Indoor cycling training: how to choose the best home trainers

In cycling, success depends on consistent training and the dedication with which one trains to improve their performance. However, rain, cold, bad weather, and lack of time can discourage going out for a training session on a bicycle.
So how to train 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 even fun solution for training at home, optimizing time and effort without compromising the quality of the workout.

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

1. Time Optimization

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

2. Training in Any Condition

One of the main difficulties for those who train outdoors is the variability of the weather. With the home trainer, it doesn’t matter if it’s raining, snowing, or too hot: the training can continue without interruptions. This allows greater continuity and better control over progress, ideal especially for those preparing for a race or wanting to start the new cycling season in perfect shape.

3. Comfort and Accessibility

There’s no need to leave home or worry about commuting. Moreover, with a roller or home trainer, one doesn’t have to worry about finding a safe track or being cautious in city traffic. It’s possible to train at any time of day and in total peace at home.

4. Fun and Engagement

One of the main concerns for those training indoors is boredom. However, modern rollers, especially smart and interactive ones, are capable of offering highly realistic experiences. Thanks to digital platforms like Zwift, it’s possible to train in virtual environments, participate in online races, or ride with other cyclists in real time. Furthermore, just add your favorite playlist or watch a movie to make the workout even more enjoyable and fun!

Depending on the type of trainer you use, the experience may vary.
For free rollers, you simply place the bike and… pedal. This type of training helps to improve balance and technique.
Smart trainers, on the other hand, require the removal of the rear wheel and attachment to the trainer via a thru axle. These models come equipped with resistance adjustment systems, allowing you to simulate climbs and descents for a much more realistic experience.
To get the most out of your training, it is recommended to start with a warm-up of about 10 minutes, followed by sessions ranging from 20 to 50 minutes. The great thing about indoor training is that it can be personalized: you can vary intensity, duration, and type of exercise based on everyone's goals and availability of time, and if necessary, it can be interrupted at any time.

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

There are different types of rollers, from the simplest to the highly technological smart models.
The choice can be determined based on the type of training one wants to do (more or less realistic), the budget available, and the space available for installation at home.
Free rollers are the most economical choice and are suitable for those who want to train without too many complications.
Interactive and smart rollers, on the other hand, are ideal for those seeking a more realistic simulation and access to advanced training programs and online races.
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 purchase from Cicli Mattio are Elite Direto XR-T, Tacx Flux 2, and the brand new Elite Justo 2.
Thanks to the technology and the convenience of being able to train at any time, improving one’s performance has never been so easy and enjoyable!

When purchasing a roller, there are several useful and smart roller bike accessories and spare parts that can enhance the indoor training experience. Among these, mobile phone or display holders allow you to easily view real-time data, 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 a more realistic training experience, interactive fans that simulate wind speed based on your performance can be added, or incline simulators to replicate climbs and descents.