Operation
A trainer consists of a frame, a clamp to hold the bicycle securely, a roller that presses up against the rear wheel, and a mechanism that provides resistance when the pedals are turned. In a wind trainer, the roller drives fan blades that create air resistance. These are typically the least expensive and noisiest trainers. Magnetic trainers haveFunction
Trainers make it possible to build bicycle skills and power very efficiently in a highly controlled environment, without the unavoidable interruptions of outdoor riding. For instance, in hill training, instead of being limited to whatever hills are around one's home, one can simulate any size and steepness. Trainers provide better preparation for racing than stationary bicycles. Trainers require better technique than stationary bicycles, and they provide a more realistic-feeling ride. The geometry and resulting body position of a stationary bicycle may be significantly different from a racing bike; of course, if one uses the racing bike itself in an indoor trainer, the body position is nearly identical. Some trainers are equipped with sensors that monitor the rider's performance. Power output, cadence, virtual speed and heart rate are among the metrics that can be transmitted electronically. Analyzing these figures can help to fine-tune the athlete's training.Types
Bicycle trainers are categorized by how the unit provides resistance. There are two broad categories: "wheel on" trainers use the bicycle's own rear wheel, whereas "wheel off" or direct-drive trainers replace the rear wheel with the trainer's own machinery. Within those two categories, there are also 'basic' and 'smart' trainers, which differ through their ability to connect with other devices. Direct drive trainers are almost exclusively 'smart,' and Wheel On trainers are almost exclusively 'basic,' but exceptions do exist. The Wahoo Kickr Snap is an example of a smart wheel-on trainer.Wheel on
*Wind — The unit uses a fan powered by the cyclist's leg power to provide resistance on the rear tire. **Pros: Resistance progresses with the cyclist's speed, creating a realistic feeling of cycling on the road. **Cons: Noise, limited resistance. *Magnetic — A magnetic flywheel creates resistance on the rear wheel. **Pros: Nearly silent operation. **Cons: Resistance has an upper limit, prone to breaking. *Fluid — Combines magnetic flywheel with fluid resistance chambers. **Pros: Nearly silent magnetic operation with added progressive resistance. **Cons: Repeated friction heating and consequential expansion and contraction of the fluid can result in seal leaks. *Centrifugal — Specially designed centrifugal pressure plates provide resistance. **Pros: Nearly Silent, resistance curves may be adjusted by the user. Usually, all trainers can be adjusted for most sizes of road and mountain bikes. However, knobby tires can cause vibration and noise, defeating the purpose of noiseless units.Wheel off
Smart
Smart trainers allow users to connect the trainer to a third-party device, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet, viaBasic
Basic trainers feature no electronics, so they cannot connect to third-party devices and apps. Instead, they rely on a manual controller or a progressive resistance curve. Basic trainers were ubiquitous until the mid-2010s, but with the advent of smart trainers and the immersive experience they provide, they are now reserved for the entry-level price point. *Pros: Affordable. *Cons: Less realistic ride feel, less immersive experience.See also
* Bicycle rollers - a similar device, but the bicycle is not held stationary * Bicycle tires for indoor use *References
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