The 7 Best Bike Trainers for Indoor Cycling

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IN THE world of cycling, one tool has transformed the indoor riding experience—the bike trainer. Gone are the days when bike trainers were exclusive to elite cyclists and racers. Thanks to industry leaders like Zwift and Wahoo Fitness, the indoor cycling world has evolved with bike trainers and accessories that are accessible to riders of all levels.

Way back in the day, indoor cycling involved noisy, heavy, and rather dull analog devices. But now, the technology and equipment available has drastically improved the in-home cycling experience. Wahoo Fitness introduced the first smart trainer, and Zwift revolutionized the space by developing software that lets cyclists immerse themselves in a virtual world that responds to performance metrics gathered by smart trainers. Nearly all bike trainers are compatible with the Zwift software, which means the purchase of a particular brand trainer doesn’t lock riders into a certain platform.

Read more: How Men's Health Thoroughly Tests and Reviews Fitness Products

According to Zwift team member and former Bicycling editor Andrew Bernstein, bike trainers have become accessible to anyone who owns a bike and wants to optimize their use. Bicycling Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy underscores this point, highlighting that smart trainers have ushered in a new era of indoor cycling.

"Smart trainers and Zwift have created opportunities for many riders to train indoors during the winter or on inclement weather days," explains Seplavy. "Indoor cyclists can range from those rehabbing from injury to teens burning off energy after school or longtime cyclists building their base miles."

These trainers seamlessly connect to your computer, head unit, or mobile devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, or Ant+ protocol, to provide an immersive riding experience. Smart trainers can even automatically adjust resistance for virtual climbs in Zwift, sync with preplanned workouts, and offer valuable training and riding data to platforms like Strava.

In collaboration with cycling experts such as Seplavy, Bernstein, and Men's Health Health Director and Certified USA Triathlon coach Marty Munson, our team evaluated over a dozen popular bike trainers from top-rated brands. Whether you're gearing up for a challenging ride, maintaining your regular training routine, or looking for a safe way to cycle indoors, we've ranked a bike trainers to fit nearly every preference.

Check out our list of the best bike trainers of 2023 below.

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KICKR V6 Smart Trainer

If you're a serious cyclist looking for the ultimate indoor cycling experience, the Wahoo Fitness KICKR V6 Smart Trainer is the answer. This smart trainer comes at a hefty upfront investment, but offers exceptional value and power accuracy to 1%, making it perfect for competitive indoor rides. You'll love the lifelike ride feel, which simulates real-world conditions automatically, including hills and descents. It also allows for natural side-to-side movement.

The sturdy design features angled kickstands for stability and a modest footprint, ensuring you can set it up wherever you like. It's compatible with most bikes and axles, making it a versatile choice for all cyclists.

When it comes to ease of use, this trainer also shines. Seamless connectivity with your favorite software and devices means you can focus on your workout, not troubleshooting. Plus, new upgrades to this version 6 Race Mode is now WiFi-compatible and faster than ever.

For a top-notch indoor cycling experience, the Wahoo Fitness KICKR V6 Smart Trainer is a wise choice if you want all the bells and whistles and your budget allows.

Hub Classic

Simplicity meets performance with the Zwift Hub. Zwift didn't invent the tech of the smart trainer, but they are the first to make it accessible at an entry level price point. For less than half of the price of premium models, this bike trainer offers great value and works seamlessly with your apps. Like the Hub One, it's accurate to about three percent and improves with continued use thanks to auto-calibration updates.

It's fairly easy to set up, and allows users to ride in an immersive experience, measure input and generates resistance, and gather performance metrics within minutes of unboxing. You can think of it as the Amazon of trainers; it’s not a premium product, but even an advanced cyclist likely can’t tell the difference between the Zwift Hub and a higher-end trainer.

It's compact and relatively quiet, perfect for smaller spaces or shared living environments. While it may not simulate the steepest virtual grades or elite competitions, it's a fantastic entry-level option for both beginners and experienced cyclists looking to save on training expenses.

Tacx Neo 2T Smart

Meet the top-notch Garmin Tacx Neo 2T Smart Trainer. It's the best among smart trainers, offering precise power accuracy and a lifelike feel, mimicking real terrains like cobbles and descents.

If you plan to use a smart trainer by itself, the Tacx Neo 2T delivers a realistic ride. It's thanks to its advanced motion plates and ability to simulate road sensations, including powered descending. Just remember, it's a bit pricier, and you'll need to buy a cassette separately.

The best part is that no calibration needed, and it works without an outlet, so you won't be restricted to where you can use it at home. It is worth noting that it only broadcasts data via ANT+ or one Bluetooth connection, but that hasn't been a dealbreaker in our testing.

Though it's a bit heavy, the performance makes up for it. It fits most frames and cassettes, making setup a breeze. For serious indoor cyclists who prioritize natural road feel above all, the Tacx Neo 2T is a top pick.

Hub One

Newly released in October 2023, the Zwift Hub One is your budget-friendly ticket to a superb indoor cycling experience for households with multiple users. It may cost less, but its performance is on par with high-end bike trainers other than the fact that it's locked in place. Standard connectivity ensures it plays nicely with your favorite platforms. As it's made by the king in the virtual riding software space, it connects seamlessly with your preferred platforms.

Setting up the Zwift Hub One is easier than the original Zwift Hub. It's universally compatible with 8-12-speed bikes, thanks to the pre-installed Zwift Cog. The virtual shifting system is also much quieter, a relief from noisy tire-drive trainers. The new design makes it easier to get the bike on and off the trainer, too.

In terms of power output accuracy, the Zwift Hub One stands strong with an accuracy rate of +/- 3%. And the best part is that it continues to improve over time through auto-calibration facilitated by firmware updates. Its whole design makes it an excellent choice for beginners venturing into the world of virtual riding and for cost-conscious cyclists looking for an affordable option without indoor ride quality.

Although it lacks some of the premium finishes found in higher-end trainers, the Zwift Hub One comes with a bonus: a complimentary year of Zwift membership.

KICKR SNAP Smart Power Trainer

Get a bang for your buck with the Wahoo Fitness KICKR SNAP Smart Power Trainer. It's a cost-effective choice that doesn't sacrificing performance, offering power accuracy and ride feel that rival more expensive options.

Setting up the KICKR SNAP is a breeze, and it's compatible with various bike frames and axles. Its user-friendly design doesn't require taking the back wheel off, so the mounting process couldn't be easier.

The KICKR SNAP exclusively records and transmits speed and power data. To track cadence, users will need a separate a speed and cadence sensor, like the RPM or BLUE SC. For heart rate monitoring, a separate sensor is also needed (our favorite budget-friendly option is the one from CooSpo).

If you're looking for a reliable, mid-range trainer and don't mind looking to additional accessories for metrics like heart rate and cadence, the Wahoo Fitness KICKR SNAP is a top contender.

Novo Force Trainer

Quality training without breaking the bank is always our goal, no matter the sport. The Elite Novo Force Trainer is a budget-friendly option that offers value and decent power accuracy for indoor cycling sessions. This classic trainer doesn't have the advanced features of high-end smart trainers (meaning it can't respond to changes in terrain on Zwift), but it's a solid choice for those seeking an affordable way to free ride at home.

Its design is compact and straightforward, making it easy to set up and store. The frame is solid, with durability that will carry you through your cycling journey for a long time.

While it offers total compatibility with bikes with QR axels, keep in mind that an additional adapter is required to fit bikes with thru axels. If you're new to indoor cycling or looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to connected options, consider the Elite Novo Force Trainer.

Kickr Bike Shift

If you want to surpass classic trainers and take your indoor cycling to the next level, the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Bike Shift is the way to. This premium trainer offers exceptional power accuracy and seamless ease of use, delivering the ultimate indoor riding experience that eliminates the need for mounting and dismounting your bike each ride.

"While the upfront costs are more than a Kickr, when you factor in not having to put your expensive road bike on the trainer and destroying it with salt and sweat, it might be the smart move for a lot of people," explains Bicycling Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy. Last spring, she dished out $666 fixing bike parts that needed a little TLC after a few months on indoor use on her Kickr Core (and that doesn't even include the cost of labor).

The Kickr Bike Shift boasts a lifelike ride feel that mimics real-world conditions, with the added advantage of effortless connectivity to your training apps. You'll appreciate the trainer's user-friendly design and durable construction, making it a top choice for serious cyclists seeking a high-quality indoor training solution that doesn't involve their outdoor bike.

What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Bike Trainer

When shopping for a bike trainer, there are a few key factors to pay attention to.

Type: You'll need to decide where you'll want to place your trainer and any concerns you may have. Primarily, consider the noise a trainer may generate. Most direct-drive trainers are relatively quiet, but friction trainers and rollers can produce considerable noise. Nobody wants to disrupt a neighbor or partner's work calls or wake a sleeping family member with a noisy trainer.

Next up is figuring out if your trainer will stay put or if you need to move it, according to Seplavy. Is it fully collapsible? Do the legs fold in? Many direct drive trainers are hefty, and some don't offer a way to minimize its footprint when it's not in use. "My Zwift hub is not [foldable], it has the same footprint all the time, which is why the Kickr is in my living room. Its arms fold in and save space and don't trip me when I walk past. That's key for an apartment," explains Munson.

Bike compatibility: If you already own a bike, you'll want to ensure any trainer you're eyeing is compatible with it. Some entry-level trainers aren't compatible with thru axle wheels, Seplavy told Men's Health. "Other times you might need to purchase a cassette for the trainer, so you need to know your drivetrain brand, number of speeds, and cassette ratio."

Connectivity: Zwift can be used with any trainer (smart or classic), but investing in a smart trainer is a wise choice for a truly seamless experience. These trainers wirelessly transmit power data to training apps and automatically adjust resistance to simulate changes in terrain.

Finishes: Then there all the nitty-gritty details to consider. In general, Wahoo Fitness smart trainers offer the most power output accuracy. Other finish points like ride feel, handles, and folding mechanisms, the ability to rock back and forth compared to being locked in place vary from product to product, so it's important to focus your search around the features that matter most to you.

What Are the Different Types of Bike Trainers?

The three primary types of bike trainers are direct drive (back wheel off), friction (back wheel on), and rollers. Direct-drive trainers replace your bike's rear wheel, providing a direct connection to the resistance unit. They are known for their accuracy and high resistance levels.

Friction trainers use a small roller against the rear wheel and offer magnetic or fluid resistance, making them more affordable and portable. Rollers are the most basic style, perfect for refining pedaling technique, but require more skill to maintain balance and are the noisiest of the bunch.

What Are the Benefits of a Bike Trainer?

Bike trainers are great for any cyclist wanting to ride their bike inside to stay consistent with performance, but also, anyone who owns a bike and just wants to get in an efficient, traffic-free training session.

They offer a consistent training platform, ensuring cyclists can ride in a controlled environment, free from the unpredictability of weather and traffic. This reliability is crucial for athletes monitoring their progress and striving for performance improvement. These trainers are incredibly versatile, accommodating a range of users, from bike owners just looking to stay active to high-level competitors training without leaving home.

In collaboration with with platforms like Zwift, smart trainers break the boundaries of traditional indoor cycling with an immersive experience that riders look forward to riding in. They connect seamlessly with your devices, allowing you to experience a virtual cycling world, take on challenging climbs, follow structured workouts, and even compete with friends and strangers from the comfort of your own space.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours researching online and interviewing cycling experts including MH Health Director and Certified USA Triathlon coach Marty Munson, Bicycling Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy and former Bicycling editor and Zwift team member Andrew Bernstein.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage, which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected the Best Bike Trainers

For the past few months, Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers, including MH Health Director and Certified USA Triathlon Coach, Marty Munson, consulted on the best bike trainers to shop this year. We looped in experts including Bicycling Deputy Editor Tara Seplavy and avid cyclist, former Bicycling editor, and Zwift team member Andrew Bernstein for their input into the products we chose, who offered unique perspectives on what makes these bike trainers worthy of your attention. Then we dived deep on reddit reviews to ensure we didn't miss any bike trainers that have been well-received by the greater cycling community. The list provided above reflects our genuine recommendations for the best weightlifting belts to shop this year.

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