If you want the best turbo trainer set-up to dive into the world of Zwift and online training, then this guide will get you up and cycling in no time.
From getting a basic turbo trainer hooked-up to the internet to buying a cutting-edge smart trainer, this guide will help with everything you need, including all the technical stuff and accessories for a perfect indoor training experience.
So let's start at the beginning...
1. The bike
This is the easy part - you just need your own bike. Most people use their everyday road bike to replicate their real riding as closely as possible but, really, you can use just about any old bike, mountain bike or commuter. No e-bikes though - that's cheating!
For certain trainers you may need a thru-axle, but in general, it's best to use a bike with an easily removable rear wheel - both for hooking up to direct drive trainers or for switching tyres for wheel-on units.
2. Which smart trainer or turbo trainer?
There is a world of options for Zwift-ready turbo trainers, but if you don't want to shell out for a smart trainer, you can upgrade your existing unit to give you a taste of the experience. For the purposes of this article, we can divide the gamut of trainers into three categories.
- Smart trainers: Smart turbo trainers automatically adjust their resistance to replicate the climbs or headwinds featured on-screen. They also come equipped with speed and cadence sensors, among others, so the programme can match your performance on screen to your real-life output.
- Semi-smart trainers: Some 'smart trainers' come with built in sensors needed to connect online but don't provide the automatic feedback from onscreen gradients, meaning your trainer won't automatically adjust. However, these trainers often have handlebar mounts meaning you can make the adjustment manually when prompted.
- Basic trainers: Basic trainers provide manually adjustable levels of resistance, but don't offer the sensors you need to get connected. That's easily overcome, however, with sensor kits that will transform your dumb trainer into a semi-smart unit.
The best smart trainers for Zwift
If you want to compete with the world's best on ZwiftPower, get the advantages of all the latest features and data, and be truly tested by punishing levels of resistance, then a top-line smart trainer is the way to go. Here are some of the best.
Tacx Neo 2 Special Edition Smart Trainer
The Tacx Neo 2 Special Edition gathers and relays a huge set of data to your device, accurate within a 1% range of your true power output. While taking in every aspect of your performance, it's also intensely powerful, generating up-to 2200 watts of resistance. Ideal for online training programmes like Zwift, Trainer Road, or SufferFest, easy to set-up, and touted to be "the most silent indoor trainer ever", the Tacx Neo 2T is a quality partner for your indoor training. It is also foldable and easy to store making it ideal to use in any room indoors.
Another direct drive trainer, the updated KICKR Core Smart Turbo Trainer gives you a realistic indoor training experience and a powerful resistance motor. Featuring a silent design and large flywheel, its technological compatibility ensures you get the most from your static ride.
LifeLine Xplova NOZA S Smart Trainer
A hidden gem in the turbo trainer market, the Lifeline Xplova Noza S Smart Trainer offers exceptional performance and value for money. Synchronise your training with the top third-party riding apps for a smooth, stable and quiet indoor training session.
3. Clothing
If you want to get the most out of your indoor turbo training then your choice of clothing for indoor training will be similar to outdoor. You'll still need quality bib shorts to keep you comfortable during a long session in the saddle, and you'll want the sweat-wicking and breathable fabrics of outdoor wear.
Indeed, the popularity of indoor training has led to the introduction of new lines specifically made for the rigours of turbo sessions, offering improved ventilation and fast-wicking chamois pads that support an aggressive riding position on those sprints.
Here's a quick look at some of the best...
Endura Women's Xtract Lite Bib Shorts (500 Series Pad)
These Endura bib shorts are made to keep you cool when things heat up, making them perfect for indoor training. The foam in the pad drys quickly when you sweat and the fast wicking, lightweight fabric will help to regulate your temperature when riding tough segments on Zwift.
Endura Xtract Lite Cycle Shorts (500 Series Pad)
For those who prefer shorts without the bib straps, these Xtract Lite Cycle Shorts provide users with a lightweight and sweat-wicking experience for those gruelling indoor training sessions. The DisperseFoam™ pad has been designed to disperse sweat and the unrestricted feel of these shorts means you won't feel hot and uncomfortable when on the saddle.
Echoing dhb’s wider Aeron collection, these turbo trainer shorts use premium Italian fabrics to ensure top-level performance, with side and rear panels providing maximum airflow throughout your session.
4. Turbo trainer accessories
Getting your environment right can make a huge impact on the quality - and frequency - of your sessions. A few handy items can transform your training so you love coming back for more.
LifeLine Trainer Table
An adjustable trainer table supports your devices and keeps gels and hydration within reach, reducing interruptions. This model by LifeLine offers a wide range of adjustment and non-slip rubber.
View LifeLine Trainer Table full spec
Tacx Trainer Mat - Rollable
The rollable mat from Tacx not only protects your flooring from the turbo trainer itself, it also catches any sweat that drips off you during your ride. It is easy to clean by simply wiping it, the material is durable and it rolls down easily to be stored away.
Wahoo KICKR Trainer Mat
Keep noise levels to a quiet hum with a training mat. This model by Wahoo KICKR soaks up falling sweat and keeps you anchored when sprinting.
Track your metrics more accurately with the Lifeline Speed and Cadence sensor. Analysing your cadence and speed is key to achieving your optimum performance during your indoor training sessions.
View Lifeline Speed & Cadence Sensor Kit full spec
LifeLine Sweat Net
A sweat cover protects your bike's paintwork, components - and the floor - during those long miles.
Keep your quality rubber for the road with a specially designed training tyre. These hard-wearing tyres are a great option if you're using a 'wheel-on' style trainer.
View Continental Hometrainer II Road Trainer Tyre full spec
LifeLine Swivel Riser Block
The Lifeline swivel riser block enables you to level your bike while indoor training and allows side-to-side movement so you're ready for the steering functionality that's in development by the key training platforms. It also alleviates strain you're putting through your body and the front wheel.
Wahoo KICKR Headwind Smart Fan (UK)
While any fan will keep you cool, the Wahoo KICKR Headwind Smart Fan provides a completely immersive experience by adding realistic headwinds from your virtual world.
Which e-training platform is best for you depends on your goals and preferences. Some are great at connecting you to the social element of online training, while others offer more detailed data and regimes.
Here is our quick guide to the leading platforms…
Zwift
Cost: £12.99 per month
Benefits: Probably the biggest online platform in the world, Zwift is a great social space with awesome graphics and large worlds to explore.
Sufferfest
Cost: £7.48 per month
Benefits: A training programme with personality. While there's no virtual world to cycle around, you'll find awesome interval training programmes and enough data to help you deep dive.
Trainer Road
Cost: Around £15 - 16
Benefits: Easy to use and with a clean interface, Trainer Road is hugely popular. With over 1,000 workouts, you'll never be stuck for something new to try.