Trainers
Bike Trainers
What is a bike trainer?
A bike trainer is a training device onto which a rider can attach their own bike, essentially creating a specialized stationary bike. There exists many different types of trainers, all of which are described in detail in our bike trainer buying guide.
At Primeau Vélo, we are proud to offer the best bicycle trainers for sale from industry leading brands such as Tacx, Wahoo and Elite. Find the perfect bike trainer for you, whether you simply want to get a quick training session in or race your friends in Zwift's virtual world.
What are the different types of bike trainers?
Shopping for an indoor trainer might seem daunting at first with so many models and types to choose from. Here are the different types of bike trainers :
- Basic trainers : Perfect for smaller budgets, basic trainers are a great introduction to get you started thanks to cost-effective magnetic resistance. Take things a step further and add a speed/cadence sensor or power meter for virtual connectivity
- Smart trainers : Completely interactive, these bike trainers offer a very realistic training experience by automatically adjusting resistance and load to simulate outdoor riding
- Rollers : Rollers are the oldest form of bike trainers, and are used to today to work pedaling technique and re-race warmups
- Trainer bikes : Trainer bikes are the newest indoor training trend and offer the most realistic and easy-to0use training experience thanks to their all-in-one design.
Basic trainer vs. Smart trainer : What's the difference?
A basic trainer provides resistance for training, but does so in a completely analog way which often results in a much lower price point. Resistance is adjusted manually thanks to a handlebar-mounted lever. A Smart trainer can connect to a device such as a computer, tablet or phone via ANT+ or Bluetooth connectivity to provide a more realistic trianing experience by automatically controlling resistance according to a training plan or virtual simulator such as Zwift.
Wheel-on trainer vs. Direct drive trainer : What's the difference?
A wheel-on trainer uses the bike's original wheel, pressed against a roller attached to the resistance unit. Wheel-on trainers require the use of a trainer-specific tire as the road tire can wear down quicker and damage your trainer. Direct drive trainers replace the bike rear wheel entirely and attach dirctly to the frame. This creates more reliable, efficient and realistic resistance and facilitates transitions between indoor training and outdoor riding.
Besides the trainer itself, it is a good idea to consider the various training-related accessories that can be found here. For more information on how to choose your indoor trainer, check out our bike trainer buying guide. If you already have a bike trainer and want to get started, check out this post.
With Primeau Vélo, you can order your bike trainer online and get fast and free shipping all across Canada. Primeau Vélo is the #1 destination for bike trainers in Canada.
