Who doesn’t need to train these days? Daily exercise and good nutrition are keys to a balanced lifestyle. Given most people’s sedentary routines, the best bike trainer reviews can be very helpful in helping you find an amazingly useful piece of equipment.
The best bike trainer can be used indoors or outdoors is easy to use, as it attaches to any bike and occupies minimum space.
| PREVIEW | NAME | RATING | PRICE | MORE DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Magnet Steel Bike Trainer Stand | 4.1/ 5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Bell Motivator Mag Bicycle Trainer | 4.3/ 5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | RAD Magnetic Bicycle Trainer | 4.0/ 5 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Kinetic by Kurt Bicycle Trainer | 4.8 | $$$$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | ARKSEN Indoor Magnetic Trainer | 4.4 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | Indoor Bike Trainer Exercise Stand | 4.2 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
 | RAD Cycle MAX Bicycle Trainer | 4.1 | $$ | Click Here! for more details! |
Why use a bike trainer instead of regular cycling
It is easy to understand why bike trainers are so useful. Regardless if you are a professional rider or you just ride for recreation, there are a number of reasons why you should own a stationary device.
Safety – Imagine that you have to train for the next competition in very bad weather or that you have to protect yourself from injuries. It is safer and more comfortable to train indoors, using your own bike. Also, if you are only looking to train to keep in shape, having the ability to train inside the house and stay away from bad weather is a big plus.
Warm-up – if you are an athlete, a runner or a biker and you need to warm-up before an important contest, you can do that in the comfort of your own home or training room.
Build cycling skills – bike trainers can help you build cycling skills that make it possible for newbies to train in a controlled environment. In the beginning, it is highly important to learn how to maintain a correct body posture while cycling, how to breathe and more. Bike trainers can help you do all that.
There are four main types of indoor trainers: wind, magnetic, fluid and with rollers. Their resistance levels differ, which is why it is important to know what type of resistance you are looking for. Here’s what else truly matters when buying a bike trainer:
- Sturdiness of construction
- Ease of use
- Smoothness
- Noise
- Portability and storage
- Price
In order to give you an idea about the pros and cons of the best-selling bike trainers on the market, we reviewed 7 products, trying to take into consideration the factors above.
Best Bike Trainer Reviews for 2020
1. Magnet Steel Bike Trainer Stand
Click here for current price and more details
A sturdy, yet affordable bike trainer that is the ideal option if you are looking for magnetic resistance. It is easy to attach to your bike if the wheels don’t exceed 26 – 27 inches.
This product has 5 resistance levels that can be changed from the handlebars. It is really easy and comfortable to train indoors when you own this product.
These are its key features:
- Easy-to-use resistance settings
- Simple design
- Easy to install
- Foldable
- Frame is made of heavy duty steel
- Offers progressive magnetic resistance
- Is silent
What’s to like about Magnet Steel Bike Trainer Stand
The only thing you have to do is to position it, turn a few cranks and adjust the large screws to secure the wheel into place. Also, it is easy to attach the cable to the handlebars, so setting the resistance level is a breeze.
The bike trainer is stable and allows the rider to maintain a stable position, too. It is quiet and offers good resistance, even for experienced users.
What’s not to like
Although the product is not too noisy, vibrations can be felt during its use. This is not a big minus, but it is worth taking into consideration if you think that it could be annoying for you. As for the instructions, they are almost nonexistent.
This bike trainer’s design isn’t outstanding, but it does the job at a reasonable price.
Final word
The final score of this product is 4 out of 5 based on more than 1000 customer comments. Its functionality, noise level and the fact that it can be easily stored in tiny places takes it to the top, but the poor instructions and design make it lose some points.
2. Bell Motivator Mag Bicycle Trainer
Click here for current price and more details
Bell Sports’ indoor bike trainer is quiet, easy to use and works with magnetic resistance. It is suitable for those who want to develop better cycling skills. Unlike other similar trainers, this one has 5-year warranty coverage, which is great. Here’s what this unit features:
- Progressive resistance
- Nice design
- 20-pound weight
- Smooth resistance
- Silent activity
- Comes fully assembled
What’s to like about Bell Motivator Mag Bicycle Trainer
This bike trainer is nicely designed. It looks durable and sturdy and it can be bought at a reasonable price. It is a bit more expensive than other similar products, but it comes with its benefits.
Also, it is extremely easy to use, as it comes fully assembled. Moreover, adjusting it is a breeze, giving the fact that it has a single adjustment setting.
What’s not to like
This product does come with a variety of advantages, but it has its disadvantages, too. Its resistance cannot be set to easier or more difficult levels, which means that its ability to improve one’s stamina is limited. A number of customers have accused loud noises during its use, which is also a minus.
Final word
This bike trainer is the ideal product for beginners who are looking to develop cycling skills and want to do it using high-quality trainers. Its final score is 4.5 out of 5 points, based on several hundread customer reviews.
3. RAD Indoor Magnetic Bicycle Trainer
Click here for current price and more details
If you are on a tight budget and need a portable, easy to use and stable bike indoor trainer, then RAD Cycle Products’ device is just what you were looking for. It is an affordable product that delivers good performance and functionality.
- Magnetic resistance
- 17-pound unit
- Foldable frame
- Wide legs
- Sturdy frame
What’s to like about RAD Bicycle Trainer
It is easy to assemble and easy to use. Every time you want to train indoors, you just have to attach your bike to it. It includes a rear skewer that is really easy to replace when required.
Moreover, changing the resistance level is not difficult at all. It can be set with a simple twist of a knob.
What’s not to like
This product isn’t the loudest, but it isn’t silent, either. Despite the fact that the manufacturer advertises it as a quiet product, it does make a lot of noise during training. The humming can’t be ignored and it can be difficult to have a conversation while riding. Other than that, this is a decent product.
Final word
If there is one thing buyers don’t appreciate, it is false advertising. This product is affordable, functional and easy to install, but it is noisy. Its final score is 4 out of 5 points, based on 400 customer comments. The RAD Cycle Products Indoor Portable Magnetic Work Out Bicycle Trainer is a useful accessory for any bike but the manufacturer’s false advertising lead to negative reviews.
4. Kinetic by Kurt Bicycle Trainer
Click here for current price and more details
If you are looking for a branded bike trainer that comes with impressive features, this product was made for you. It is considered a bit pricey comparing to other similar products. Even so, it is worth the money if you need a versatile, extremely stable platform.
This bike trainer has an outstanding design and benefits from lifetime warranty coverage, which is quite amazing.
These are its main features:
- Fluid resistance type
- Uses neutral liquid silicon
- Automatic resistance settings
- Realistic coast down
- Platform is suitable for stand-up riding
- Lifetime warranty
- Compatible with 22-29-inch wheels
- Resistance ranges between 5-3000 watts
- Weighs 27 pounds
What’s to like about Kinetic by Kurt Bicycle Trainer
There are many things to like about this product. It clearly uses advanced technologies that prevent leakage and favor the rider’s good performance while on the bike. Riding becomes a smooth process, even at the highest resistance level when using this indoor trainer. Its 6.25-pound flywheel contributes to the sensation of a realistic training.
What’s even more impressive about this product is that it is compatible with a wide range of bikes, including specialty ones.
What’s not to like
This product is expensive. That leads to numerous expectations from buyers and a number of frustrations. Notwithstanding the positive reviews, complaints regarding the frame’s sturdiness and the noise level have been long discussed.
Final word
Indoor cycling enthusiasts will certainly be amazed by this product’s functionality and features. It truly is worth the money, except for the fact that it makes some noise while using it. The final score of this product is 4.9 out of 5 stars, which makes it probably the best bike rider on the market.
5. ARKSEN Indoor Road Cycling
Click here for current price and more details
This affordable bike trainer by Arksen is the real deal for those who own bikes with 26-28-inch wheels. It comes in black or blue and has a heavy duty frame that is made of steel. It “A” shapes offers ensures and makes the rider feel safer when exercising.
This product weighs 20 pounds, which makes it easy for the user to maneuver it. Additionally, it is easy to install and attach it to the bike.
These are this product’s key features:
- Has 7 resistance levels
- Features a magnetic resistance hub
- Is compatible with 26-28-inch wheels
- Includes a skewer
- Includes a riser block
- Foldable frame
- Sturdy frame
- Includes Handlebar resistance controlled
- Compatible with quick-release rear axle wheels
What’s to like about ARKSEN© Magnetic Trainer
This is a great bike trainer model for someone with beginner cycling skills. It has a sturdy frame and keeps the bike stable while riding. It can be set up in a matter of minutes and its 7 levels of resistance make it suitable for everyone.
This trainer’s resistance is smooth and its levels can be changed from the handlebar. Overall, it is a good product that can be bought at a low price.
What’s not to like
This product is louder than expected and its design is a bit bulky. Of course, these things don’t prevent the bike trainer from working properly, but some buyers opt for quieter, sleeker products instead.
Another minus is the fact that the resistance levels don’t make a big difference while riding, which is why a rider’s performance can be affected. Overall, this is a good product for beginners, not for experienced riders.
Final word
Comfortable to use, easy to install and sturdy, this product is exactly what a newbie needs. It is inexpensive and has a simple mechanism, but some buyers consider it to be too bulky and noisy. This product’s final score is 4.5 out of 5, giving the small number of customer complaints.
6. Indoor Bike Trainer Exercise
Click here for current price and more details
This orange bike trainer brings some color into your house. It is slightly more expensive than previously reviewed models, but it is still affordable and suitable for any budget. Its sturdy construction and simple adjustment settings turn it into one of the top preferences of buyers. Those who are interested in buying a bike indoor trainer will get a nice, stable platform that features the following:
- Included riser block
- Included skewer
- Mounting cups
- Extra wide frame
- Foldable frame
- Compatible with 26-27-inch wheels and 700c tires
- Is made of metal
- Has progressive magnetic resistance
What’s to like about Indoor Bike Exercise Stand
This bike trainer by Gavin is sturdy and has a large frame that offers both the user and the bike stability. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble it and to put the bike on. It is inexpensive and great for individuals who want to use it for daily or weekly exercise.
What’s not to like
The noise factor represents an issue for most buyers. This product is not silent, but its noise level isn’t that annoying, either.
The instructions that come in the box are difficult to understand, which is why most users searched the assembly steps online. It has only one resistance setting which makes it difficult for sportsmen to increase their stamina.
Final word
The Indoor Bike Trainer Exercise Stand is a good choice for newbies. Despite the fact that it is loud, it is highly functional, stable and durable. It is more suitable for beginners than for experienced users: that is for sure. Based on more than 300 customer reviews, this bike trainer’s final score is 4.5 out of 5.
7. RAD Cycle Products MAX
Click here for current price and more details
RAD Cycle Products’ red, foldable bike indoor trainer looks good and does its job. Buyers will get an easy-to-install platform at a reasonable price. This product is easy to transport and store due to its foldable design and less than 19 pounds weight. It is compatible with a wide variety of bikes, such as mountain bikes and road bikes.
If you are planning on buying this bike trainer, here’s what you should take into consideration:
- Includes a front wheel pad
- Is quieter than other similar products
- Is compatible with 26-27-inch wheels and 700c tires
- Is stable
- Has magnetic resistance
- Has 7 resistance levels
What’s to like about RAD MAX Bicycle Trainer
This bike indoor trainer looks sturdy enough to support any weight and is stable even when you are riding really fast. Its 7 levels of resistance allow you to adapt your workout to your needs. Its resistance settings can be adjusted using the handlebar accessory, which is much more comfortable. Also, installing it is easy, even without using the instructions.
What’s not to like
The noisy motion of this product bothers a lot of buyers, but not so much that they decided not to buy it. Except for this main disadvantage, its frame looks cheap and this affects its general aspect. Other than that, this product offers good value for money.
Final word
This is a good product for its price. In case you are annoyed by loud noises, you should look elsewhere. On the opposite, if the noise doesn’t bother you, this bike trainer might actually be a good option. After analyzing more than 150 customer comments, this products’ final score is 4 out of 5.
Choosing from the Best Bike Trainer Reviews
Deciding which bike trainer to choose is not an easy task, giving the multitude of products that are available on the market. Regardless of the purpose of use, it is always important to focus on the quality of the product rather than on its design.
The noise factor is present in almost all cases, regardless of the indoor trainer’s technology. Usually, inexpensive products are noisier than pricey ones, giving the fact that more advanced technologies and heavier tools are required to achieve a reasonable noise level.
If an affordable model is what you are looking for, then the Magnet Steel Bike Bicycle Indoor Exercise Trainer Stand or Indoor Bike Trainer Exercise Stand are excellent for your needs. On the other hand, if your budget can be increased, the Kinetic by Kurt Road Machine Indoor Bicycle Trainer is the real deal.
How Does a Bicycle Trainer Work?
No matter how passionate you are about cycling, there are times when you would rather train inside. But it doesn’t work like that for cycling. You can’t just do ab crunches or push-ups and expect your cycling performance to rise to everyone’s expectations.
Whether it’s the bad weather or the fear of getting injured before a competition, there are days when it is better to remain inside. If you still want to train, a bike trainer might be exactly the tool that you need.
What is a bike trainer?
Bike trainers are simple devices that can hold your bike steady. At the same time, they allows you to ride your personal bike at any time. Basically, the device is comprised of a frame that attaches to the rear wheel and a roller where the tire rests.
While the rear wheel spins, the front wheel is fixed with the help of a special support that will help level the bike. Some bikes include brakes that can be connected to the bike’s handlebar.
Most bike trainers are extremely stable and can sustain heavy body weights, so they can be used for indoor bike training by people who want to lose weight, too.
There are three main bike trainer categories that involve various resistance types: magnetic resistance, wind resistance and fluid resistance.
Except for these categories, there is another one that is completely different than what we described so far: the roller bike trainers.
Roller bike trainers have a different mechanism that usually involves three rollers and a frame. The frame helps to maintain the two rollers in the back and one in the front stable. Unlike the classic bike trainer, the roller trainer doesn’t have to be attached to the bike.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both tools, but at the same time, they are both extremely useful when it comes to indoor training.
However, the roller is not as easy to use as the bike trainer. The rider has to do its best to maintain a vertical position while riding, as there is nothing to support it in that position. Truth be told, getting on a roller is a little risky is you are not an advanced rider.
What are the advantages of using a bike trainer?
Bike trainers offer a great riding experience every single time. They turn your road bicycle into a stationary one and allow you to train for as long as you need.
Most of the people who use bike trainers are either training for triathlons or they don’t want to miss their daily training due to bad weather. Some even get used to training inside and enjoy it more.
When training for a triathlon, indoor riding is recommended for a number of reasons. First of all, you exclude the risk of getting injured or getting a cold. Second, you save time and effort. Also, you can multi-task while riding your personal bike.
Riding a bike using a trainer is a completely different experience than riding a gym bike, which is why so many people choose this option.