How to choose the right home trainer?

The different types of home trainers for winter training

Direct resistance home trainers

This type of home trainer is very common and works by exerting a force on the rear wheel of the road, mountain or gravel bike. Operated by air, magnetism or fluid, the resistance has several adjustable levels, usually via a mechanical knob.

For the higher end models such as the electromagnetic resistance home-trainers, the change of force is done electronically while the noise emitted by the machine is considerably reduced. Generally economical and durable direct-resistance direct resistance however, require the use of a specific tire to avoid premature wear of the rear wheel tire (constant friction smoothes the tire and makes it “square”).

Home trainers with rollers

The purpose of the roller home trainer is to bring the cyclist closer to the sensations encountered on the road. It works thanks to the gyroscopic effect of the wheels, simulating the effect of speed and the natural balance of the bicycle when pedaling. It is therefore ideal for warming up before a race (very popular with mountain bikers and track cyclists), for light training at home or for recovery rides.

Although their resistance is lower than that of direct-resistance home-trainers, they still offer major advantages: they’re more compact and easier to use (no special fixtures required). Above all, their compatibility with all types of bikes: mountain bikes, road bikes, fixie and even VTC will be very appreciated! Be careful with the first few turns of the wheel: it is advisable to train to find the necessary balance before any intensive training session.

Connected home trainers or “Smart trainers

The flagship of home trainers, the “Smart” trainers are optimized for regular cyclists, competitors and enthusiasts who want to optimize their training. Their strengths lie in the integrated connectivity that allows you to link your training session with different cycling applications such as Zwift, Kinomap and then follow your training online on Strava or TrainingPeaks. Equipped with a

direct drive

This type of machine is also highly prized for its practicality, since it dispenses with the need for a rear wheel and acts as a pedestal for the bike. In addition to avoiding tire wear, it admits the best compromise between resistance, feel and efficiency.

In addition, these home trainers feature a range of functions that allow you to monitor your training live, including a power sensor, a cadence sensor and a speed sensor. It will also be possible to add components such as a heart rate belt through Bluetooth or ANT+ protocols.

The comparative guide to direct drive connected home trainers

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		Kickr Core	Direto XR-T	Flux 2 Smart	Avanti	Kickr Wifi V6	Justo 2	NEO 2T Smart	Kickr Move	NEO 3M
Maximum resistance power		1800 watts	2300 watts	2000 watts	2100 watts	2200 watts	2300 watts	2200 watts	2200 watts	2200 watts
Accuracy of integrated power indicator (OTS)		+/-2%	+/-1,5%	+/-2,5%	+/-1%	+/-1%	<1%	< 1%	< 1%	< 1% (increased range)
Maximum simulated slope		16 %	24 %	16 %	18 %	20 %	24 %	25 %	20 %	25 %
Dimensions (in cm)	Open	50.8×58.4×48.3	65 x 84 x 55	67 x 65 x 47	58 x 70 x 52	50.8 x 71.1 x 41.2	57 x 72 x 52	57.5 x 75 x 55	68.6 x 88 x 67.6	63 x 80 x 59.5
	Folded	22.9 x 58.4 x 53.3	65 x 30 x 55	Non-folding	58 x 21 x 52	50.8 x 22.9 x 43.2	57 x 19.5 x 52 cm	62 x 26 x 44	68.6 x 36.9 x 67.6	69,5 x 35,5
Weight (in kg)		18,14	16,2	23,6	13	22	17	21,5	29	23,6
The plus		Realistic, silent feeling	Simulates the steepest slopes, “Easy Start” function for smooth interval recovery in high-power ERG mode	1-month subscription (to Tacx Premium software)	Integrated storage drawer and Flex Feets to optimize pedaling authenticity and efficiency	Wi-Fi®, silent, Race mode for absolute responsiveness	12 v (11-34) cassette included, Wi-Fi® connectivity, pedaling analysis, Flex Feet biomechanical efficiency	Exceptional power sensor accuracy	Extremely quiet, realistic front, rear and side movements	Integrated multidirectional movement; Extremely quiet; Ethernet or Wi-Fi® technology

The comparative guide to direct drive connected home trainers

I am an occasional cyclist

Traditional home trainer systems are the most recommended. Quiet and easy to set up, the Wahoo KickR Snap is perfect for beginners. If your budget allows it, you can opt for the “smart” version: the Wahoo KickR Core. If you tend to go for the same model as the champions, the Elite Qubo Digital Smart B+ home trainer offers a complete, high-performance indoor training solution.

I am a regular cyclist but in winter I prefer to train at home and do virtual races

Your regular practice requires a more comprehensive model with better connectivity to software applications to open up the range of training possibilities. We recommend that you compare the 4 models most popular with regular cyclists: the Wahoo KickR Core,
the Elite Direto X
, the Elite Suito and Tacx Flux 2 Smart.

The new Lepape product that is worth a look: the Kinetic Rock And Roll T-6500 home trainer provides an effective workout with a feeling that is very close to reality. Its originality: the robust steel design in green color will look great in your living room!

I am an avid cyclist with a focused training program based on power and cadence

What you need is greater maximum power, stronger slope simulation and targeted training programs. In this category, the home trainer

Tacx Neo 2T

home trainer offers a great riding feel, especially on climbs and sprints. The highly realistic and connected Kinetic R1 Direct Drive T-7000 moves laterally to simulate the position when the rider is dancing.

The Wahoo KickR home trainer offers the best in power, precision and responsiveness for the most demanding cyclists.

And for maximum efficiency, the Elite Drivo II home trainer has the world’s most precise interactive roller thanks to its integrated pedaling power sensor.

The ANT+ key to enjoy the virtual applications Zwift, Kinomap, Tacx…

Numerous virtual cycling applications are revolutionizing indoor cycling: by offering online competitions, exotic virtual routes and adapted training, applications such as Zwift, Kinomap or Tacx are redesigning the interest of home trainers. To take advantage of these functions, an ANT+ key is required to link the non-connected home trainer (included in connected versions) to the app available on smartphone, tablet and computer.

From then on, the athlete can synchronize his virtual rides with training applications like Strava or TrainingPeaks in order to manage, follow and schedule his training like a pro!

Accessories to enhance the interactive experience

Home trainers are no longer synonymous with monotony: manufacturers like

Wahoo Fitness

, Tacx or

Elite

offer highly sought-after high-tech equipment to transform home trainer sessions into immersive experiences as close to reality as possible. These include

slope simulators

which act and react according to the simulated pass (also suitable for virtual applications).

The The Saris interactive platform is another innovation capable of making virtual road and mountain bike outings even more realistic: with its natural balance, it comes as close as possible to the sensations experienced on the bike, particularly in the relaunch phases and when dancing! Front wheel supports are also a good idea to provide better stability and balance to the machine even at full power. Some are even virtual, like the

Elite Sterzo

which communicates and transmits valuable information directly to the virtual application.

Accessories to improve training comfort

Some accessories can be essential for regular home-trainer use. The indoor cyclist’s first enemy is the accumulation of sweat resulting from static effort: to alleviate this constraint, the floor mat is in high demand, all the more so as it reduces vibration and therefore noise from the machine.

We therefore recommend that you protect your bike with specific specific accessories or a towel to protect the frame from the corrosive effect of sweat. In addition, you can opt for a fan that will “dry” and ventilate the athlete at the height of effort! However, if you do not have this accessory, we can only advise you to pedal in an airy and relatively cool room.

Accessories to progress and follow your performance

The connected home trainers provide all the data necessary for advanced cycling training (power, pedaling rate, slope …). But, if you are not lucky enough to have this kind of machine at home, don’t panic! There are complementary accessories to the “classic” home trainer that will serve as a credible alternative to 100% connected. This is particularly true of the

speed sensor

or cadence sensor, whose simple installation on the rear base provides invaluable data.

Competitors who like to keep track of their watts will opt for a “pedal” type power meter.

pedal-type power sensor

which can transform a non-connected home trainer into a Zwift-compatible application (via ANT+ protocol data transmission)! Finally, a

heart rate belt

with ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity will also be highly prized for monitoring your effort and calibrating your training zones according to your goals.