INDOOR FUN
Even if you don’t live in a spot with tough winters, indoor bike training is likely a part of your regular routine. Biking on a trainer is efficient and, thanks to programs like Zwift and Rouvy, can be lots of fun. For those who are simply looking for an efficient workout that doesn’t require online connectivity, we’ve also thrown in a couple of trainers sure to get your heart pounding and your legs asking for a break.
Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer
$1,880/US$1,300
The Kickr has long set the standard when it comes to bike trainers, and the latest version only adds to that status thanks to some new innovations that make it even better. Highlighting the new features is the WiFi connectivity for faster data transfer, with a race mode that uses the WiFi capability to broadcast power data up to 10 times faster. The Kickr is virtually silent, even when you’re cranking it to the max of up to a 20 per cent incline or 2,200 watts of resistance, measured to within one per cent accuracy. When you’re pushing that hard you’ll appreciate the side-to-side movement capabilities, too, which only enhances the Kickr’s status as Wahoo’s flagship trainer.
Dare2Ride Fuego
$750/US$550
You get a lot of premium features for the price with this trainer—±2 per cent accuracy, a sound-level output of just 52 dB, an incline of 20 per cent and resistance of up to 2,500 watts. The ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect to third-party software to get the most out of your next online training session. You’ll also appreciate how simple it is to set up right out of the box—you’ll go from delivery to workout in no time.
Elite Turno
$814
While many will be drawn to Elite’s interactive trainers like the new flagship Justo or the Direto XR-T, those looking to save a bit of money, but still get a tough workout might want to look at the Turno, a “smart” trainer that’s very quiet and powerful. You’ll still be able to use this on platforms like Zwift thanks to its ANT+ and Bluetooth connectivity, but it won’t give that feeling of gradient changes and it can’t be run in ERG mode. It is, however, a direct-drive fluid trainer, making it quite unique in the world of bike trainers. For those who like to use cadence, speed and power data to drive their workouts, the Turno is a dream, offering a smooth, quiet ride that folds up easily to take up very little space. You’re apartment neighbours will love you.
Tacx Galaxia Rollers
$400/US$270
We could have raved about the Tacx Neo 2T Smart Trainer, which offers an amazing interactive cycling experience, but we figured we’d keep it simple and help you work on your bike handling skills with a set of rollers from the company. The Galaxia Rollers feature a patented swing system that absorbs forward and backward accelerations, which means you can push to the limit to get the most out of your workout. The conical rollers keep you in the middle of the trainer, making this an easy way to learn, too. The Galaxia also retracts for easy storage, too, making it a great option for tight spaces. If you want to add some skill development to your indoor training, the Galaxia rollers are worth a look.—KM