• A quality indoor bike trainer helps you replicate the outdoor riding experience, isn’t overly loud, and is made of long-lasting and durable components.
  • We tested a selection of indoor bike trainers and rounded up our favorites that were easy to use and set up, work with a variety of bike styles and types, and have a track record of proven performance.
  • Our top pick, the Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer, is compatible with the most popular training apps, is lightweight and affordable compared to other direct drive trainers, and is intuitive to set up and use.

With an indoor bike trainer, I’m able to simulate what it’s like to ride outdoors whenever the weather turns particularly nasty – or for when I just don’t feel like throwing on my rain gear. Even if it is nice outside, it allows me to get in a quick workout before or after work, or whenever I have a few minutes to spare but not enough time for a full-on ride.

They’re also an excellent alternative to the more expensive at-home stationary bikes like those offered by NordicTrack or Peloton. While those deliver a highly interactive experience, indoor bike trainers put the onus of the workout on the rider. There are no instructors motivating you along the way or any tablet-sized monitors displaying your stats. It’s just you, your bike, and the trainer – and some cyclists prefer it this way.

This method of training is nothing new as bike trainers have been around for more than a century. The first trainers were bike rollers, which consisted of three rolling cylinders (two in the back and one in the front) on which the bike would rest as you pedaled away. You can still find bike rollers today, and they’re excellent for fine-tuning your balance.

How to shop for an indoor bike trainer

However, they’re no longer popular as modern trainers offer a more advanced and effective approach. Though most of today’s trainers simply hold the bike in place, there is some variation. Here are the types of trainers you’ll come across:

  • Friction trainers: Friction trainers used to be the go-to bike trainer (emphasis on used to). This type of trainer supplies fluid- or magnetic-resistance to the rear wheel via a small roller.
  • Direct drive trainers: Overtaking friction trainers were direct drive trainers. With these, you remove your back wheel and attach the rear dropout to the trainer – they require a cassette compatible with your bike, too. Direct-drive trainers offer the highest level of resistance and are often the most accurate. They also happen to cost the most. Direct-drive trainers are smart, too, which means you can connect them to a mobile device and whatever virtual riding apps you use. You can control the resistance yourself or have it adjust automatically.
  • Fluid trainers: Direct-drive trainers aren’t the only smart trainers as there are also several fluid trainers with Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity. Even if you choose a non-smart trainer, you’re still able to purchase accessories to make it smart. For instance, the Garmin Bike Speed Sensor 2 and Cadence Sensor 2 bundle provides you with valuable data when you’re riding outdoors.

Our guide features trainers that are easy to use, compatible with a variety of bike types, and have a track record of performance. When shopping for a trainer, make sure the model you ultimately purchase works with your specific bike. If not, you may need to buy additional parts.

Here are the best indoor bike trainers:

Updated on 8/3/2020 by Rick Stella: Updated the section on how to shop for an indoor bike trainer, added relevant links to other bike coverage, added the Unisky Direct Drive Bike Trainer as the best direct drive pick, checked the availability of each recommended trainer, and updated the prices and links where necessary.

The best indoor bike trainer overall

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer provides an optimal balance of performance (with and without inclines), and an attractive price.

Editor's note: The Elite Direto is currently sold out but we will update this section when it's available.

The Elite Direto 2 Interactive Smart Trainer uses an optical torque sensor (OTS) power meter to accurately measure power within 2% of the actual output. This combined with Direto's pedal analysis options helps you optimize your training. The smart trainer can also simulate inclines up to 14%. Wireless connectivity is through Bluetooth and ANT+ FE-C, and it's compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

In our research, the only difference we could find between the Direto and the Direto 2 is that the newer version comes with a trainer block and features a slight internal upgrade for accuracy. The two are so similar that the Direto 2 sometimes gets delivered in the same box as the Direto and is simply labeled "Direto" without the "2."

Pros: Accurate, lightweight, affordable, easy to set up, great for hill climbs

Cons: Runs loud, several features are only available through in-app purchases

The best smart indoor bike trainer

Foto: Source: Amazon

If you're willing to spend a little extra for a trainer that closely captures the feel of riding on the road, the Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer is your best bet.

The Tacx NEO 2 Smart Indoor Trainer features dynamic inertia, which compensates for incline, speed, and weight to provide a smooth and realistic ride feel. It's even able to simulate acceleration on descents or riding over gravel and cobblestones.

Tacx focused on creating a silent trainer that keeps you and your bike completely still while mounted - a much-needed perk for cyclists who live in apartment buildings. The trainer also closely monitors the position of each leg to achieve a more precise pedal analysis.

The NEO 2 Smart can simulate climbs up to 25% and resists sprints up to 2,200 watts. Tacx backs the quality of this product with a two-year warranty.

Pros: Excellent performance, accurate power meter, realistic road feel, runs quietly, works with several apps, two-year warranty

Cons: No-carry handle, complaints about the pedal analysis features, connectivity issues with the Tacx app

The best direct drive indoor bike trainer

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Unisky Direct Drive Bike Trainer is a wheel-off trainer that delivers a smooth and stable ride experience, and uses noise reduction fluid to keep whisper quiet.

Unisky's Direct Drive Bike Trainer just might be the quietest trainer in this guide, using noise reduction fluid to produce a near-silent ride every time. The stable base and durable construction allow each ride to feel steady, no matter if you're riding a road bike or a mountain bike (of which it's compatible with both).

This trainer easily folds up when not in use, making it highly portable and easy to stow, and the rubber nubs on each leg allow it to stay stable even if it's placed on an uneven surface. At $429, it also won't break the bank.

Pros: Smooth, stable ride, use of noise reduction fluid makes it one of the quietest trainers available, compatible with road and mountain bikes

Cons: Cassette not included

The best entry-level indoor bike trainer

Foto: Source: REI

The wheel-on design of the Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Bike Trainer provides app-controlled resistance, is compatible with both Bluetooth and ANT+, and offers incline up to a 12% grade.

The Wahoo Fitness Kickr Snap Bike Trainer is designed to bring the outdoor riding experience indoors. Its wheel-on design accommodates road and mountain bikes, and app-controlled resistance lets you dial in exactly how hard of a ride you want.

This trainer also uses Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility, is made of durable carbon steel, and can adjust its incline up to a 12% grade to better simulate climbing hills. It also delivers quiet performance and easily folds up for stowing in a closet or taking with you on the road.

The device is backed by REI's 100% satisfaction guarantee, too, meaning you get up to 90 days to return it if you're not satisfied.

Pros: Realistic road feel, pairs seamlessly with several apps, great customer service, one-year return policy

Cons: Advanced riders may want to look elsewhere

The best budget indoor bike trainer

Foto: Source: Amazon

The Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer is an affordable option if you don't need smart connectivity but still want an indoor ride.

Before the recent surge in smart trainers, the Saris CycleOps Fluid2 Indoor Trainer was at the top of the heap. This heavy-duty beast features a 2-inch-round, 16-gauge steel frame made of 100% recyclable, nonrusting materials in the United States.

The trainer comes with a steel quick-release skewer, and the 2-inch resistant roller fits a wide array of road and mountain bike wheel sizes. CycleOps backs the quality of its trainer with a lifetime warranty, too.

Pros: Affordable, heavy-duty construction, excellent customer service, lifetime warranty

Cons: No smart connectivity, not easily portable

What else we considered

Foto: Source: Amazon

When researching this guide, we considered several models of bike trainers, and there are a few we almost included. The following three barely missed the cut:

  • FeedBack Sports Omnium Portable Cycle Trainer ($344.99): The Omnium is unique because you remove your front wheel, attach it to the stand, and your back wheel rests on two 4-inch magnetic drums that supply progressive resistance. This set also comes with a travel bag that fits in an airplane overhead bin.
  • Kinetic R1 Direct Drive Smart Trainer ($1,050): Kinetic by Kurt is one of the top names in the bike trainer industry, and the R1 is its high-end direct drive trainer. It features compatibility with popular training apps, a 20% max slope, and a 2,000-watt max resistance at 30 mph. However, it's relatively new so the verdict is still out.