How to Setup an Indoor Bike Trainer: 5 Steps You Should Know
It’s October and the bummer with cycling is that it can get inconvenient in the winter, here’s how to setup an indoor bike trainer.
Coldness and darkness pretty much kill your motivation in the Fall/Winter months, basically blowing up the fitness you worked so hard to build in the warm weather months.
The good news is that there has been an explosion of great products introduced in recent years to allow you to scratch your cycling itch in the winter months.
Not only does it provide a convenient alternative to outdoor riding, but it also offers a host of benefits, including:
- Consistency: With an indoor bike trainer, you can maintain a consistent training schedule regardless of the weather outside. No more excuses for skipping workouts due to rain, snow, or darkness.
- Customization: Many indoor bike trainers come equipped with features that allow you to tailor your workouts to your specific goals and fitness level. Whether you’re aiming to improve endurance, build strength, or increase speed, there’s a workout program for you.
- Safety: Cycling indoors eliminates the risks associated with riding on busy roads or slippery terrain. You can focus solely on your workout without worrying about traffic, potholes, or inclement weather conditions.
- Efficiency: Indoor cycling workouts are highly efficient, allowing you to achieve maximum results in minimal time. With structured interval training and virtual ride simulations, you can make the most of every minute spent on your bike.
Here is the Indoor Cycling Setup I Just Completed
I got a subscription to Zwift for $14.99/month with a free subscription. Think of it as a video game for cyclists. Ride with your friends or make new ones from around the world. Choose from a number of courses with interesting graphics. You can just cruise or participate in organized races literally any time and day. Display the game on your phone, iPad, computer, or TV monitor, and your indoor riding time will fly by.
The way Zwift imports how much power you are generating from peddling is through a device called a power meter which is one of the functions of a smart trainer. In addition to power measurement, a smart trainer Below are the options I considered.
The ZwiftHub is the hot new product in this space. It’s a well-reviewed unit that’s only $499.00. The only problem is you can’t buy it as it’s on backorder. But it’s worth the wait for the price as it’s $400 cheaper than comparable products.
I bought the Wahoo KICKR CORE because it is a well-reviewed unit that you can actually get in a few days for $899.00 on Amazon. I just got it a few days ago. The setup was easy. I’ve done 3 rides already and am really enjoying it.
How to Setup an Indoor Bike Trainer: 5 Steps You Should Know
Other Stuff You’ll Need
A Bike. Definitely. The cool thing is any old road bike will do so dig around in your garage, ask a friend, or buy a cheap bike on Craigslist. I used a 10-year-old Cannondale that I wasn’t riding. Depending on the type of smart trainer you buy, you may need a compatible cassette as well.
A Smart Phone, Tablet, or Computer.
A Fan, Preferably with a Remote:
A Mat: This will reduce noise, protect your floor, and make you look cool.
Another way to go is with Peleton. $1,445 plus a monthly subscription of $44. This is a great way to go if you want an all-in-one solution. Peloton will come to your house set you up and you’re good to go. Peloton offers live and pre-recorded spin classes with fun, really good-looking people to keep you interested.
Find the Best Indoor Bike Trainer: Check Out Our Curated, Reviewed, Rated, and Ranked Selection.
Let me know if you have any questions about setting up your own indoor cycling rig and send photos!
John
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