The 12 Best Indoor Bike Trainers

Consider learning to ride rollers the easy way:

With this information in mind, here are some of our favorite indoor trainers:

Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer

Everything you need to make a pro-level training studio at homePrice: $1,200Buy Now More Images Read Full Review

For the cyclist who wants the ultimate in smart trainers with all of the bells and whistles, Wahoo’s recently-updated Kickr Trainer is an excellent choice. Its weighted base is designed to feel rock solid even during the hardest of intervals, and the new Kickr can now measure and handle up to 2,200 watts of power within 2 percent accuracy. The wheel-off design comes with an 11-speed Shimano/SRAM cassette—also compatible with 8, 9, 10, and 12 speed cassettes—and can be changed to accommodate most other types of bikes in a variety of wheel sizes. The Kickr is compatible with Zwift and other training software and it’s Bluetooth Smart, Ant+ and Ant+ FE-C ready. Additionally, it’s one of the quietest trainers available.

Tacx Neo

Folding wing design makes a stable base and easy transport and storagePrice: $1,370Buy Now

The Neo is a direct-drive, ANT+, FE-C, and Bluetooth-enabled smart trainer. Unlike other direct drive trainers, the Tacx claims Neo is the only “true” direct-drive trainer because it uses no belts or rollers for power transmission—you turn the flywheel directly as you pedal. Magnets placed inside the metal flywheel interact with electrical coils to moderate the resistance. The more electricity that flows through the coils the larger magnetic force, thus creating more resistance without the need for noisy fans and belts, making the Neo virtually silent. Power measurement is accurate within 1 percent up to 2,200 watts, and the unique folding wings create not only a study base but also convenient storage. The Neo is compatible with 130 and 135mm quick releases and can accommodate 142 x 12mm, 148 x 12mm, and 135 x 10mm thru axles with adapters.

Tacx Flux S

Updated legs accommodate long care derailleurs $750 Learn More

The new-for-2019 Tacx Flux direct drive smart trainer, features low-profile feet to accommodate the long cage derailleurs that are common on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, and cyclocross bikes. The 15.5lb flywheel is virtually silent and a simple spin-down calibration ensures accurate data every session. Connectivity comes courtesy of Bluetooth Smart, ANT+, and ANT+ FE-C protocols so your favorite virtual worlds are all accessible. The trainer can simulate a maximum slope of 10%, and measures power within 3% accuracy up to a max of 1,500 watts.

Elite Drivo II

Highly accurate power measurement and the ability to refine pedaling techniquePrice: $1,200Learn More

The Drivo II takes all of the great features from the Drivo and turns them up to 11. Power is claimed to be accurate within an incredible .5 percent, stability has increased thanks to large legs that fold away when not in use, and it’s compatible with both quick release and 142 x 12mm thru-axles. The nearly silent direct-drive mechanism will allow you to conquer Zwift Island thanks to Ant+, FE-C, and Bluetooth connectivity without disturbing your entire household. And if you really want to get granular you can purchase a subscription to Elite’s My Training software and utilize the pedaling analysis function to refine your technique.

BKool Smart Go

Portable, budget-friendly smart trainer $400Buy Now

The Bkool Smart Go is a lightweight (22lbs), portable magnetic-resistance trainer that also happens to be a smart trainer capable of transporting you into your favorite virtual cycling world, thanks to ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart connectivity. Bkool also has its own cycling simulator software with a myriad of options for routes, workouts, and even video classes. Loading your bike on the trainer is as simple as swapping you skewer the trainer-friendly skewer that’s included and tightening down the clamp on your rear axle – no need to fuss with roller tension on the back wheel. The folding arm that holds your bike takes care of that. The trainer maxes out at 800 watts and simulates inclines up to 8% and produces a claimed 75 decibels of noise at 18 mph (a casual conversation range is roughly 40-80 decibels). While it doesn’t have the high-power abilities of some of the top smart trainers, at less than half the price it represents a real bargain for anyone who wants to get into the virtual cycling world without spending a small fortune.

Kinetic Road Machine Smart Trainer

Zwift-compatible smart trainer on a budgetPrice: $349Buy Now

This is another lower-priced smart option that grants you access to Zwift Island and other virtual trainer programs. The wheel-on design, stable base, and folding legs make it a viable option both for permanent use in your home as well as race-day warm-ups. It even comes with it’s own skewer so you can save your fancy skewers from wear and tear on the trainer.

Feedback Sports Omnium Portable Trainer

Smooth, quiet pedaling of rollers, resistance of a trainer, and easy to transportPrice: $344Buy Now

If you are looking for a trainer to travel with, the Omnium Trainer should be on your short list. It folds into a very compact tote bag that, at only 14lbs, can easily be carried onto an airplane and stored in the overhead compartment in addition to your normal carry-on bag. The two four-inch drums provide a progressive resistance up to a maximum of 1,050 watts at 55mph. The magnetic drums also make for an incredibly quiet ride so you can crank out a workout in your hotel room without disturbing the whole floor. Furthermore, the drums are attached to a sliding base and the fork mount is height adjustable to accommodate various bike lengths, wheel sizes, and QR or thru-axle configurations.

CycleOps Hammer

Measures power up to 2,000 watts Buy Now

CycleOps brings years of expertise making power meters to smart trainers with the Hammer, a direct drive smart trainer that handles a claimed max power output of 2,000 watts and can simulate grades up to 20%. ANT+, FE-C, and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity make it compatible with many of the most popular virtual cycling platforms. Using a 20lb flywheel and electromagnetic resistance, the trainer produces a claimed 64 decibels at 20 mph, so you can ride in your pain cave without disturbing the whole house. Setup is a snap thanks to folding legs (which also make storage easier), simply unfold them, throw on a cassette, plug in the trainer and you’re ready to go. If you’re big-watts kind of rider who wants accurate measurement, this could be a great addition to your winter training arsenal.

Kinetic Rock N Roll Smart Trainer

Side to side movement provides more realistic road feel and engages core musclesPrice: Price: $749Buy Now

Kinetic’s Rock and Roll Smart Trainer takes the stability of a stationary trainer and allows a little side-to-side movement with the base, creating a more realistic ride feel and providing a good core workout. This smart trainer comes with pre-installed software from Kinetic that allows users to begin a power training program without having to add sensors or other devices. Just download the app and start riding. It’s also compatible with Zwift, Trainer Road, and other fitness software. The Rock N Roll fits most wheel sizes and axle configurations (thru axles require Kinetic’s adapter). The fluid resistance provides a progressive amount of resistance and is paired with a flywheel to simulate the feel of riding on the road.

Inside E-Motion Smart Resistance Rollers

Safety features help take the fear out of riding rollers Price: $900Buy Now Read Full Review

Inside Ride’s E-Motion rollers are some of the most tricked-out rollers available, and one of our staff favorites for several reasons. First, they have some neat safety features, including bumpers that gently push your front wheel back in line if you drift too far to one side, and rear bumper bars that keep you in place. Also, the rollers float inside the frame of the system, which counteracts the tendency of the bike to want to jump off of the rollers when you crank up the watts. And we like that there are four levels of magnetic resistance built in, plus you can plug in the rollers to a power source for additional resistance variability. And if you still aren’t convinced that these are the Cadillac of rollers, they are Ant+ FEC compatible so you can jump into the world of virtual cycling.

Wahoo Kickr Snap

All of the functionality of the Kickr in a more compact packagePrice: $600Buy Now More Images

The Kickr Snap uses trickle-down technology from the Kickr and packages it in a more affordable and very convenient wheel-on design so drivetrain compatibility is not an issue. Power measurement is accurate to within 3 percent, and the Snap is not only compatible with the full range of Wahoo products, including the Headwind and Climb accessories, it will also work seamlessly with third party apps like Zwift, The Sufferfest, and TrainerRoad. Like it’s big brother, Kickr Snap is Bluetooth Smart, Ant+, and Ant+ FE-C ready and can be controlled by a smartphone, tablet, or Element bike computer.

Blackburn Fluid

Low-cost portable trainer that’s easy to put in the back of the car Buy Now

This low-cost and lightweight trainer is easy to fold up and put in your car for race-day warm ups, and it can also tuck nicely away in a coat closet for easy access when you need it, and the included front wheel block snaps onto the frame so you won’t lose it. The folding frame fits a wide range of wheel sizes – Blackburn claims it works with wheels from 26” x 1” up to 29” x 2.3” – without the need to adjust the roller tension, just clamp the bike in and let gravity do the rest. The Fastcrank mounting system features a cam release lever so if you use the same bike all the time you’ll adjust the tension the first time you mount your bike on the trainer and just use the cam release lever every time after. If you want a trainer for race-day warm-ups and “analog” trainer rides, this one is worth a look.