Stationary Gains: The Best Indoor Bike Trainers for Your 2021 Workout Plan

The best part of being on a bike is being outside, hands down. But if you’re training at a high level, a bike trainer stand can be useful. It will save you time, the energy you spend diverting traffic and keep you safe if your only option is an evening ride after work.

A bike trainer stand is a key biking accessory that every athlete can benefit from. Hey, in the end, you might be craving the harsh winter feels so you can hop on the trainer and grind out a big ride. Even if you’re only here for a spin, and don’t forget your cycling shoes, a trainer can be a game-changer when it comes to fitness.

What to look for in a bike trainer:

• Resistance: does the trainer give you any resistance? If you’re in for a smooth 45-minute spin, no resistance should be fine but if you’re looking for a high-intensity workout, some or a lot of resistance will take you farther.
• Noise: The high whirring sound of a trainer moving can be high pitched and annoying, so be sure to figure out your comfort level or for those in your home. It can get loud!
• Space: Do you have somewhere to safely set up your trainer and store it? Setting up your bike trainer stand won’t take up much more space than your actual bike, but still, if you’re going to purchase, you should make sure you have that space readily available in your home.

1. BalanceFrom Bike Trainer

This trainer boasts a handlebar-mounted resistance controller which will make it harder as you pedal. The back wheel slips off easily enough to be attached with the silver skewer and will rest firmly on the ground without scratching the floor thanks to its rubber feet. A basic enough trainer, BalanceFrom works by using a cable that runs from the rear tire to the control mounted on your handlebar, much like regular shifting, giving you a realistic feel for being outdoors even though you’re inside. A great choice for beginners.

Buy: BalanceFrom Bike Trainer $120.90

2. Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Bike Trainer

CycleOps has been a well-known brand in the cycling industry for quite some time and has since been rebranded under the new name Saris. Their indoor bike trainer is smooth beneath the wheel, quiet, (20mph at 68 decibels) and made from 100% recycled materials. Your bike attaches through the rear axle after you remove the wheel and sits firmly on the ground and comes with pads if you have an uneven surface. The resistance level is suited for anyone from beginners to advanced cyclists so you’ll be sure to get an excellent workout in and not be spinning away by yourself. The bike trainer stand works by silicone fluid moving through the trainer as you make the resistance harder. It is compatible with training apps like Zwift and Rouvy.

Buy: Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Bike Trainer $299.99

3. Sportneer Bike Trainer Stand

Sportneer has created a top-notch bike trainer stand that creates stability on any surface so you can achieve reliable balance inside. The stand has five adjustable, anti-slip rubber feet that can even out uneven flooring so you can ride comfortably indoors. It’s got a smooth design made for noise reduction, especially when using a road bike. The stand comes with six different resistance settings you can choose between and an easy bike release when you’re ready to head outside again. It fits any road or mountain bike with a 26″-28″ or 700c wheel, and a rear wheel axel between 4.92″-6.57″.

Buy: Sportneer Bike Trainer Stand $129.99

4. Minoura LR760 Bicycle Trainer

The Minoura is an excellent choice for beginners. It has a smooth sound once you start pedaling, is easy to set up and store, and has a polished red and black design. When you take the back wheel off, putting the silver skewer through your axle will be no problem and you’ll be ready to go in no time. While not compatible with any cycling apps, this trainer will get you through a smooth spin cycle of a workout. It is magnetic-based instead of fluid which some people prefer for the lighter and quieter resistance.

Buy: Minoura LR760 Bicycle Trainer

5. Alpcour Fluid Bike Trainer Stand

Almost silent, the Alpcour Fluid Bike Trainer is a great choice for those who are seeking a quieter trainer. It is an efficient form of resistance and will prove to put you in better shape than when you started. The Alpcour trainer is easy to set up and has a high functioning flywheel that creates drag against the back tire to create resistance, giving you the best workout possible. It is made from stainless steel, sits firmly on the ground for ultimate security, and is easy to store. This is an excellent option for those looking for a fluid trainer.

Buy: Alpcour Fluid Bike Trainer Stand $219.95

6. Topeakmart Premium Bike Trainer

A magnetic bike trainer, Topeakmart stands out by being smooth and quiet with a front block to rest your front wheel down on. Working from magnetic technology, this trainer will give you plenty of resistance as you pedal your way to fitness. Made from aluminum alloy, the Topeakmart trainer is a great choice for anyone looking for a starter trainer.

Buy: Topeakmart Premium Bike Trainer $68.99

7. Yaheetech Bike Trainer

Another magnetic bike trainer, Yaheetech functions smoothly with minimal noise output, is easy to set up and even folds so you can store it safely. The magnetic technology will give you the resistance you need for a high-intensity workout and will leave you moving faster once you get back outside.

Buy: Yaheetech Bike Trainer $69.99