With a bike roller trainer you bring the bike training to your home! The roller is ideal for maintaining and improving your fitness on the bike in winter. No more need to struggle outside in the cold and wet during the cold season.
Bicycle roller trainers have long been considered boring. Monotonously trudging along on the home trainer while looking at the boring wall. Meanwhile, there are entertaining video workoutsand modern roller trainer apps like Zwift & Co. These, too, are making roller training more popular than ever.
There are many different bicycle roller trainer systems. Which system suits you? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the systems and which training apps are really good? In the bike roller trainer test you hold a comprehensive overview of the topic.
Roller trainer types
Your current bike is mounted or clamped onto the roller trainer which turns it into an indoor exercise bike.
This is an excellent idea: the geometry is already adapted to you. With the contact points handlebars, pedals, saddle you already get along just fine. You can also use your possibly very high-quality bike indoors in winter without hesitation. Depending on the roller trainer, you can also quickly convert your indoor bike for outdoor use.
There are very space-saving bicycle roller trainer. When not in use, you can store these models very easily. So nothing stands in the way of training in the apartment, basement or garage.
Now let’s take a look at the different roller trainer systems. The entry price is already made favorable with about 100 €. For a high-end bike roller trainer you can then pay up to about 1000 €. Let’s find out which model fits you and your needs.
Free role
The free roll is often used before bicycle races:Athletes warm up on the free roll. The free roller also has its justification as a roller trainer. It also conveys a realistic driving experience.
Construction: The roller trainer consists of three rollers. The rear wheel runs between the two rear rollers. The front wheel runs on the front roller.
This roller trainer system is characterized by a free ride. In the case of the basic model, the resistance is controlled by the bicycle gears. That may be enough for light indoor training. More ambitious ones go for models with magnetic resistance. The resistor is controlled wirelessly. These smart roller trainers also allow the use of roller trainer apps. At the appropriate speed, the bike runs stably on the roller
On the free roller, practice and concentration is required: you have to build up a certain speed in order to ride stably on the roller. Permanent concentration is necessary so that you do not drive off the left or right of the roller. On the one hand this trains the coordination, on the other hand there is risk of falling in case of carelessness.
Product overview of bicycle roller trainers with free roller
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-23, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Good
✅ realistic driving experience
✅ Trains coordination skills
✅ Quickly stowable due to light weight and small pack size
✅ Favorable price
Bad
❌ Risk of falling
❌ Concentration necessary when driving
❌ Roller tyres necessary – otherwise high wear and tear
Fixed roller with Wheel-On Technology: Classic and Smart Roller Trainers
Product overview: Classic roller trainers (not Smart) with Wheel-On technology
With the Wheel-on roller trainer, the rear axle of the bicycle is firmly clamped into the roller trainer. Depending on the bike works a quick release or a thru axle is used. The necessary adapters are included in the scope of delivery of the roller trainer or are available as accessories.
Due to the affordable purchase price, these roller trainers are especially beginner-friendly.
The function is very simple: The roller presses against the rear wheel of the bicycle. This creates the resistance.
Adjust the resistor either directly at the roller or via a cable operation. A cable operation is much more comfortable. The controller attaches to the bicycle handlebars and you can adjust the resistance as you ride. Look for this feature when purchasing.
For the most part, Wheel-On trainers are not smart roller trainers. With accessories, these roller trainers can also be connected to roller trainer apps like Zwift and other indoor training apps.
The unrolling on the roll creates a corresponding background noise. The noise is correspondingly high. In rented apartments or shared flats, this can certainly lead to resentment. By using appropriate exercise mats and a roller trainer tire, you can reduce the vibration, and thus the noise, somewhat.
A roller trainer tire is mandatory with the Wheel-On roller trainer! Your road tire gets extremely hot on the roller and wears out very quickly. Other material weight and is very smooth. This particular tire is quieter and can easily be ridden for many miles on the roller.
If you want to use your bike outside in good weather, we recommend buying a cheap second rear wheel.
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-23, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Product overview: Smart roller trainers with Wheel-On technology
Wheel-On roller trainers are also available as smart roller trainers. For operation, a power outlet is almost always needed. Using wireless technology, these bike roller trainers are paired with roller trainer training apps. The resistance of the trainer then adjusts to the workout plan or virtual world of the app. If you sprint up a mountain stage at the Tour de France, the resistance of the roller trainer will automatically adjust.
Either Bluetooth Smart or ANT+ is used as the wireless technology. If you are an advanced cyclist, pay attention to the maximum resistance of your Smart Roller Trainer. Cheaper models cannot build up very high resistance (in watts). For a realistic driving experience, the flywheel should be as heavy as possible. The heavier the flywheel of the roller trainer, the more realistic the riding experience.
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-23, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Good
✅ Rear wheel is securely clamped in the trainer
✅ Quick assembly
✅ Can be stowed away: Small pack size and relatively light
✅ Smart and non-smart roller trainers available
✅ Bike is quickly ready for use on the road again: with (inexpensive) additional wheel or tyre
Bad
❌ Roller tyres necessary – otherwise high wear and noise level
❌ generally high volume
Smart roller trainer with direct drive
Direct drive roller trainers come with a cassette. You remove, your rear wheel and then your bike is directly attached to this cassette. The cassette must be compatible with your gear system i.e. 10-speed, 11-speed etc. For different systems, there are also corresponding freewheel bodies (XDR/XD, Campagniolo, Shimano/SRAM).
Since the rear wheel is removed, there is no tire wear. Outside the weather is good and you want to let the sun shine on your nose? Then YOU can very quickly put the rear wheel back in and ride outside.
Direct drive roller trainers are mostly smart roller trainers. Via Bluetooth or ANT+ the trainers are connected to your smartphone/tablet or your computer. The training software then controls the resistance of the roller trainer. The resistance is adjusted to the training plan being played or to the app training world.
The driving feel of the roller trainer with direct drive is close to the driving feel on the road. So very realistic.
Since there is no rear wheel mounted, there is no friction to the roller trainer. As mentioned, there is therefore no tire wear. Also, there is no vibration from rolling. A roller trainer with direct drive is thereby very quiet. A big plus for people in shared flats or a rented apartment.
The real negative point is the high price of the roller trainers with direct drive.
Product overview of roller trainers with direct drive
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-23, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
Good
✅ Very quiet
✅ No wear on the tyre
✅ realistic driving experience
✅ Mostly Smart roller trainer: thereby many training and entertainment options.
✅ Bike is quickly ready for use on the road again: hitch up the wheel and off you go
Bad
❌ High purchase price
Roller Trainer Apps
Zwift
- Website: zwift.com
- Feature: Training video game, structured training.
- System: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
- Platform interfaces: Strava, Garmin, TrainingPeaks, map my ride
- Cost: 7 days free, then 15 EUR per month
The most popular roller trainer app with the most users. Zwift has many elements familiar from video games. So you can level up your character and get awards. Also the appearance of your own character can be customized very much.
New tracks are released by the manufacturer regularly. Some Zwift tracks like Wattopia are fantasy worlds. Others are based on real routes. For example, Alpe du Zwift which is a reference to the most famous climb of the Tour de France: Alpe d’Huez.
Individual races and group races are possible. Also structured training is possible with Zwift. There are already a large number of predefined training plans for different goals.
Bkool Simulator
- Website: bkool.com
- Feature: training video game, structured training, videos.
- System: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
- Platform interfaces: Strava, Garmin, TrainingPeaks
- Cost: 9.99 EUR per month
With Bkool Simulator, you either drive in a 3D world or watch training videos while you drive. In structured training, only the watts to be stepped are displayed graphically. The graphics can’t keep up with Zwift or RGT-Cycling.
During an active workout, you can always switch back and forth between the 3D world and the workout video. The 3D world often doesn’t match the video. Still, a very exciting feature.
A big plus is the gigantic selectionof training videos. Stages of the big road races Tour de France, Giro or Vuelta can be found almost completely in the Bkool Simulator. Also represented are routes popular regions such as the Alps or the Canary Islands. The quality of the video recording varies, because they are often user-uploaded videos.
You can also upload your own routes. This works either with GPX File, with GPX File and video or you create a manual structured training.
Rides available include individual rides, group rides and structured training.
Overall, the Bkool Simulator offers an enormous range of functions. The 3D graphics look rather dull and the price of the roller trainer app is in the midfield.
TrainerRoad
- website: trainerroad.com
- Function: structured training
- System: iOS, Android, Windos, Mac
- Platform interfaces: Strava, Garmin, Trainingeaks
- Cost: 19.95 USD per month with monthly payment
TrainerRoad is clearly designed for structured training. The goal: to “work through” a structured training plan and achieve the desired training state. TrainerRoad offers thousands of pre-made training plans. Use the filter function to find the workout plan that fits your goals.
There are no 3D worlds or training videos at TrainerRoad.
To do this, you can minimally display the roller trainer app at the bottom of the screen. Along the way, you can then launch YouTube videos or any other app you want.
Excitingly, the TrainerRoad Outside Workouts feature: You can always choose to ride indoors or ride outdoors for the workouts in your chosen plan. This helps TrainerRoad keep you fit all year round.
Wahoo SUF – Sufferfest
- Website: thesufferfest.com
- Feature: Training Videos, Structured Training
- System: iOS, Windows, Mac
- Platform interfaces: Strava, Garmin, TrainingPeaks
- Cost: 14.99 USD with monthly payment
The roller trainer app features high-quality workout videos and focuses on structured workouts. Sufferfest has since been acquired by Wahoo.
The training videos were entirely recorded by professional teams during professional races. Offered are interesting camera angles and a professional video edit. The action in the video is appropriate for the active workout. The quality of the videos is significantly higher than other roller trainer apps. Providing plenty of motivation and entertainment is a storyline.
Professional trainers have created the training plans. In addition yoga sessions are available to train your own mobility. Part of Wahoo Sufferfest also includes mental training modules.
Wahoo Sufferfest is entirely, performance-oriented. The roller trainer app impresses with its attention to detail and relies on quality throughout.
Kinomap
- website: kinomap.com
- Feature: Workout Videos, Structured Workout
- System: iOS and Android
- Platform Interfaces: Strava and TrainingPeaks
- Cost: 9.99 EUR with monthly payment
Kinomap offers workout videos and structured workouts. You will find a large number of training videos. The videos were partly created by Kinomap and you’ll find a large number of user videos. As always with this kind of inside halt, the quality varies from excellent to moderate.
During a workout on your smartphone or tablet, you’ll have a split view: map, elevation profile, course rankings, and other features. On desktop, the view differs. The functions are the same.
Individual rides, challenges and structured training will be offered.
RGT-Cycling
- Website: –
- Feature: Training video game, structured training.
- System: iOS, Android, Windows and Mac
- Platform interfaces: Strava, TrainingPeaks
- Cost: free or Premium for 8.99 EUR per month
UPDATE: Wahoo has acquired RGT in April 2022. The Service has now been shut down.
RGT-Cycling follows a similar principle to Zwift: similar to a video game, 3D worlds can be ridden. The graphics are more realistic than Zwift. The same applies to the tracks: The tracks should look as realistic as possible. So you can climb the Stilfser Joch in the Italian-Swiss Alps or ride the white roads around Pienza in Italy.
Free individual rides, group rides and structured workouts are all available.
Accessories for bicycle roller trainer
The following accessories make indoor exercise on the roller trainer easier and may well be meaningful.
Roller trainer tires
A training tire is highly recommended for a free roller, as well as wheel-on roller trainers!
A road tire has extreme wear on the roller, and is also noisy. Roller trainer tires are available for different wheels. The purchase price is cheapand the mileage is high.
Either put the roller trainer tire on your existing wheel or buy a second rear wheel. The roller trainer tire is then mounted on this wheel.
The roller trainer tire comes during the workout on the role much better clear than a road tire. For this, the used material mix. Thanks to the smooth profile, the roller trainer tire is also much quieter.
Trainer floor mat
Free rollers and wheel-on roller trainers vibrate and have a have a strong volume development as a result. Your neighbors or roommates can quickly become disturbed by your workout sessions.
A trainer floor mat provides damping. This makes your workout quieter for those around you and also protects the floor.
Many manufacturers offer stylish trainer floor mats. If you want to save money, then a simple sleeping pad can also be used. Size and effect of the cheap mats are comparable with the manufacturer mats.
Front wheel support
The Front Wheel Riser raises your front wheel by a few centimetres. With the Wheel-On System or roller trainers with direct drive, the rear wheel is slightly raised clamped. As a result, you sit slightly sloping. That’s unusual at first. In addition, the pressure on the wrist and arms increases. The solution is a front wheel riser. This plastic shell raises your front wheel a few inches. This will make you sit comfortably horizontal again. The front wheel is also held securely by the plastic shell, which provides more stability during training. The riser is either included or available as an accessory for very little money.
Bike USB receiver: ANT+ or Bluetooth stick
With a ANT+ or Bluetooth USB stick, you can use workout programs on your computer. Your smart roller trainer must also support the wireless standards. Alternatively, you can upgrade some of the smart functions with sensors on the roller trainer. In most cases, a speed sensor is sufficient for the basic functions.
Cadence and speed sensor
Are performance data important to you when training indoors? With the appropriate sensors, cadence and heart rate can be displayed in the roller trainer apps.
Bicycle mobile phone holder or bicycle tablet holder
Most roller trainer apps are also available for smartphones. Alternatively, training videos or other entertainment offers on the smartphone provide welcome variety during roller trainer training.
Appropriate holders provide secure mounting options for your smartphone or tablet.
The following bicycle cell phone postures are recommended:
- Quadlock bike phone mount (iPhone, Samsung, Huawei and universal mount).
- SP Connect Mobile Phone Holder for iPhone, Samsung, Google, Huawei & Universal
- Topeak Ridecase for iPhone and as universal holder
- Reading tip: Mobile phone holders for bikes in the test – The best smartphone holders for bikes!
Sweat catcher and towel
Roller trainer training is sweaty. In addition, the airstream is missing. This makes you sweat more than when you ride outdoors.
Therefore, it is best to keep a towel handy. You can do this quite loosely over of course a standard towel is sufficient. There are also stylish towels from the roller trainer manufacturers with the matching design to the roller trainer.
Additionally, there are sweat catchers that are tensioned between the saddle and the bike handlebars. This protects your bicycle top tube, stem and bottom well from sweat. There are also sweat catchers with integrated cell phone holder. Sweat catchers are also available directly from the manufacturer or as cheaper variants e.g. at Amazon or Decathlon.
Fahrtwind-Simulator (smart fan)
The absence of wind makes you sweat more during indoor training than outdoors. The remedy is a driving wind simulator.
These are smart fans, simulating the airstream. The intensity can usually be regulated via app. In addition, the intensity is determined by sensors such as heart rate monitor, speed sensor and power meter. The best-known headwind simulator is the high-priced Wahoo Headwind.
Exercise bike mountain simulator
A mountain simulator like the Wahoo Climb raises or lowers the bike fork according to the distance ridden in the training app. The driving feeling and the driving fun is increased by it again.
With a price tag of around 500 euros, the Wahoo Climb mountain simulator is an accessory for ambitious roller trainer fans.
Roller trainer accessories – product overview examples
* Werbung - Aktualisierung am 2024-04-11, Preis kann gestiegen sein, Als Amazon-Partner verdiene ich an qualifizierten Verkäufen, Bild:Amazon
What to consider when buying a bicycle roller trainer?
Price & performance
Bike roller trainers are available in quite different price ranges. Cheap entry-level devices are available for around 100 € already. Here are cheap models, without smart features, with something louder wants a system offered.
High-quality devices are in the price range between 500 and 1000 euros. These professional devices offer the quiet direct drive and smart training control with roller trainer apps.
Which device is right for you? In the roller trainer test you have experienced the characteristics of the different systems. You’ll also find a overview of currently recommended bike roller trainers in different price ranges. With this information, you are sure to find a roller trainer whose features fit your needs.
Volume development
Roller trainers with wheel-on systems arelouder than models with direct drive. If you live in a rented apartment or shared flat, this is an important factor.
Noise can be reduced with a training mator a roller trainer training tire. If you want a roller trainer that is as quiet as possible, it is best to buy a model with a direct drive.
Brake systems
There are three widely used braking systemson bike roller trainers and smart roller trainers. The properties differ significantly. Specifically regarding ride feel, noise, resistance at low speeds (maximum simulatable incline when training uphill) and whether or not the resistance can be controlled by a smartphone or computer.
Fluid brake
Liquid brakes can be found in every price range: in inexpensive, as well as in high-priced roller trainers. No power is necessary for operation, and fluid brakes are also built into very compact bicycle roller trainers. The driving experience is very realistic and the braking system is especially quiet. The resistance with the liquid brake is also always the same at the same speed. The driving resistance can still be regulated by the gear engaged. At
low speed, the resistance is rather low: Therefore, a bicycle roller trainer with liquid brake is rather poorly suited for the simulation of an uphill workout. At high speed, the resistance is very high. You hardly have to worry about the maximum braking power of roller trainers with liquid brakes.
Induction brake
Induction brakes are primarily found in the entry-level class. No current is necessary. The resistance can be self-regulated. Mostly via a lever that can be attached to the handlebar. At low speed, the resistance is also low: therefore, braking systems of this type are less suitable for simulating hill training. But there are also models with especially strong induction brake. In these models, the resistance at low speed is also higher.
Electric brake
Electric motor brakes are found in mid-priced to high-priced and usually smart roller trainers. A power supply is necessary for this braking system. The resistance can be set by roller trainer apps on the smartphone or computer. Such a roller trainer is then called a smart roller trainer. Electric brakes are also suitable for the simulation of steep climbs. Up to about 20% rise perform strong electronic motor brakes.
Lifetime
The quality of workmanship, as well as a long life play an important role when buying a bicycle roller trainer. Many training kilometres, high power transfer, the odd sprint or even intense interval training: the trainer must reliably withstand a high mechanical load. It’s best to research product reviews and trustworthy roller trainer test reports before you buy. Then you will get a good impression about the reliability of your desired roller trainer.
Have you found the right bike roller trainer or smart roller trainer for you? Do you have any questions? Feel free to write me your comment.
Cover image: ©TORWAI Suebsri, Standard Image – 123RF
