike trainer is pushed very hard.

 

 

 

 

4. Roller Bike Trainers

The resistance is produced by the three rollers on which the bike sits on. As you pedal, they turn and the resistance is created. They are not the best for high-intensity intervals and sprints. They do however give a good road-like feel. Roller bike trainers are difficult to master because there needs to be a refined pedal stroke to maintain your balance. They build up your form but the range of the resistance it creates falls short of what the other types of bike trainers can create.

 

 

 

 

Bike Trainer Accessories

Trainer Mat

It goes without saying that you will need training. You will sweat and the training mat will collect it. The training mat will also absorb some of the shocks and reduce the noise. It will also serve as a cushion to prevent scratches on the floor.

 

 

 

 

Sweat Guard

A sweat guard is also an accessory to consider. It prevents “salt-circles” on the headset and frame of the bike as it attaches to the handlebars and seat post.

 

 

 

 

Riser

Most indoor trainers will have the rear wheel off the ground so you will need a riser for the front tire.

 

 

 

 

Trainer Tire

You may want to get a trainer tire for your workouts and not use the bike’s regular tire as it will wear out due to the friction and heat. The trainer tire is purposely built to withstand the beating from the workouts and they have a long life span. Or, you can use an old one which you won’t use anymore.

 

 

 

 

Skewer

If you choose a trainer which uses the rear wheel to roll along with the resistance unit, you need to fit your bike into the trainer. This is done by fitting the skewer ends into small cups and tightening things down.

Many bikes these days have fancy lightweight, aerodynamic skewers. Those skewers are great for racing but do not fit safely and securely into the trainer. You may have an old-school skewer lying around, but if not, pick up a proper trainer skewer.

 

 

 

 

Spare rim and cassette

A spare rim will be needed for changeouts.

 

 

 

 

Fan

You will get hot very fast and sweat more when riding indoors in a static position in which the breeze is not hitting your face. To remedy this situation, you will need a regular fan.

 

 

 

 

Towel

It goes without saying that you will also need towels for your workouts.

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Bike Trainer?

Price

You may want the best quality when it comes to bike trainers but how much you can afford will ultimately play a key role in your decision. There are more costly bike trainers that may offer a little more but it all comes down to how much you put into the workouts. Getting an expensive bike trainer doesn’t equate to getting the best results. It depends on how hard you work on a consistent basis.

 

 

 

 

Durability

When deciding on which bike trainer to buy, you should take into consideration how intense will your workouts be and how hard are you going to use them. If you are going to put it through the wringer with regular long-distance rides and/or intense workouts, then you might want to consider a durable one that can withstand the punishment.

 

 

 

 

Technology

Bike trainers, like any other equipment or gadget today, have a wide range of technology built into them. You should consider how much technology you want with your bike trainer that you will use on a regular basis. The more a device is loaded with technology, the more it will cost.

Connectivity is also a factor. If you love technology, then you might want a bike trainer that might have smart capabilities. You might want a bike trainer that can connect to apps, like Zwift or The Sufferfest to program it for particular terrain or other conditions. Pairing your sensors to your bike trainer might be something you may also want to do to track your progress.

 

 

 

 

Noise Reduction

How much noise the bike trainer can produce should also be of major concern to you. If you live alone in a house or apartment, then it is not that serious. However, if you have a roommate, then you should seriously consider how much noise it produces.

 

 

 

 

Stability

Well-designed bike trainers are more stable and provide better safety. Many are built with a wide base and low stance for stability. Additionally, many compensate for uneven flooring with some leveling mechanism. Crashes are not often an issue but you should consider how stable a bike trainer is when you consider which one to finally buy.

 

 

 

 

Ease of Use

It might not be the top factor on your list but you want to consider how easy it is to use the bike trainer. You don’t want to buy a bike trainer which will take a lot of your time and energy to set it up and use. That will only lead to frustration and sap your energy and excitement when you are ready for workouts.

 

 

 

 

Compatibility

You will want to verify that your bike fits. It might seem like an obvious thing but it doesn’t mean it will be compatible. Today many bike trainers are compatible with almost all biles, both road, and mountain, but you want to make sure and don’t leave it to chance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Bike trainers have come a long way today. They have become more useful in accomplishing your health and fitness goals. The best bike trainer for you will be the one that aligns best with the criteria you set for choosing. We have reviewed some of the best bike trainers available but want to admonish you to do your research to get the one that works best for you. Our recommendation for a bike trainer is the Sportneer Bike Trainer.