How to ride a bike in winter with a bike trainer?

Yellow falling leaves and the last rays of sunlight encourage to catch, perhaps the last, chance for an active afternoon on a bike. In the winter warm clothes restrict your movements and a layer of ice on the bike path can effectively discourage you from undertaking this activity. How about cycling in the winter at home? In shorts, T-shirt and with your favorite TV series playing in the background? Sounds appealing, doesn’t it?

What is a bicycle trainer?

Bike trainer is a device to which you can mount the bike you ride on the street every day. There are three types of such devices:

• Roller coaster – it requires maximum focus. A roller trainer is nothing but a construction of two rollers, which spin together with wheels. This type should not generate noise and is one of the cheaper pieces of equipment in this category
• Magnetic and hydraulic trainers – these are more complicated than their predecessors, but still maintain an attractive price. They use a magnet or oil, respectively, to generate resistance in the ride. Not every type of bike will fit the device. It will also be necessary to mount a special tire on the rear wheel, an ordinary tire through the friction caused by the resistance, very quickly can be destroyed
• SMART interactive trainer – the most expensive type of trainers, which works by replacing the rear wheel of your bike. The interactive trainer generates data such as pulse, speed, climbing height, and is completely stable, so you don’t have to focus on maintaining balance

Trainers are mostly opted for by enthusiasts who love to ride their bikes and are used to them, or professionals who are preparing for long distance rides in the winter during the warmer months

What is the difference between a bike trainer and a stationary bike?

Stationary bike from the trainer differs primarily in construction and price. Trainers are much cheaper, but to use it you necessarily need to own a bike. Trainers are mostly chosen by professionals, who train on their equipment in winter for spring cycling trips or competitions. If you like to ride your bike and have a smaller budget, choose a trainer. On the other hand, if you don’t care about the equipment, but you want to exercise specific parts of your body, focus on choosing the right stationary bike

Which stationary bike to choose?

Manufacturers are outdoing themselves in creating stationary bikes to best suit the needs of consumers. There are so many models that it is sometimes hard to decide which station ary bike to choose.

There are 3 basic types of stationary bikes:

• upright – the most popular, the posture is similar to riding a bicycle. These bikes are not recommended for people who have problems with the spine or joints
• horizontal – when training on this type of bike, you assume a semi-reclining position. It works especially well for people who have problems with their knees and spine
• spinning – the posture resembles that of a cyclist – the figure is slightly inclined forward. Bicycles of this type are used for intensive cycling training.

When choosing a stationary bike, carefully determine your expectations from the device. Consider what body parts you want to exercise, what budget you have and how much space at home you can devote to a stationary bike. After determining your preferences it will be easier for you to choose the right model.

Main photo: customer material