Before purchasing a bike trainer, you should always make sure that the bike trainer is compatible with your specific bike model.
Some bike trainers require less assembly, like rollers, while others may require you to remove your bike's rear wheel. Depending on your bike, you may need to buy separate tools.
Some indoor bike trainers can be folded and easily stored, while others require more space.
Direct-drive bikes and those that connect to apps with simulated workouts can provide a more realistic road feel. However, these tend to be more expensive.
There are different types of indoor bike trainers to consider, including: roller, friction, magnetic, direct drive, flywheel, and fluid.
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Don't let the record-high temperatures and unusually cold winters stop you from doing the things your body needs to stay healthy. Outdoor cycling can be highly dependent on weather, but training doesn't have to be. Indoor bike trainers are a great way to bring your fitness routine inside the home on those tough weather days.
The best bike trainers will actually make you feel like you're riding outdoors, with features that replicate real road conditions, including resistance settings that emulate road changes, hills and downhill stretches instead of the basic resistance settings. With so many options out there, which trainer should you choose? Our CNET experts have tested the top indoor bike trainers to help you find one that fits your training needs and your budget.
What is the best indoor bike trainer overall?
Finding the best indoor bike trainer can be a lot of work since there are so many to consider. There's the roller trainer, friction trainer, magnetic trainer, direct drive trainer and a simple stationary bike stand. If you want to go a little more high-tech, there are a lot of smart bike trainer options. I've scoured the internet, read cycle trainer reviews until my eyes started to cross and tested a variety of the top models to give you some guidance.
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