THE BEST DIRECT-DRIVE TRAINERS

Ever since the phrases ‘shelter in place’ and ‘stay at home’ entered our lexicon, indoor riding has seen an unprecedented boom. The indoor trainer, often used when all outdoor options have been exhausted, is one of this year’s most important pieces of cycling equipment. Direct-drive smart trainers like the ones here interact with virtual platforms and training programmes, changing resistance automatically for a real-world cycling experience. Plus, they’re smoother than on-wheel friction trainers, they don’t destroy tyres, and they’re virtually silent. We’ve tested dozens of models this year, and found these four to be the best in terms of quality, comfort and value.