Indoor Cycling Training: How to Choose the Best Home Trainers

In cycling, success depends on the consistency of training, the dedication with which you train to obtain an improvement in your performance. However, rain, cold, bad weather and lack of time can dissuade you from going out for a bike training session.
How can you train then, without giving up the benefits of a ride on two wheels? The answer is simple: with rollers or home trainers. These tools offer a practical, safe and also fun solution for training at home, optimizing time and effort without sacrificing the quality of the training.

Home trainers or rollers allow cyclists to train in all weather conditions, and even when they have little time available. But let's look at the benefits of indoor training in detail:

1. Time optimization

Training on rollers eliminates all the time spent getting ready to go out: there is no need to dress in layers and layers of technical clothing, mount the bike or wait for the weather conditions to improve. Just mount the bike on the roller, adjust the resistance and start pedaling, saving precious time. Perfect for those who have a busy day or want to train during a lunch break or in small moments of time!

2. Training in all conditions

One of the main difficulties for those who train outdoors is the variability of the climate. With the home trainer, it doesn't matter if it rains, snows or is too hot: training can continue without interruptions. This allows for greater continuity and better control over progress, ideal in particular for those who are preparing for a race or want to start the new cycling season in perfect shape.

3. Convenience and accessibility

There is no need to leave the house or worry about transportation. Furthermore, with a roller or a home trainer, you do not have to worry about finding a safe track or being careful in city traffic. You can train at any time of the day and in complete tranquility at home.

4. Fun and involvement

One of the main concerns for those who train indoors is boredom. However, modern rollers, especially the smart and interactive ones, are able to offer highly realistic experiences. Thanks to digital platforms such as Zwift, you can train in virtual environments, participate in online races or ride together with other cyclists in real time. Plus, just add your favorite playlist or watch a movie to make training even more enjoyable and fun!

Depending on the type of roller you use, the experience may vary.
For free rollers, just position the bike and… pedal. This type of training helps improve balance and technique.
Smart rollers, on the other hand, require removing the rear wheel and attaching it to the roller via a through-pin. These models are equipped with resistance adjustment systems, to simulate climbs and descents, for a much more realistic experience.
To get the most out of your workout, it is recommended to start with a warm-up of about 10 minutes, followed by sessions ranging from 20 to 50 minutes. The beauty of indoor training is that it can be customized: you can vary the intensity, duration and type of exercise based on your goals and available time, and if necessary interrupt at any time.

Indoor training is ideal when outdoor conditions do not allow for outdoor training or when you are short on time. There is no need for a long break to change and go out: a short break from the day is enough to do an hour of training. Whether you are preparing for a competition or simply maintaining your physical shape, the home trainer is a flexible and accessible solution for every type of cyclist!

There are different types of rollers, from the simplest ones to the highly technological smart models.
The choice can be determined based on the type of training you want to do (more or less realistic), the budget and the space available to install it at home.
Free rollers are the cheapest choice and suitable for those who want to train without too many complications.
Interactive and smart rollers are ideal for those looking for a more realistic simulation and access to advanced training programs and online competitions.
Each type has its advantages, so the choice will depend on personal preferences and budget.

Some of the best home trainers on the market that you can buy from Cicli Mattio are Elite Direto XR-T, Tacx Flux 2 and the brand new Elite Justo 2.
Thanks to technology and the convenience of being able to train at any time, improving your performance has never been so easy and fun!

When purchasing a roller, there are several useful and smart accessories and spare parts for bike rollers that can improve the indoor training experience. Among these, cell phone or display supports allow you to easily view data in real time while keeping everything in sight. There are also protective mats to avoid damage to the floor and the bike due to sweat, as well as reducing vibrations and noise.
For those who want to experience a more realistic training, you can add interactive fans that simulate wind speed based on your performance, or slope simulators to reproduce climbs and descents.